Packaging innovation for microwaveable meals, especially in single portion packs, was in strong evidence. Some innovation very much still in the prototype phase so no photos were available or allowed to be taken.
On the Toppan Printing stand, for instance, PKN saw a new prototype concept in which a steam venting pouch is enclosed in a perforated outer carton. When cooked in the microwave, the venting steam pushes open the perforations, which pop the carton so that a flap forms a a tray/handle with which you can remove the pack and contents from the microwave without burning yourself.
In another development by Toppan Printing, this already commercialised (for Bell Shokuhin Co.) and a winner of a 2014 Good Packaging Award, the precursor of the latest design mentioned above is a microwaveable carton with a perforated strip that offers simplicity and convenience to users: you can just tear off the perforated strip and heat the pouch pack contained in the carton in the microwave. Even if the heated pouch boils over, the microwave will stay clean as everything is contained in the outer carton.
And the company also won a Good Packaging Award for its microwaveable meal ready pouch for Mizkan. Seasoned liquid is pre-packaged into this pouch, users add ingredients (like meat and/or vegetables) to the pouch and mix it for about a minute before heating in the microwave oven for ten minutes. The rationale states, in a most charming fashion: “This will provide a perfect dish and joy of cooking. The pouch helps housewives as a cooking tool and contributes to reducing total time engaged in cooking.”
Toyo Seikan won a Good Packaging Award for its pouch designed for House Foods Group Inc. It's a stand-up, cook-in microwaveable pouch with indentations in the shape to show clearly where the consumer should hold the pack, away from the steam vent valve. Markings for where to open the pack are also clearly shown.
It has a wide sealing area and R-notch to prevent users from getting a burn or an injury, while the shorter height and wide bottom of the pouch ensures safety and stability.
