Cool new tray for hot meals

Citation

(2007), "Cool new tray for hot meals", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 37 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2007.01737dab.018

Cool new tray for hot meals

Cool new tray for hot meals

New packaging solution for senior meals, safe to handle, secure in transit, strong environmental credentials.

An innovative new packaging solution which has captured more than 70 per cent of US senior meals markets has now been launched in the UK. Known as OliPak, from Oliver Products, it offers a proven solution for the packaging and delivery of senior meals in environmentally friendly paper trays which stay cool to the touch but bring freshly sealed, hot food straight to the table.

The OliPak system combines a flexible selection of multi-compartment trays with a range of simple to use sealing machines – supplied free of charge to tray users. These are ideal for use in senior meal kitchens operated by UK local authorities. Oliver has been serving the food sector for more than 70 years and research across the USA reveals that the new senior meals system is by far the preferred choice of professional meal providers and their clients.

The new Olipak trays are manufactured from paper pulp obtained from sustainable sources. The food contact surface is lined during manufacture with a thin gauge polyester film to provide a safe barrier between the food and the tray which is recyclable.

And because safety is paramount when supplying hot food to senior citizens, the Oliver solution has been developed to ensure the food stays hot whilst the tray remains cool to the touch. This gives the elderly confidence in handling the meal as soon as it is delivered. Food packaging using the Oliver system can be consumed direct from the tray, on the lap, for those who find it difficult to move to a dining table or to decant the food to a plate.

Senior meals providers switching to the Oliver system also benefit from a simple to use sealing machine in a size which suits every need. This means a safe, leak-proof film lid can be securely fixed as soon as the tray is filled. The film adheres to the rim of each tray as well as to the edges of each compartment to prevent spillage of one part of the meal into the other during transit. In spite of the secure seal, the film can then be quickly and easily removed immediately prior to consumption.

The secure film lid keeps in freshness and nutrition. It helps the meal stay hot and retains moisture for improved taste and texture. Oliver can also provide an advanced film formulation with invisible micro-perforations which release any excess steam during cooking.

Because Oliver trays are paper based, they can be safely used in microwave ovens as well as for conventional heating up to 205°C. This means that meal providers have a choice of heating solution. Clients can also quickly reheat a meal at home if required whilst being able to remove the tray from any oven without the risk of burns associated with hot metal or ceramic dishes. The sealing film can also be pre-printed with heating instructions and trays can be used for freezing at temperatures up to 40°C.

For further information contact Peter Woodall or Rebekah Watson at: PR Principles Ltd, Tel: 0115 9580403, e-mail: client-services@pr-principles.co.uk