USA – Preferred Packaging, a division of US-based flexible packaging firm C-P Flexible Packaging has teamed up with Northwest Frozen to launch a line of extended shelf-life refrigerated meals.
The product line uses C-P Flexible’s proprietary lidding film, which is part of the Affirm family of multi-layer packaging materials.
The film is designed to preserve the food quality of sealed meals by creating a specific, low-oxygen atmosphere.
C-P said the new lidding film can be sealed on high-speed machines and is effective on crystallized polyester trays. The film is also peelable from the back of the tray, removing the need for a knife or scissors.
Besides refrigerated meals, Affirm lidding films are also suitable for fresh foods that are packaged and processed with high-pressure pasteurization.
Preferred Packaging sales vice-president Chadd Floria said: “We feel honored to work with such an entrepreneurial company as Northwest Frozen to deliver safe and high-quality food packaging for consumers in North America.
“From the very beginning of the project, they worked diligently on creating a system to assure the best performance and consistency.”
New items launched by Preferred Packaging and Northwest Frozen include Crocchi, a frozen croissant-shaped gnocchi pasta product. The meals are frozen and sold in refrigerated temperatures at retail stores.
Northwest Frozen operations director Kevin Peterson said: “The team at Preferred Packaging helped us launch our new line of products within a very tight timeframe.
“They not only supplied us packaging film that worked best but they also provided expertise in modified atmosphere packaging and shared valuable experiences.”
Based in California, Preferred Packaging supplies multilayer flexible films, thermoformed containers and tray-sealing equipment.
The company has been part of the C-P Flexible Packaging brand portfolio since 2021.
In July last year, Preferred Packaging added new molded pulp trays, made from natural plant fibers to its GreenStream sustainable packaging portfolio.
According to the company, the new trays were introduced at the School Nutrition Association Annual National Conference in Orlando, Florida July 10-12, 2022.
Designed for packaged meals, the pulp tray is composed of plant fibers such as sugar cane husks and bamboo fibers and is manufactured without producing wastewater.
The tray’s surface is sealable with the company’s Affirm lidding films and is claimed to have improved oil and water resistance.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
