Amcor has unveiled a custom-designed, three-compartment tray created specifically for a new line of single-serve ambient microwaveable ready meals by French food manufacturer Cofigeo. The innovative tray adheres to Design for Recycling guidelines and is made entirely from lightweight mono-material polypropylene (PP).
The new packaging will be used across five recipes in Cofigeo’s William Saurin Mon Trio Gourmand collection, which offers traditional French and Italian-style meals. Each dish features three distinct components—meat or fish, a starch, and vegetables—individually portioned within the tray. The compartments were designed in varying sizes to accommodate the different textures and densities of the ingredients.
The tray also was crafted to be compatible with Cofigeo’s existing filling lines, capable of withstanding the high temperatures of the retort sterilization process, and deliver effective oxygen barrier protection. Additionally, the design allows for easy de-stacking and consumer-friendly handling.
Multi-Compartment Meal Trays
Amcor and Cofigeo Partner on a Sustainable Food Tray Product
Trend Themes
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Sustainable Packaging Solutions — The rise of mono-material packaging, like polypropylene, underscores a shift towards eco-friendly solutions that enhance recyclability and reduce environmental impact.
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Custom Portion Packaging — Meals packaged with compartments tailored for individual ingredients are gaining traction for their ability to maintain the integrity and appeal of complex dishes.
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Heat-resistant Food Packaging — Packaging designed to endure high-temperature processing methods, such as retort sterilization, is essential for maintaining food safety and quality in ready-to-eat meals.
Industry Implications
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Ready-meal Manufacturing — The development of compartmentalized trays for single-serve meals is transforming the landscape of convenient meal solutions marketed to busy consumers.
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Eco-friendly Materials — Innovations in materials like mono-material polypropylene are influencing the broader industry towards creating more sustainable and easily recyclable packaging.
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Food Processing Equipment — The need for packaging compatible with existing filling lines highlights opportunities for advancements in food processing technology and equipment.