Recyclable 100% rPET Food Tray Debuts in North America

Sustainable, rolled-edge tray from Cascades is designed for optimal rigidity, and no packaging equipment changes are required.

May 9, 2022

2 Min Read
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Image courtesy of Cascades

The sustainable packaging offerings of Cascades, based in Québec, Canada, expand with the launch of the recyclable Cascades Fresh Performa rPET rolled-edge tray. The 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) food tray is compatible with existing high-speed packaging equipment.

A life-cycle assessment of the trays conducted by Groupe AGÉCO shows that greenhouse gas emissions are 69% lower when producing the new rPET trays vs. manufacturing virgin PET trays.

In addition, the tray design enables minimal use of materials while ensuring ideal rigidity. Corner ribbing provides stiffness and minimizes the risk of warping.

The design also features rolled edges, which prevent film overwrap from tearing. This, in turn, helps prevent food waste and the need for rewrapping.

Cascades promotes the product as the first tray with rolled edge technology made of 100% rPET in North America.

How2Recycle has prequalified the 100% rPET tray as widely recyclable in Canada and recyclable in limited communities in the United States. How2Recycle is project of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.

“This latest innovation is the fruit of our continuous efforts to find more sustainable solutions and develop a truly circular economy for food packaging. We would like to thank our early-adopter customers for their trust,” said Luc Langevin, president and COO of Cascades Specialty Products Group, in a prepared statement.

Available in several sizes and colors, tray complies with FDA and Health Canada requirements. The product is manufactured at the Cascades Inopak plant in Drummondville, Québec, which is a Safe Quality Food Institute-certified facility.

Cascades Inopak has benefitted from infusions of more than $30 million targeting development of packaging made from 100% recycled PET flakes. The investments are part of Cascades’ plan to grow as a North American leader in environmentally friendly packaging.

In development for three years, the 100% rPET tray aligns with Cascades’ Sustainability Action Plan commitment to make all its packaging products recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2030.

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