The producer, which is a division of meat firm Tulip, said the packaging was the first of its kind in the fresh protein market.
Made with sustainable materials, the packaging is inspired by the card packs used in the sandwich market and feature printing on all sides.
Waitrose will use the packaging on three of its new products: Rosemary, Lemon & Garlic Free Range Turkey Breast, Honey & Mustard Free Range Turkey Breast and Butter Roasted Free Range Turkey Breast.
‘Ecological footprint’
Tulip group innovation manager Matt Richards said: “At a time when shoppers are more conscious than ever before about the ecological footprint of their purchases and supermarkets are looking to improve the environmental impact of their packaging, the launch is very timely.
“It was a challenge to take the board packaging used for sandwiches and make it fit for purpose for longer shelf-life goods, but we’ve managed to create a top-quality solution.”
The new format for the turkey products was developed over three years as part of Tulip’s packaging strategy. The manufacturer developed the packs in a bid to tackle food waste and to incorporate recyclable materials.
Waitrose poultry buyer Michelle Slade added: “It has been brilliant to work with Dalehead Foods to bring these new products and packaging to our shops.
‘First on the market’
“With a premium look and feel, these recyclable packs are the ideal way to launch the first cooked turkey meats with real herbs and seasoning to the market. We’re sure people will love the taste and appreciate the environmentally friendly nature of the packaging.”
Dalehead formed part of Tulip’s restructure into four business divisions in 2016, including Tulip Fresh, Tulip Added Value and Tulip Agriculture.
Meanwhile, Unilever is to remove all traces of plastic from its PG Tips tea bags, as its moves to make all of its tea bags fully biodegradable by the end of this year.