NorAbsorbit, which has been developed by packaging manufacturer Nordenia International, absorbs both moisture and grease during microwave cooking, so food stays crisp and tasty, said the company.
The flexible microwave packaging, which is in its final development stage, has been designed particularly for greasy, breaded or bread-lie foods, although it can be used to cook unbreaded foods such as bacon.
Perforated sealing layer
“Nordenia’s microwave packaging options combine cost-effective convenience features with innovative technologies making them a standout in the market. Certain features are especially suited for upscale food items like fish, chicken or vegetables,” said Nordenia head of communications Cord Witkowski.
“NorAbsorbit extends the current industry standard by giving entirely new food applications access to the microwave market.”
The design works through a unique fabric layer incorporated into the packaging.
“The moisture that develops during microwave cooking and the grease released by the food pass through a perforated sealing layer,” he added.
“They are then absorbed and retained by an inner layer. As a result the food becomes crisp and tasty instead of greasy and soggy.”
The technology is due to be launched in the next few months following broad testing, added Witkowski.
“Extensive internal and external tests have been conducted; all of them were carried out with positive results.”
Reduced surface temperature
The flexible microwave packaging has insulating thermal properties that “reduce the outside temperature of the packaging after cooking making it possible to touch the packaging directly after cooking without burning your fingers.”
The company believes that the development will offer the microwavable food segment a flexible packaging option, in a market traditionally dominated by rigid packaging.
“In general, a so called susceptor packaging is used for similar food applications. These susceptor packages tend to dry out the packed food. In addition, the susceptor packages are mainly rigid and thus not suited for applications, where a flexible packaging solution is needed or desired.”