The UK company’s new biodegradable trays combine bagasse, a byproduct of cane sugar production, and a waterproof barrier to make what the firm is calling ‘the most environmentally friendly packaging on the market today’.
Until now, bagasse, along with other plant-fibre-based packaging, had not been viable for wet food ready meals. However, recent tests have shown that KCC’s barrier trays perform as well for durability, wet strength and cooking effectiveness as traditional trays. The UK company’s trays can also be microwaved, used in an oven, frozen and recycled as either paper fibre or compost.
“In discussions with a number of supermarkets during our pilot production phase, we see that environmental managers are realising the advantages that bagasse or bamboo trays have over conventional CPet and aluminium: the ability to biodegrade, lower carbon footprint needing fewer carbon credits and subsequent reduced impact on landfill,” said KCC Packaging’s developer, chartered environmentalist Kevin Clarke.
“Since the KCC barrier trays will be the same size as existing CPet ones, there will be no expensive changes necessary to the manufacturing process, allowing an easy changeover for food manufacturers.
“With ever more ready meals being sold, and subsequently trays going to landfill, I’m confident that our plant-based, low carbon trays can help supermarkets reduce their carbon footprints, as these trays are the most natural green alternative for supermarkets and food manufacturers.”
Source: KCC Packaging
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024