MCP has been awarded the WorldStar award from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) in the food category for its newly developed 3-compartment CPET tray. This prestigious accolade recognizes the tray's innovative design and suitability for retort sterilization, specifically engineered for ready-to-eat meals. The development of this tray demonstrates MCP's response to evolving packaging demands within the food sector.
What is the WorldStar Award?
The WorldStar award, presented annually by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO), honors top innovations in functionality, sustainability, and design, setting industry benchmarks. With entries from over 35 countries, it is a highly competitive recognition. Winning this award highlights MCP's technical expertise and its commitment to leading the future of food packaging.
CPET Tray Engineered for Retort Sterilization
A key feature of MCP's WorldStar-winning design is the CPET (Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate) tray's capacity to withstand retort processing. Retort sterilization is a critical food preservation method that ensures the safety and longevity of ready-to-eat meals. This process involves subjecting food packaging to high-pressure steam and temperatures of up to 120°C to eliminate bacteria and pathogens while preserving the product's flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
The ability to withstand retort sterilization is essential for products in sectors such as ready meals, airline catering, and meal delivery services, where extended shelf life without refrigeration is a priority. MCP's 3-compartment tray is specifically formulated to maintain structural integrity under these demanding conditions. This ensures that the food components remain separated and intact during and after processing, preserving both quality and presentation.
Meeting Engineering Challenges
One of the most notable engineering challenges addressed in the development of this tray was ensuring the durability of the smaller sauce compartment during retort sterilization. The intense heat and pressure involved in the process could compromise the structural integrity of thinner or less reinforced compartments. MCP overcame this hurdle through meticulous material selection and structural design, creating a tray that is both robust and functional.
The CPET tray is manufactured using thermoforming techniques and a specialized blend of materials and additives. This formulation not only enables the tray to endure retort sterilization but also supports additional functionalities, such as:
- Compatibility with microwave and industrial ovens at temperatures up to 220°C.
- Resistance to cracking and deformation during thermal cycles.
- Hermetic sealing capabilities, even in the presence of liquids or food residues, which are crucial for ensuring food safety and preventing contamination.
Designed for User Convenience and Functionality
The 3-compartment CPET tray is designed with a focus on user convenience. The multi-compartment layout facilitates the separation of food components, helping to maintain their individual flavors and textures. The dedicated sauce compartment expands meal options, allowing for diverse culinary combinations. This thoughtful design caters to consumer preferences for high-quality, visually appealing, and easy-to-use food packaging solutions.
Broader Implications and Industry Impact
This WorldStar-winning tray addresses critical food industry needs, offering a reliable solution for long-lasting, ready-to-eat meals. MCP’s dedication to innovation and user-centric design reinforces its position as a leader in packaging solutions.