Walki Experts video: Fibre-based tray packaging

Why is a tray important in consumer packaging?

A board tray is important in consumer packaging because it provides a sturdy and protective barrier for food products, ensuring they remain intact and fresh during transportation and storage. Board trays also make it convenient for consumers to handle, heat, and serve ready-made meals directly from the packaging. They are particularly crucial for products like frozen or chilled meals, which require a reliable barrier to maintain quality and safety. Additionally, well-designed trays enhance the overall consumer experience by offering ease of use and reducing preparation time, which is essential for today’s busy lifestyles.

How does Walki®Pack Tray compare to traditional tray packaging, and why is it a better solution?

Traditional tray packaging is often made from plastic or aluminium, which are non-renewable materials and less preferred by consumers. In contrast, Walki®Pack Tray is made from fibre-based materials and is recyclable in paper streams. This makes it a more sustainable solution, as it reduces plastic waste and supports recycling efforts. Additionally, it provides excellent grease barriers and ovenability, ensuring it performs well in protecting and heating food while promoting a circular economy. Compared to plastic or aluminium trays, Walki®Pack Tray also prevent your fingers from getting burned, as paper is a poor heat conductor.

What materials are used in Walki®Pack Tray, and how do they enhance its functionality?

Walki®Pack Tray is made from high fibre content materials, with options including a thin PET lining or PET-free alternatives like Walki®Pack Tray UR Brown. The Walki tray with a thin PET lining is classified as a monomaterial, making it recyclable in paper streams, while the PET-free version offers excellent release properties to prevent food from sticking, is likewise recyclable. Both materials are approved for use in conventional ovens up to 220°C for a maximum of 60 minutes, providing flexibility and reliability for various food packaging needs.

What are the benefits of Walki’s PET-free solutions for ovenable trays?

Walki’s PET-free ovenable trays are constructed from renewable fibres and are designed to be recyclable. They offer robust protection for food, making them suitable for a wide range of applications such as frozen ready-made meals, including fish and baked goods. These trays can handle oven temperatures, ensuring dishes like lasagna are thoroughly heated. Additionally, they help reduce costs as many EU countries are considering taxes on plastic and single-use items.

How is Walki preparing to meet the new EU packaging regulations, and how does Walki®Pack Tray align with these regulations? What benefits does this offer to consumers and businesses?

Walki is proactively developing fibre-based, recyclable tray solutions to comply with the new EU packaging regulations, which require all plastic packaging to be reusable or recyclable by 2030. Our fibre-based tray aligns with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR) by being recyclable in paper streams. This approach offers several advantages, including reduced environmental impact, support for the circular economy, and potential cost savings due to anticipated taxes on plastic and single-use items. For consumers, this means access to more sustainable packaging options, while businesses benefit from staying ahead of regulatory changes and promoting circular-friendly practices. These trays provide a better alternative to traditional plastic and aluminium options, making it easier for both consumers and businesses to recycle and reduce waste.