In its continuing pursuit to develop packaging materials that meet the sustainability goals of its customers, global packaging solutions provider SEE has developed the first biobased, industrial compostable tray for protein packaging that has been successfully tested to meet the demands of existing food processing equipment.
SEE's new CRYOVAC brand compostable overwrap tray is made from biobased, food-contact grade resin, which is USDA-certified as having 54% biobased content chemically derived from renewable wood cellulose. The tray, which will break down into organic material without leaving toxic residue, was created as an alternative to those made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which are traditionally used to package fresh poultry and red meat for consumer purchase but are not biodegradable or recyclable.
SEE introduced the CRYOVAC brand compostable overwrap tray at the International Product & Processing Expo (IPPE), the world's largest poultry and egg, meat and animal food industry event, held each year in Atlanta.
Developed to offer the same performance and stability as EPS foam trays, SEE's lightweight tray underwent extensive trials across the food value chain where it survived rigorous manufacturing systems, extreme temperatures, and demanding shipping and distribution environments without breaking, cracking, or leaking.
The tray has been tested (without added components such as the overwrap film, pad, label, or sticker) and certified by BPI to be industrial compostable, meaning it can be broken down by biological treatment at a large-scale industrial composting facility where available. The resin used to make the tray has been certified by TÜV Austria as soil and marine biodegradable, which means it is degraded by microorganisms existing naturally in the environment.
"SEE is proud to bring to market the first compostable packaging tray designed to run on existing processor production lines," said Tobias Grasso, SEE's president of the Americas Region. "The CRYOVA brand compostable overwrap tray is a breakthrough innovation that is better for the environment than traditional trays and helps our customers meet their
The compostable overwrap tray is part of SEE's broader commitment to sustainability. The company has pledged to design and advance all its packaging solutions to be recyclable or reusable, to eliminate waste by incorporating an average of 50% recycled or renewable content into packaging solutions, and to collaborate on recycling technology and infrastructure.
About SEE
SEE is in business to protect, to solve critical packaging challenges, and to make our world better than we find it. Our automated packaging solutions promote a safer, more resilient, and less wasteful global food, fluids and liquids supply chain, enable e-commerce, and protect goods in transit from damage. The company, under its former trade name, Sealed Air, announced its new SEE corporate brand and logo in May 2023. Our globally recognized solution brands include CRYOVAC food packaging, LIQUIBOX fluids and liquids systems, SEALED AIR protective packaging, AUTOBAG automated packaging systems, BUBBLE WRAP packaging, SEE Automation and prismiq digital packaging and printing. Our partnership with customers creates value through sustainable, automated, and digital packaging solutions, leveraging our industry-leading expertise in materials, automation systems, engineering, and technology. Our SEE Net Positive Circular Ecosystem is leading the packaging industry in creating a more environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable future. We have pledged to design or advance 100% of our packaging materials to be recyclable or reusable by 2025, with a bolder goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions in our global operations by 2040. SEE generated $5.6 billion in sales in 2022 and has approximately 17,300 employees who serve customers in 120 countries/territories.
