Manufacturing & Supply Chain

As part of a long-term growth strategy to increase market share in the meat and poultry sector, Faerch Plast has launched the world’s first ovenable CPET skin pack. Offering significant hygiene benefits, this latest innovation from the European food packaging specialist allows the consumer to place the product directly into the oven or microwave without removing any of the immediate packaging or having to touch the raw food.

The company worked with ABP and Bemis Flexible Packaging to develop a lightweight ovenable pack that has significant barrier and strength properties and delivers major benefits for processor, retailer and consumer.

As well as providing the convenience of meat being safely and easily oven or microwave cooked directly from the freezer or refrigerator without being opened and extending shelf life, the ovenable skin packs are expected to help reduce the risk of contamination, from Campylobacter, for example, as there is no need for the consumer to handle the raw food.

The meat or poultry product is held securely in place for display which greatly enhances on-shelf impact. Plus the ovenable skin packs can be shown side-on for further increased appeal and brand awareness.

Using special tooling, the ovenable skin packs can also be formed into a contoured top web to pack larger products such as chicken pieces and meats which project above the flange of the tray.

Consumers often complain about ‘off-odours’ when removing lids from traditional MAP packs. With these new ovenable skins packs, any odours are transformed during the cooking process into the mouth-watering aroma of just cooked foods. All moisture and juices are retained during the cooking process ensuring a tasty and succulent product straight from the oven.

Faerch Plast’s ovenable skin packs also help reduce shelf space requirements as the trays can be made shallower giving more packs per distribution case and per unit shelf area.

Joe Iannidinardo, Managing Director at Faerch Plast UK, says: “These ovenable skin packs are truly revolutionary. With the special SkinCOOK™ topweb from Bemis Flexible Packaging, it means they can be cooked from chilled or frozen without being unwrapped in any way. The packs also offer enhanced consumer appeal, shelf space efficiency and maximum protection to products during transit and in store. Cooking time is reduced by up to 20% for a conventional oven and 40% for microwave and there are no unsightly meat juices on show. Plus there is significant shelf life improvement which helps reduce food waste.”

Faerch Plast’s wide range of CPET trays feature dual ovenability and a wide temperature tolerance from -4F (-20c) degrees to 430F (220c) degrees, for freezer-to-oven or microwave convenience. CPET eliminates negative effects on food flavour and aroma, giving consumers well-protected, more versatile and better tasting meals. For further information contact Faerch Plast on Tel +44 (0)20 8254 2300 or visit www.faerchplast.com.