The two products, on display at Emballage 2004 in Paris this week, are neoCrisp and neoSteam. They demonstrate how active packaging is increasingly being used to provide food products that fit contemporary lifestyles.
"The neoCrisp package, which keeps products such as pizza slices and chicken pieces crispy, shows the potential of the active packaging market," Mondi flexibles marketing and communications manager Nicole Feteci told FoodProductionDaily.com at the company's stand.
"The special thing about the package is that while the outside is paper, the inside contains a special laminate - the safety susceptor - that keeps products crispy."
There are also environmental reasons why paper was chosen. In addition to being fat resistant, paper is also more recyclable than plastic.
Feteci believes that the product, which was developed in Denmark, has great potential in the northern European market.
The second active packaging innovation is the neoSteam, developed in Korneuburg in Germany. This plastic product is designed for quick and easy microwave cooking, but at the same time gives consumers a healthy, as well as a convenient choice. Because the food is steam-cooked, the vitamins are kept in the food.
The innovative thing about the neoSteam is that it works with a patented valve system. When the package of say, risotto is put into the microwave, the pressure goes in, the packet is blown up and steam goes out. It took three minutes for a plate of risotto to be cooked.
"This is for cooking products such as rice and vegetables, and taps into current lifestyles," said Feteci. "In Northern Europe, people want food that is prepared fast, but is healthy. Our study shows that the average family in Northern Europe now has two microwaves."
This shows how nuch perceptions have changed. Microwaves have long been associated with unhealthy fast food, but Feteci believes that this is changing.
The company is currently working on developing a neoSteam pouch, which should be launched next year at Interpack in Dusseldorf, Germany.
In addition, Mondi is at Emballage 2004 to promote the fact that the Frantschach business is now also operating under the name Mondi.
"It just makes sense,"said Feteci. "Together we offer a good product portfolio, as there are so many synergies. It's a nice opportunity to inform our customers, in order to avoid any confusion."