Fibre Trays Target Ready-Meal Brand Differentiation

Amcor is working with Metsä Group and G. Mondini on a fibre-based tray system for protein and ready-meal packaging. The partnership could offer brands a route to stronger shelf presence whilst meeting sustainability objectives.

The three companies will demonstrate the packaging at Interpack from seven to 13 May in Germany. The exhibition is Europe's main packaging trade show.

Amcor's team has worked with G. Mondini to ensure the system runs on its Trave Streamline machine for meat and food manufacturers. The collaboration aims to drive uptake of fibre-based alternatives in a sector where consumer demand for sustainable materials is growing.

The tray format combines a fibre base with a lightweight barrier liner and top web. This design is intended for chilled ready-meal applications.

Meeting retailer and consumer expectations

Paolo Mondini, General Manager at G. Mondini, says: "At G. Mondini, we have always believed that truly more sustainable packaging can only succeed if it performs flawlessly on the production line. Our collaboration with Amcor and Metsä Group is a perfect example of what happens when machine expertise, barrier technology and fiber innovation come together. The result is packaging that upholds the most rigorous food safety requirements, delivers state-of-the-art consumer experience and meets retailer expectations. The Trave Streamline running live at Interpack will demonstrate that fibre-based solutions are not just an environmental choice, they are a high-performance one."

The system is designed to address retailer expectations around sustainability whilst maintaining food safety standards. Paolo says the live demonstration will show how fibre-based formats can perform at production speeds.

Amcor's AmFiber tray and film is built to protect perishable foods and extend shelf life. According to Amcor, the packaging format gives brands improved shelf presence.

The tray uses Muoto, a moulded fibre solution from Metsä Group's innovation unit Metsä Spring. The material is made from renewable wood sourced from northern forests.

Brand differentiation through customisation

Amcor's barrier liners and top-web films are added to meet different product requirements. The system can include microwaveable, ovenable and easy-peel features.

Antti Valtonen, VP Muoto Project at Metsä Spring, says: "Our collaboration with Amcor began about a year ago and it is highly rewarding to see this partnership – together with the valuable contribution of G. Mondini – now delivering tangible results. By combining Muoto's exceptional quality and built‑in sturdiness with excellent barrier performance, we are creating a solution that truly comes to life. This collaboration shows how the right partners can bring together performance, reliability and suitability for demanding food applications."

The G. Mondini Trave Streamline system moves trays through the sealing process with reduced friction. This could improve efficiency during production runs.

G. Mondini's digital printing technology allows direct customisation of the fibre trays. Brands can print onto the material whilst keeping its natural appearance, which could support brand differentiation at shelf level.

The partnership combines Amcor's barrier films with Metsä Group's wood processing capability and G. Mondini's machinery expertise. This structure could simplify implementation for brands looking to switch formats.

Addressing brand objectives

Ilya Syshchikov, Vice President, Global Fibre at Amcor, says: "High-performing packaging requires a fully integrated system, where every element, from tray and barrier liner to top web and machinery, works seamlessly together. By collaborating with Metsä Group and G. Mondini, we are creating a complete packaging solution that simplifies implementation, addresses customer challenges and helps brands focus on delivering exceptional products."

The recyclable option is manufactured from renewable materials. Ilya says the approach addresses customer challenges around sustainability claims.

Amcor positions the system as a way for brands to align packaging with sustainability objectives without compromising shelf appeal. The fibre format retains a natural aesthetic that could differentiate products in the chilled ready-meal category.

The live demonstration at Interpack will run throughout the seven-day event. The three partners will showcase how the system operates on production machinery.