Cooking food in the microwave is getting faster and more flavorful for Japanese consumers, thanks to the MicroRite® tray made in conjunction with Tokan Kogyo Co., Ltd. for Ajinomoto Frozen Foods Co., Inc. Use of the tray by Ajinomoto represents the first commercial application of the MicroRite material in Asia and is a dramatic packaging introduction for the Japanese marketplace. The packaging cooks food quickly and evenly, leaving it moist and tender, the co. reports. The tray consists of special aluminum foil patterns laminated to a paperboard base, designed by the co. to heat products thoroughly, evenly and safely. This helps eliminate burned edges and undercooked, cold centers that can occur with frozen foods that are microwaved in plastic trays. The packaging was introduced in Japan in August for two frozen dishes.

Graphic Packaging Intl., Inc., 770/644-3515. www.graphicpkg.com