New range of reusable containers
Celebration Packaging has launched a new range of reusable, microwavable,
hinged-lid food containers made from virgin polypropylene.
“With a draft roadmap for coming out of lockdown in place, restaurant and pub owners and operators will be planning for reopening. First for outside spaces only, but later for dine-in, albeit under as-yet-unannounced rules,” says Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton. “These businesses will be seeking to ensure their kitchens can operate safely and efficiently, maintaining quality while also ensuring speed of service.
Meal prep containers for pre-serve portion control
This new foodservice range has been developed in response to customer demand. Before lockdown, some of our major high street foodservice customers were looking to move away from single-use disposable plastic packaging and find reusable solutions. They approached Celebration Packaging to discover what we could offer.
“As problem solvers, trials have now been successfully concluded with two major high street foodservice businesses to develop a reusable, microwavable range which would provide a solution for pre-serve portion control in meal preparation. We are proud to now announce the launch of this new, proven range.”
The new products are made from high-clarity virgin polypropylene (PP) which allows users to easily identify contents, speeding up meal preparation, and avoiding service errors. The packaging is easy to use, as it is delivered nested and stackable, enabling speed of service and features easy opening lid tabs and a hinged lid.
Perfect for portion control, we have so far produced 200ml capacity rectangular containers. Also, round food containers in two sizes: 200ml (shallow); and 400ml (deep). Custom shapes and sizes are available, and the reusable containers can also be embossed with branding or usage instructions for the kitchen staff, subject to tooling charges.
Microwavable, Dish Washer Safe and Reusable
The new range is microwavable and the rectangular range features air vents in the sides and top lid to allow steam to escape when the food is being microwaved. To make the products reusable, or ‘rotable’, they are top rack dishwasher-safe, so can be used time and time again.
Putting reuse at the front of “reduce; recycle; reuse”
“Over the few past years, the mantra for those paying attention to environmental sustainability has been ‘Reduce; recycle; reuse’, but least attention has usually been paid to the reuse aspect,” says Nick. “This new food-grade PP hinged-lid container range delivers on all three priorities. The containers significantly reduce the amount of plastic used in busy kitchens, can be 100% recycled at the end of its life, and is reusable, or ‘rotable’, as many call it.”
The term ‘rotable’ seems to have originated in the aviation industry and is defined as: ‘an element or component that can be repeatedly restored to a working and serviceable condition’. So, in other words, choosing rotables over disposables, means investing in longevity, with a solution that can be reused over and over again.
Reduce packaging waste in busy kitchens
“Switching to reusables in high-traffic kitchens significantly reduces the amount of plastic being used when replacing single-use packaging,” says Nick. “We calculated that one customer who uses the rectangular product is saving in excess of 33,000 kgs of plastic by switching from single-use containers to the new reusable product. The amount of plastic saved obviously depends on how many times the new reusable product is used before being sent for recycling. But as the range is also manufactured here in the UK, switching to these products substantially reduces an operator’s carbon footprint.”
Further increasing the versatility of the new PP microwavable and reusable range, filled containers can also be placed in a freezer. Trials are recommended, and the range is not suitable for blast freezing. “As problem solvers in foodservice packaging, Celebration has been seeking more sustainable solutions since launching our EnviroWare® range over 13 years ago,” Nick concludes. “We are proud that this latest, proven innovation successfully adds value back-of-house, while also enabling operators to improve their sustainability credentials.”
For assistance with bespoke food packaging solutions contact Celebration Packaging Ltd.