Graphic Packaging creates ovenable cartonboard tray for pizza

GPI was asked to develop the packaging to cook the Detroit-style pizza – which has cheese that melts down the sides of the base – in a conventional home oven. 

Lauren Hutchinson, key account manager, GPI, said the challenge was to create an ovenable cartonboard tray that would achieve a crispy base and stop cheese spilling over the edge of the pizza and into the appliance. 

“Our partnership with 2 Sisters Food Group led to a tray that is completely ovenable and can consistently deliver the perfect Detroit-style pizza​,” she said. 

“We’re extremely pleased with the end result, which offers the ultimate in convenience and reflects the takeaway experience for the consumer​.” 

The cardboard design allows the consumer to remove the outer carton, using an easy-open tear strip, and place the pizza and cartonboard insert tray straight into the oven. 

The tray ensures a crispy base by facilitating air circulation and moisture dispersal, while the fold-up sides stop cheese from entering the oven. 

The design keeps the tray dry, meaning it’s strong enough to lift the pizza out of the oven and tolerates pizza cutting. 

The Marks and Spencer Deep & Loaded pizza is on sale in stores across the UK.