Stora Enso says the Trayforma material is free of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), has a very low share of PP (polypropylene) and a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional meal tray products. The material contains up to 95% wood fibres, making it widely recyclable in most existing carton packaging recycling schemes.
Microwavable meals are typically packed in fossil-based PET trays as the material is safe for heating.
Stora Enso says its Trayforma material replaces fossil-based plastics with renewable, lightweight paperboard that significantly lowers the carbon footprint of each tray.
By changing to recyclable, low-carbon trays, brand owners and retailers selling microwave ready-meals can act on circular economy commitments.
“With consumers more than ever before making sustainably conscious purchasing decisions, packaging materials play a key role in offering an eco-friendly product,” said Tuomas Puonti, VP, Head of Business Line LPB Fresh & FSB.
Fibre-based packaging is the most recycled material in Europe (83%), and every year European countries recycle more fibres than other materials, like plastic and glass.
When a biodegradable coating is used, these fibre-based trays are compostable in areas where biowaste is collected.
Trayforma Bio by Stora Enso is a bio-based and biodegradable material that is certified for industrial composting, meaning it will fully biodegrade fast enough (under 12 weeks) to be recovered at industrial scale.
Trayforma ready-meal trays require a PET coating when conventional heating is required.
