Solidus launches Futurline Heat&Eat: fibre-based MAP trays for microwave, oven and air fryer use

Solidus is introducing Futurline Heat&Eat, a new trademark for its range of fibre-based modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays designed for ready meals that can be heated directly in a microwave, oven or air fryer. This innovative packaging solution offers food protection and an extended shelf life, while also providing consumer convenience and reducing plastic usage, as the company details in this edition of the Spotlight.

Meeting the evolving needs of the ready meal market

Ready meals are becoming an increasingly popular choice as consumers look for convenient meal options that fit busy lifestyles. At the same time, expectations around packaging are changing. Consumers are seeking packaging that is easy to use and recycle, while food producers and retailers are under pressure to reduce plastic consumption and comply with evolving sustainability requirements.

To address these challenges, Solidus developed Futurline Heat&Eat. The fibre-based MAP trays maintain the protective atmosphere inside the pack, helping to preserve freshness and extend shelf life for chilled and frozen meal applications. At the same time, consumers can heat and enjoy their meal directly in the tray, whether using a microwave, conventional oven or air fryer.

Fibre-based alternative to conventional plastic MAP trays

A key feature of Futurline Heat&Eat is its material composition. Compared with conventional plastic MAP trays, the solution uses up to 90% less plastic while maintaining the functionality required for modified atmosphere packaging applications.

The trays are manufactured from solid board made from more than 90% recovered fibre and are available with FSC® and PEFC-certified materials. After use, consumers can easily separate the barrier film from the tray. The film can be disposed of through plastic recycling streams, while the tray itself can be recycled through existing paper recycling systems.

This combination of product protection and recyclability positions the solution as an attractive option for brands seeking to reduce plastic usage and prepare for future packaging requirements.

Built for the entire supply chain

Futurline Heat&Eat has been designed to perform throughout the food value chain. The trays are compatible with standard tray-sealing equipment, enabling integration into existing packaging lines with minimal adjustments.

The moisture-resistant solid board construction helps maintain strength and stability during storage, transport and cold-chain distribution. High-quality offset printing enables strong shelf appeal, while the ability to heat and serve food directly in the tray makes the solution equally suitable for retail and foodservice applications.

A new chapter for fibre-based ready meal packaging

As demand for convenient and sustainable food packaging continues to grow, Futurline Heat&Eat expands the possibilities of fibre-based MAP packaging. By combining modified atmosphere performance with direct heating in the microwave, oven and air fryer, the solution provides food brands with a practical way to balance product protection, shelf-life extension, consumer convenience and reduced plastic usage in a single packaging format.

Heat. Eat. Recycle.

This content was sponsored by Solidus.