FFP Packaging Solutions

News: Estersteam Steams Ahead

Convenience Foods (part of Northern Foods Group) approached FFP to help them to overcome issues with pack leakage and factory processing requirements. By using a variation on FFP’s Estersteam concept, FFP’s lidding film steam and pressure cook solution, they were able to cure a major headache.

The previous pack was heat sealed using a castellated sealing head, which allowed steam to escape while the meal cooked in the tray as part of the production process. By taking this approach steam paths remain as part of the pack leaving the potential for leakage, especially if the pack is displayed vertically.

By replacing this approach with Estersteam, the pack is now completely sealed using a flat sealing head, with a small hole pierced into the lidding film at the same time. This hole allows steam to escape as the pack is cooked.

After the cook cycle is complete and the pack is chilled the Estersteam self-venting steam valve is applied over the steam hole. This seals the pack completely for transport and display. In the domestic microwave, the valve is designed to automatically open after a period, so the food enjoys the benefit of pressure-cooking, followed by more conventional steam cooking, which cooks the food quickly, retaining moisture and succulence.

FFP can also supply the Estersteam valve pre-applied to lidding film, so that it can run on a standard heatseal lidding line with no effect on production, making it easy to add steam cook products to the range.

Back to news