Compostable packaging for meat

Naturalbox trays are the latest addition to the BioPak range of compostable packaging containers.

The trays are suitable for the packaging and display of fresh meats, fish, cheese, delicatessen items, fruit and vegetables and ready-to-serve foodstuffs. A high mechanical resistance allows it to be used in normal packaging lines with stretch films or with a PLA lidding film.

Naturalbox trays are manufactured using expanded PLA (polylactic acid), providing additional functionality by absorbing any liquids that may exude from the packaged product.

The trays are produced using NatureWorks PLA derived from corn starch. The foaming process, performed by using atmospheric gases, provides a lightweight yet sturdy product that uses less raw material than a standard PLA tray. Shelf life trials have been conducted on Naturalbox foamed PLA trays laminated with a high barrier PLA film. Red meat packed using this technology achieved a shelf life of up to six days and white meats up to 14 days.

The packaging used for transporting the trays to the clients is also biodegradable and has been designed to reduce the packaging volume by one third, saving transport costs and storage space.