Sealable hot-fill PP tray for meat and ready meals, 227×178 mm

The sealable 227 × 178 mm PP tray suits meat and ready-meal packs where both the layout of the portion and sealing with film are important. The polypropylene tray body keeps its shape during filling, and the lidding film chosen for the task can be sealed onto the surrounding flange. With this size, more substantial meal portions and products in pieces can also be packed; the actual capacity is determined by the chosen depth.

Room to arrange the portion

In the tray, the outer dimensions and position of the product matter at least as much as the nominal volume. A slice of meat, a ready meal with a side dish and a liquid dish each require a different layout. The pack works well if the product does not press against the lidding film and a clean sealing surface remains after filling. When choosing the depth, besides the planned portion, it is advisable to consider transport and loading conditions too. The final size is best checked on a filled sample.

Film sealing and modified atmosphere packaging

The PP tray can be sealed with a suitable tray sealer and a matching lidding film. For modified atmosphere use, the material structure of the tray, the gas barrier of the film and the operation of the machine must be chosen together. The gas mixture must be matched to the food being packed, and checking the tightness of the seal is also part of the process. With simple film sealing, seal strength and ease of opening come to the fore. The choice of the right solution always starts from the actual product.

A version matched to the heat load

The product family offers options for hot filling, chilled or frozen storage and microwave heating. For the specific use, however, the joint suitability of the chosen tray and the lidding material must be checked. Filling temperature, the cooling process and consumer use may impose different requirements. When changing products, it is therefore advisable to re-examine the packaging as well, especially if a chilled ready meal is later to be sold in a frozen pack.

Visible product and legible information

The transparent or black tray forms the basis of the pack's appearance. On the lidding film and label, besides the required product information, it is worth leaving room to show the contents. Lidding films with different functions are available for the PP tray, so the seal and the way the customer opens the pack can also be adapted to the portion. The filled, film-sealed sample should be assessed under the actual storage and handling conditions, as this shows how the whole pack performs.

At Kollár Pakk we choose the lidding film and sealing solution for the 227 × 178 mm PP tray based on the properties of the meat or ready meal to be packed. For the consultation, please state the portion size, the filling process and the machine available. Knowing these, the tray can be integrated into your existing packaging work or into a newly designed system.