Two cook-in and microwave reheatable packaging technologies, Oven Ease and Simple Steps, and two easy access/open systems, QuickRip and Grip &Tear vacuum barrier bags, all under the Cryovac brand, are among the innovation Sealed Air has on show.
While the technology is not 'brand new', it's new in getting to market. “Like a lot of technology aimed at consumers, it takes a while for retailer adoption,” says Alan Adams, Sealed Air market manager – Retail, Case Ready & Poultry.
Ideal for meat, poultry and dairy products, Grip & Tear and QuickRip vacuum bags are easily opened by pulling a tab, eliminating the mess created by opening some bags, and keeps fingers, counters and utensils clean. The packaging systems combine superior shrink and toughness without compromising oxygen-barrier properties, and also offers down-gauging opportunities for processors using heavier gauge bags.
This video shows how Grip & Tear works:
Oven Ease combines Cryovac vacuum packed freshness with cooking convenience.
"This cook-in ovenable packaging can sustain temperatures of 200 degrees for up to four hours, and delivers consistent results no matter who is cooking," says Adams.
He told PKN Australian meat company Primo has just brought this to market, using the packaging solution for a ready-to-eat roasted beef 'take-away' recently launched in Coles.
Simple Steps is unique in that the packaging is both the cooking/heating vessel and the crockery for eating off, making this a totally convenient solution for consumers. The plate is made of PP, and the advantage is it doesn't become too hot to handle after heating. The vacuum film covering the products and sealing it to the plate is self venting and peelable.
Australian company Luv A Duck has adopted Simple Steps for its Ready Roasted Duck Breasts, although in a tray not a plate.
Adams says Simple Steps is especially useful for types of meat that consumers are unsure of how to cook to get a good result.
In the active packaging space, Freshness Plus is a new technology drawing interest, according to Adams.
“It's packaging that consumes odours by actively absorbing, or 'scavenging', odour compounds,” he says. “This material is especially useful for vacuum packed products, which tend to give off an odour when opened, often leading consumers to believe the product is not safe to use.”
These technologies support the company's message around food care: “Sealed Air commits its expertise to create packaging and hygiene solutions that increase operational efficiency, extend shelf life and reduce resource use and waste throughout the global food and beverage supply chain”.
[home page image] Alan Adams, Sealed Air market manager – Retail, Case Ready & Poultry Food Care, shows the plated Simple Steps pack.
