VION Launches Frozen Ready Meals with Amcor VentValve

This opportunity has been identified by Amcor Flexibles, which has launched a unique range of venting systems for preparing ready meals in both microwave and conventional ovens.

07/01/08 Changing consumer behaviour has meant that the demand for frozen and fresh ready meals has grown significantly in the last few years.

This opportunity has been identified by Amcor Flexibles, which has launched a unique range of venting systems for preparing ready meals in both microwave and conventional ovens.

Amcor VentValve, one of these venting systems, is the one that has been chosen by the Dutch company VION for the launch of their frozen ready meals. Supplied by Amcor Flexibles Raackmann, the Amcor VentValve uses a valve which is integrated in the laminate and the thermoforming lidding is sealed on a PP tray.

While cooking the food products, the positive pressure in the packaging ensures a uniform heating of the dish and the valve controls the pressure to make sure the food products are steamed to perfection. The quality of the food is optimised as it retains its taste and nutritional value because it is simply cooked in its own juice.

The consumer can put the pack directly from the freezer or refrigerator into the microwave or oven. Microwave cooking produces up to 40 per cent fewer carbon emissions than traditional cooking methods. The venting system contributes to reducing carbon emissions further by shortening the cooking time in the microwave oven, thereby providing another environmental benefit.

The laminates of not only this Amcor VentValve, but of all Amcor’s venting systems are produced by use of the latest types of polymers and film, meaning that they are as thin as possible and are mainly constructed as two-ply combinations entailing considerable material savings, which also creates a positive environmental impact. No sharp devices are needed for cutting holes in the packaging and the lid can be peeled open after heating, so there is no need for knife or scissors, which also makes the packaging safer. As the laminates are printable, it is possible to save resources and materials by avoiding the additional costs of double-packaging (outer cartons etc.), especially in connection with product launches in stand-up pouches. Finally, the concept and the individual sub-components are all approved for food contact in compliance with all international requirements and legislation (FDA, BGVV etc.) The venting systems have a wide application range: lidding film for PP/PE, PP and PET trays, both VFFS and HFFS formats and the rapidly growing market for stand-up-pouches, and additional features such as anti-mist and peelability can be added. Amcor Flexibles Raackmann has already won a number of significant awards for their high degree of innovation and consumer convenience and have opened the door to a huge and rapidly growing market. The Amcor VentValve Systems have made it possible for Amcor Flexibles to enter a new market offering high added-value solutions for the frozen, chilled and produce markets.