Global packaging solutions provider SEE has developed what it claims to be the first biobased and industrially compostable tray for protein packaging. 

Dubbed CRYOVAC, the compostable overwrap tray is designed to meet the sustainability goals of the company's customers. 

The tray is crafted from biobased, food-contact-grade resin, which is certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as having a minimum of 54% biobased content drawn from renewable wood cellulose.  

It is designed to decompose into organic material without leaving harmful residues, providing an eco-friendly solution for fresh poultry and red meat packaging. 

The tray is compatible with existing food processing equipment and offers an alternative to traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) trays that are non-biodegradable or recyclable. 

SEE stated that its compostable tray has been rigorously tested to ensure it maintains integrity during manufacturing, extreme temperatures, and challenging shipping conditions.  

The tray’s performance and stability are comparable to EPS foam trays, yet it offers a sustainable edge by being certified as industrial compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute and soil and marine biodegradable by TÜV Austria. 

SEE will launch its solution at the International Product & Processing Expo from 30 January to 1 February, where SEE will showcase the product at booth C31141.  

SEE Americas president Tobias Grasso said: "SEE is proud to bring to market the first compostable packaging tray designed to run on existing processor production lines.  

"The CRYOVAC brand compostable overwrap tray is a breakthrough innovation that is better for the environment than traditional trays and helps our customers meet their sustainability goals." 

The company has pledged to make all of its packaging solutions recyclable or reusable and use 50% recycled or renewable content on average.