PP meat and ready-meal tray, hot-fillable, sealable 187x137mm

The PP meat and ready-meal tray with a nominal size of 187 × 137 mm is used for neat, film-sealable packaging of smaller portions. The rigid polypropylene body and the sealable flange are both important during filling, sealing and handling of the finished pack. When packing ready meals, meat portions or soups, we choose the right depth and lidding film based on the portion volume and the planned storage method. The tray with its small footprint fits well into the design of single-portion packs.

The portion determines the tray depth

With the same footprint, several tray depths offer different filling options. A flatter product, a side dish or sliced goods call for a different internal height than a larger-volume meal portion. The contents must be placed so that the tray can be moved comfortably and the sealing flange remains free. For dishes containing liquid, the fill level is particularly important: an overfilled pack is harder to seal and more likely to soil the flange.

Suitable for hot and chilled products

The PP trays in our range include versions that are hot-fillable and can be used for microwave heating, freezing and blast chilling. The exact limits of use of the chosen tray must be matched to the product and to the heat load over time. Cooling a freshly portioned soup is a different process from reheating a ready meal later. The lidding film must serve the same use as the tray, so it is advisable to choose the two components together.

Sealable flange and the right lidding film

Sealing with film is part of the design of the whole pack. We choose between fixed and easy-peel lidding film based on the required opening method and the protection the product needs. The sealing properties of the film must match the PP tray and the machine used. A clean, even flange and a properly set seal are required. Besides the nominal size, the exact outer dimensions and the flange geometry also matter when fitting the tray to an existing tool.

Appearance and daily packing work

The transparent and black versions present the filled product in different ways. The transparent tray makes the contents visible from the side too, while the black version gives the food a dark background. The label and the look of the lidding film should be designed accordingly. Destacking the trays, the layout of the filling station and the outer packaging of sealed packs also affect daily work. A trial filling gives direct experience of these as well.

Please tell us what food you would like to pack, in what portion size and by what process. Our colleagues will help you choose a tray within the 187 × 137 mm nominal size family and recommend a matching lidding film. With an existing tray sealer, agreeing the tool size is also part of the preparation, so that tray and seal fit together in practice.