PaperTech expands sustainability footprint with Bake-Best Trays acquisition

USA – PaperTech, a Findlay, Ohio‑based manufacturer of pressed paperboard products for the food packaging and foodservice markets, has completed its acquisition of Bake‑Best Trays, a Redmond, Oregon‑based maker of pressed paperboard ovenable trays. 

The acquisition brings Bake‑Best’s ovenable tray designs and microwave‑active susceptor solutions into PaperTech’s product lineup, broadening the buyer’s tray formats and performance‑oriented features aimed at improving browning and crisping of heated foods. 

PaperTech said the move strengthens its sustainable, food‑focused packaging platform by integrating complementary pressed‑paperboard technologies and expanding service to processors, supermarkets, regional restaurant chains, and schools, markets Bake‑Best has historically served since its founding in 2007. 

Company leadership framed the deal as a strategic fit: PaperTech’s CEO emphasized that Bake‑Best’s tray formats and susceptor‑enabled solutions enhance the depth and flexibility of PaperTech’s tray platform, while Bake‑Best’s existing customer relationships and ovenable product expertise provide immediate market synergies. 

“The acquisition of Bake-Best expands the depth and flexibility of our pressed paperboard tray platform,” noted Chris Collis, chief executive officer of PaperTech.   

“Bake-Best’s ovenable tray designs and susceptor-enabled solutions complement our existing capabilities and strengthen our ability to support customers where cooking performance, consistency, and presentation matter.

“We are excited to build on Bake-Best’s established customer relationships and deliver additional value through an expanded product offering.” 

The acquisition strengthens PaperTech’s sustainable packaging platform by adding complementary products and differentiated cooking-performance technologies.   

The combined offering broadens the solutions available to food processors, distributors, and foodservice operators while helping PaperTech continue to provide customers with economical, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternatives to CPET and polypropylene packaging. 

This move broadens product offerings, enabling better value for customers seeking economical, environmentally friendly packaging solutions amid rising demand for sustainability in the baking industry. 

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Paul Hastings advised the transaction for PaperTech and Steven M. Berne for Bake-Best.  

Backed by Chicago-based private equity firm May River Capital since 2020, PaperTech continues to target growth in value-added paperboard products for food processors, distributors, retailers, and institutional outlets.  

The acquisition aligns with global trends toward reducing plastic use, positioning the combined entity to capture market share in ovenable, sustainable trays as food manufacturers prioritize green innovations.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE