Oxygen scavengers keep Greenseas fresh

An ingenious microwaveable packaging solution is extending the ambient shelf life of one of HJ Heinz Company Australia Limited’s Greenseas product ranges.

The packaging is a robust plastic pot that has been thermoformed at RPC Bebo Nederland in a layered construction combining polypropylene (PP) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) polymers. It incorporates an oxygen scavenger which is used to capture oxygen within the barrier layer of the sealed pack before it reaches the food. This process minimises any food deterioration, particularly in colour and flavour, ensuring the high quality of the product is maintained on-shelf.

This packaging is used for Heinz Australia’s Greenseas ‘lunch bite’ range, a snack that combines tuna with a variety of flavours, such as green curry with rice, and sweet chilli noodles. With the help of this innovative technology, this range can be enjoyed straight from the pot or easily heated in a microwave.

To further enhance this product range and for consumer convenience, an integral spoon has been included together with a printed cardboard outer pack that doubles as a practical stand for microwaving and a tray to avoid handling the heated pot. The sides of the cardboard are perforated; when ready for use, the consumer simply tears off the top part of the cardboard, leaving only the base.

“RPC’s contribution to this innovative packaging format has been an essential element of this product range’s success,” confirms Melissa Clayton, Senior Product Manager - Seafood at HJ Heinz Australia. “The use of an oxygen scavenger ensures that consumers will experience the full flavour that goes into every pot of Greenseas ‘lunch bite’.”