Ready meal and ovenable trays: polymer sourcing guide

Dual-ovenable trays for chilled and frozen ready meals. CPET handles conventional and microwave ovens; PP for microwave-only formats.

Key requirements

• Dual-ovenable performance to 220 °C (CPET) or microwave-safe to 900 W (PP)
• Dimensional stability after -18 °C to 220 °C thermal cycling
• Seal peel strength 8–20 N with OPP or PET lidding film
• EU 10/2011 food contact compliance with no migration above thresholds

Procurement notes

CPET (crystallised PET) tray extrusion requires specialist crystallisable grades — Indorama Ventures and Equipolymers supply the resin. PP random copolymer or clarified PP is used for microwave-only variants. Meal-kit operators and supermarket own-brand converters typically run 12-month supply agreements; spot purchases are common for new SKU launches with uncertain volumes.

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