Klöckner Pentaplast (kp) has launched the kp Elite® Nova, a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tray for protein products, which the company says is the lightest in its category.
The tray is approximately 10% lighter than other trays in its class due to a ribbed structural design that adds strength in key areas while reducing material usage. It has been developed using finite element analysis to optimize performance under high-speed automated protein packing conditions.
According to kp, the design does not compromise barrier properties, sealing integrity, or mechanical strength. The tray is made with up to 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), including material sourced from the company’s Tray2Tray® recycling program, which facilitates a closed-loop system for food trays.
The kp Elite® Nova tray has been endorsed for recyclability by the Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) and complies with European Design for Recycling (D4R) guidelines. It is available in multiple sizes and depths to accommodate various production and logistics requirements.
“We’re proud to reveal kp Elite® Nova; a breakthrough tray that reflects over 60 years of packaging innovation and technical excellence,” said Paul Rawlings, Launch Manager at kp Food Packaging. “With kp Elite® Nova, food producers no longer need to compromise between sustainability and performance. This solution delivers both.”
Rawlings added that the development responds to industry needs for lighter, recyclable packaging solutions as extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees take effect, emphasizing the importance of reducing material use in food packaging.