The customer
A European grocery retailer was refreshing its private-label range of fresh ready meals, supplied by several European food producers. The packaging needed to carry the retailer’s branding and support oven and air fryer preparation.
The challenge
The retailer wanted to balance attractive presentation with its environmental objectives—and work with a packaging partner that took a proactive approach to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
The producers needed a tray that matched the retailer’s specification, fitted their existing sealing tools and performed reliably in production.
The launch deadline was tight. Without containers, meals could not be packed and delivered, putting both production and the retail launch at risk. Plus Pack needed to move quickly while keeping sealing performance, food-contact requirements and PPWR considerations in focus.
The solution
Plus Pack developed a sealable aluminium tray to the retailer’s specification, with its branding formed into the base, an uncoated interior and a black exterior.
Sealing was a requirement from the outset. The tray was designed to fit the producers’ specified sealing tools and close with a lidding film, connecting the retailer’s visual requirements with the practical needs of the filling operation.
The solution brought together:
· Retailer-specific design: Tailored branding and finish.
· Equipment compatibility: Fits specified sealing tools.
· Protection and preparation: Light, oxygen and moisture barrier; chilled/frozen to oven or air fryer
· Coordinated launch: Samples, qualification, production and supply aligned across producers.
Project coordination, technical specialists, Internal Sales, Production and Supply Chain worked as one team to keep these activities moving. This gave the customer one packaging partner connecting the specification, technical requirements and delivery plan.
The results
Plus Pack met the agreed launch timeline, supporting the introduction of the refreshed range across the participating food producers.
Delivering on schedule helped strengthen the retailer’s confidence in Plus Pack as a reliable partner. For producers whose output depends on a specific tray, dependable supply and a fast response matter as much as the packaging itself.
The project demonstrated Plus Pack’s ability to coordinate a packaging change across several businesses under time pressure—from the retailer’s brief to the producers’ launch requirements.
PPWR: supporting today’s needs and the next steps
Retailers ask their producers for packaging data. Plus Pack supports these requests with a Supplier Information Statement, technical data sheets and food-contact declarations for its packaging products. For this sealed application, information about both the tray and the selected lidding film supports assessment of the complete pack.
Aluminium can be recycled repeatedly without losing its material properties when collected and processed through suitable systems. As further PPWR requirements are phased in, the tray and film must still be considered together when assessing recyclability and any necessary adaptations.
Material choice, weight and recyclability may also influence extended producer responsibility fees. Potential savings need to be assessed for the specific packaging under the applicable national scheme.
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Cases
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Service
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Legislation
Understanding PPWR
Understand what the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) means for your packaging. Explore key requirements and timelines, and see how we can support your preparations.