Trays meat demand

RPC​ Bebo Plastik has launched a range of MAP meat trays to meet the demands of the growing market for self-service fresh meat in mainland Europe.

The trays are being produced in a special blend of polypropylene, which is said to offer transparency and shock resistance at low temperatures. Currently two sizes of trays are being offered (227x178mm and 187x137mm) in four different heights. Plans are already in place to extend the range with more sizes in the near future.

As part of this development, RPC Bebo says it is offering customers a complete service for MAP meat packaging, comprising supply of the trays, lidding film and pad for the base of the tray. The Company has also established partnerships with leading suppliers in order to provide additional services such as gas flushing and sealing machines.

The increasing move towards self-service and selection in the leading European retail and discount chains, as well as centralised packaging necessitating extended shelf life, have been the driving forces behind the introduction of the new trays, the company says. In addition, retailers have been looking for a replacement for the low barrier foam PS or moulded fibre trays traditionally used for meat products.

"PS trays cannot offer the same level of protection, they are more difficult to handle during the packing process and they do not present products to their best effect on shelf, while moulded fibre trays can only be used in conjunction with a shrink film,"​ explained Frenk Opel, RPC Bebo's general sales manager. "Such considerations become critical in a self-service environment."​

The smaller size tray has been developed and produced by RPC Bristol in the UK, where self service in the retail market has been established for many years.

"This is another excellent example of group synergy enabling RPC to offer a pan-European packaging solution and service,"​ said Opel.

For further information about RPC range of packaging solutions please contact the company.​