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Amcor and Cofigeo Develop Innovative Meal Tray

In a significant stride towards sustainable packaging, Amcor, a leader in responsible packing solutions, has teamed up with French manufacturer Cofigeo to unveil a new multi-compartment tray tailored for convenience and recycling. This innovative solution is primarily designed for single-serve ambient microwaveable meals, marking an important advancement in the ready-to-eat meals market.

The newly developed tray features three distinct compartments, allowing consumers to enjoy various ingredients without mixing them until they're ready to eat. This will be particularly appreciated in the William Saurin Mon Trio Gourmand meal range, which offers an assortment of dishes incorporating meat, starches, and vegetables. By keeping these components separate, the tray caters to different consumer preferences while improving the overall dining experience.

Amcor’s design process was marked by close collaboration with Cofigeo to ensure that the compartments met all necessary specifications. Each section of the tray is crafted to accommodate differing sizes and textures of food, and it also adheres to Cofigeo's stringent requirements for operational efficiency. The tray is compatible with existing filling lines, is de-stackable, and includes a robust oxygen barrier. Additionally, it has been made user-friendly for consumers who can eat directly from it.

According to Jean-Michel Perquin, Cofigeo's Group Packaging RD Manager, the project presented various challenges, especially in maintaining a lightweight profile while achieving the desired wall thickness similar to that of their traditional single-compartment offerings. This was an enabling factor for efficient filling during production, despite the variance in meal components.

The multi-layer polypropylene (PP) tray boasts a special barrier that ensures meals remain shelf-stable for over 12 months when stored ambiently. Its innovative design includes a near-infrared (NIR) terracotta masterbatch which allows for easy identification at recycling facilities, thereby aligning with recycling guidelines that support sustainability efforts.

The response to this innovative tray has been overwhelmingly positive. Benjamin Margerand, Marketing Product Manager for William Saurin, noted that consumers have expressed a strong desire to keep meal components separate or mix them according to their tastes. Notably, tests revealed that up to 80% of participants indicated plans to eat directly from the tray, underlining both the practicality and appeal of the design.

Perquin commended Amcor for their longstanding partnership, highlighting the collaborative spirit that simplified the development process. The team at Amcor demonstrated utmost professionalism, proactively addressing and overcoming any complications that arose throughout the project.

About Amcor

Amcor has positioned itself at the forefront of sustainable packaging within the consumer goods sector. Boasting extensive global capabilities and innovative designs, Amcor is dedicated to producing packaging solutions that are environmentally friendly. With a focus on safety and sustainability, their workforce of approximately 70,000 employees operates in around 140 countries, striving to meet the evolving needs of consumers and clients alike. The company’s commitment is driven by its mission of enhancing customer experiences and protecting environmental resources.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Amcor and Cofigeo is a commendable example of innovation in sustainable packaging that not only enhances convenience for consumers but also prioritizes environmental responsibility, setting an excellent precedent for future developments in the food packaging industry.