Microwaveable Packaging
Constantia FFP’s microwaveable packaging solutions make microwave cooking simple, consistent, convenient and present perfectly cooked meals time after time.
Constantia FFP launched ‘Estersteam’ microwaveable packaging in 2005 and thanks to its unique valve technology, has provided consumers with fuss-free microwave cooking for decades. ‘PP-Steam’ is a new sustainable innovation from Constantia FFP that provides the same cooking convenience but can be recycled by returning to store through the PP (polypropylene) waste collection stream.
Both products can be supplied on the reel, as pre-made bags or as stand-up pouches. They can be clear, white or reverse printed in full colour, where the ink is sandwiched in the laminate structure to prevent food contamination and maintain print quality throughout the life of the product.
Our Recyclable Laminate Solutions
High Barrier Versions Available
Helping to protect the product from elements such as moisture and oxygen, and enhance shelf-life.
Recyclable Options Available
Recyclable solution available that can be returned to store, as classified by OPRL.
Variety Of Pack Formats
Available as film-on-a-reel, pre-made bags and stand-up pouches.
Runs With Ease
Valve is pre-applied by Constantia FFP allowing film to run as registered film on existing packaging lines at normal speed.
Microwaveable Packaging Formats
Our microwaveable packaging is available on the reel, as pre-made bags or stand-up pouches and can also be offered with a barrier.
On the Reel
Steam valves are pre-applied and supplied on the reel at your specified repeat length, weld or peel-seal. Ideal for pillow packs and lidding film.
Pre-made Bags
Microwaveable pre-made bags can be supplied in a variety of formats and sizes, with the option of being fully printed or plain. They can be easily heat-sealed once filled.
Stand–up Pouches
Microwaveable stand-up pouches provide dynamic shelf appeal adding value through full-face branding, efficient use of shelf space and ease of use throughout the supply chain.
Innovative Microwaveable Food Packaging
Constantia FFP’s innovative microwave packaging solutions use a unique valve to turn a tray/lid combination, pillow pack or stand-up pouch into a consumer-friendly microwaveable container.
There is no need for the consumer to pierce the packaging as the valve peels back under heat and pressure in the microwave, allowing a controlled release of the steam for a perfect cooking result. The valve shrinks linearly on heating to avoid re-sealing and therefore eliminates the risk of the pack imploding on cooling. The result is convenient, moist and perfectly cooked food time after time.
Easy to run
The valve is applied to the material by Constantia FFP during the production process for both Estersteam and PP-Steam. The film then runs as a registered film on existing packaging lines at normal speeds with no changes to existing lines or capital investment required.
Sustainability
We are renowned for our sustainable innovations. Our technical expertise and knowledge of the recycling infrastructure has enabled us to transfer the valve technology from Estersteam into PP-Steam, a microwaveable packaging solution that is recyclable by returning to store through the PP (Polypropylene) waste collection stream.
As well as providing a recyclable packaging solution, microwaveable pouches and pre-made bags can also provide significant light-weighting opportunities which in turn can see a substantial reduction in the volume of packaging and carbon emissions. Many ready-meals currently on the market are presented in a tray, with a film lid and cardboard sleeve. By replacing this with a microwaveable pouch or pre-made bag, it is estimated that a weight saving of 83% can be achieved.
Features
Moisture Retention
Keeps The Oven Clean
Tailored Steam Release
Consistent Cooking Results
Testing and Compliance
Constantia FFP’s microwave packaging solutions are fully tested and verified to conform to food safety standards. With more than 30 years of experience in high-temperature applications, we have a proven route to a rigorous approval process for all of our packaging.
Everything we manufacture must comply with the Food Contact Framework Regulation (EC) 1935:2004. All of our Materials, inks & adhesives conform to all current European food contact legislation for use as a direct food contact material.
High-temperature packaging is subjected to additional testing and two initial types of tests are undertaken: Specific Migration Limit (SML) tests, which test specific materials in migration, and Overall Migration Limit (OML), which tests the completed laminate. All tests are conducted at high temperatures providing a ‘worst case’ for both migration and chemical decomposition products.
Only when all testing is complete is a structure approved for use in your packaging.
Microwaveable Packaging FAQs
Can you recycle PP (polypropylene) flexible microwaveable packaging?
If your packaging is constructed of a mono-material PP, then it can be recycled by returning to store.
Can you recycle microwaveable plastic packaging?
Not all microwaveable plastic packaging can be recycled as it depends on the materials used.
What is flexible microwaveable packaging made of?
The primary materials used for flexible microwaveable packaging are polypropylene, polyester and nylon. These selected polymers provide good temperature resistance, are lightweight and allow minimal migration.
What are the requirements for microwaveable packaging?
High-temperature packaging is subjected to additional testing and two tests are undertaken: Specific Migration Limit (SML), to test specific materials in migration, and Overall Migration Limit (OML) which tests the completed laminate. Microwaveable food packaging must comply with the Food Contact Framework Regulation (EC) 1935:2004.
What types of microwaveable food packaging do you offer?
Constantia FFP are a flexible film converter so we can offer solutions such as lidding film, pre-made bags, stand up pouches and film on a reel to form the packaging format that you require.
Why does the consumer not need to pierce the packaging on PP-Steam and Estersteam before heating?
PP-Steam and Estersteam have a unique valve applied to them during the production process which shrinks back under heat and pressure in the microwave, allowing the controlled release of steam.
Do I need to modify my packaging lines to run Estersteam or PP-Steam?
No, Constantia FFP apply the valve to the material during the production process. The film then runs as a registered film on existing packaging lines at normal speeds.
Where is your microwaveable food packaging produced?
Our microwaveable packaging is produced in the UK at our Northamptonshire-based facility.
What is the MOQ for your products?
This varies as it depends on many factors, such as pouch/bag size, material specification, barrier requirements, print etc. However, as a rough guide, we would say 60,000 pre-made pouches or bags per design and 150-200kg of material on the reel.
An ideal solution for a wide range of categories and products
Constantia FFP are microwaveable packaging manufacturers providing a sustainable packaging solution to a wide range of categories in the food sector.
Download our Flyer
To receive a digital copy of our PP-Steam flyer, please follow the link below.
Applications
Ready Meals
Protein
Food to Go
Vegetables
Request A Product Quote
All of our products / materials are made to order, therefore minimum order quantities apply.
Standard Disclaimer
This Declaration of Compliance describes the status of the product(s) specified under General Product Information. The user of the product (or downstream user, if applicable) is responsible for ensuring that the finished food package complies with applicable migration limits in the food itself under actual conditions of use. Furthermore, the food packer is responsible for verifying possible interactions of the product(s) or its components with the foodstuffs (e.g. modification of odour, taste, consistency, migration etc.) which are to be checked prior to use and in function of the end-uses. This declaration replaces all previous declarations for the same specification/ product. It remains valid until a change in the legislation or new scientific information changes the legal status.