US board supplier MeadWestvaco (MWV) has been conducting consumer research in the UK. Talking about a move from plastics to board, senior marketing manager for chilled food solutions Chris Brady told Food Manufacture: “We believe it’s just about to happen. We’re getting feedback that it’s very strong in terms of purchase intent.”
Coated board alternatives to plastic and metal trays are nothing new. But Brady pointed out that there had been technical challenges in the past, notably with leaks and sealing quality, prompting the supplier to “take a different approach”.
MWV is focusing on recyclability, and has worked with the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) on this aspect of its packaging. But elsewhere, cost could be the critical issue.
UK aluminium tray specialist Nicholl Food Packaging is broadening its range to include dual ovenable board and moulded pulp, among other materials.
Group chief executive John Griffiths said: “If aluminium is ever substituted at any point, we want to be able to offer the alternatives ourselves.” But he quickly added: “We’re not seeing it being replaced now. We’re actually still seeing growth.”
Griffiths said that board was seeing “a rebirth” in microwaveable ready meal applications. “Retailers are always looking for innovation and change,” he said. “There’s a lot of downward pressure with regard to cost.”
He added: “There’s certainly been a change in the mix away from quality brands into economy brands.”