Novel composite pack for meals
North east-based firm Intelligent Packaging Solutions (IPS) launched its new Desto cup earlier this year. The company has already landed a contract to manufacture and supply packaging for Tesco's Piing ready meal range in more than 600 branches the first time the Desto cup has been used for chilled ready meals in the UK. Now other retailers are said to be keen to take advantage of the benefits the new packaging offers.
The Desto cup is a combination of a lightweight, clear plastic inlet made from polypropylene and a paperboard outer sleeve, incorporating a cut-out window for increased product visibility.
Although this packaging is widely used in the dairy and horticultural sectors, it has never been suitable for microwave use. However, IPS redesigned the pack to make it suitable for hot fill, freezing and microwave heating. That means it can be taken from the fridge or freezer and put straight into the microwave.
The pack is claimed to be 66% lighter than conventional, injection-moulded pack formats. The paperboard sleeve is made from renewable resources and both the pot and sleeve are easily separated for subsequent recycling.
Contact: Intelligent Packaging Solutions
