An innovative range of convenience microwavable rice and vegetable dishes has been successfully launched in France in multi-layer thermoformed trays supplied by UK packaging manufacturer, RPC Containers Corby.
The Vivien Paille range, from leading French food manufacturer Soufflet Alimentaire, comprises eight different recipes including Riz Basmati Nature, Lentilles au naturel and Couscous tradition, and provides a faster and more convenient alternative to previous boil-in-the-bag packs. The new packaging format is being promoted as being ready to serve in one or two minutes.
The 400ml polypropylene trays are from RPC Corby's standard range. They are sterilisable and feature an EVOH barrier layer to provide the necessary twelve month ambient shelf life.
After filling the trays are heat sealed with an easy-peel barrier film. The trays are then packed into colourful cardboard sleeves which are aimed at maximising shelf impact.
The packs are being filled by major contract packer Conserverie du Perche, which already takes a wide range of sterilisable containers - both blow moulded and thermoformed - from RPC Corby. This made RPC an obvious choice when the company was approached to develop this new concept for Soufflet Alimentaire.
According to RPC, the Vivien Paille range has proved an immediate hit in France.
"This new convenience format is extremely popular with consumers," commented Mr De Zutter, Marketing Director of Soufflet Alimentaire. "We are offering exotic and tasty recipes in a pack that is totally user-friendly for the filler, retailer and consumer."RPC Containers recently became one of the first packaging companies in the UK to achieve the newly launched BRC/IOP Technical Standard covering hygiene and quality assurance.
RPC Containers Corby is part of the RPC Group, Europe's largest manufacturer of rigid packaging. It currently has 30 European Sites, employs over 5,500 people and offers a range of products made by all three conversion processes - Blowmoulding, Injection Moulding and Thermoforming.