From airline meals to convenient ready meals, food packaging that is heated in the microwave or oven needs to withstand some seriously hot temperatures. But while you may naturally assume that cardboard trays would get scorched or catch fire, this material is actually an effective plastic-free alternative.
A more environmentally-friendly option
Plastic has already caused a lot of damage to our planet, and the usage of plastic in the food packaging industry remains a hot topic of conversation. At a time when governments and individuals are looking for ways to reduce plastic waste, choosing ovenable trays made from paperboard, such as www.southerncrosspackaging.com/ovenable-trays, can be a great option.
What are paperboard ovenable trays?
Paperboard ovenable trays are resistant to oil, grease and water, yet are fully compostable, biodegradable and recyclable. Paperboard is also food-safe and doesn’t come with any of the concerns that can arise from plastic packaging, such as chemicals leaching into the food.
Are all paperboard ovenable trays plastic-free?
Currently in the UK, packaging that contains less than 5% plastic can legally carry the recyclable symbol. However, this type of packaging cannot be recycled via household recycling collections and is therefore typically sent directly to landfill.
The UK government is likely to push through legislation to change this, alongside the plastic packaging tax, for which some importers and manufacturers must register.
As well as contributing to a reduction in plastic usage, which many consumers now take into consideration when making purchasing decisions, exploring your paperboard tray options now can help you to avoid additional costs in the future.
