Paperboard Trays for Food Applications
High-barrier, sustainable tray packaging engineered for global food processors and retail brands.
Sustainable Paperboard Trays Engineered for Food Performance
Our global paperboard tray portfolio combines advanced structural engineering with effective barrier technologies. Designed to replace single-use plastic trays, our solutions deliver shelf-life parity and flawless compatibility with existing high-speed automated packaging lines.
Plastic Reduction without Performance Compromise
For international procurement managers and food manufacturers, replacing rigid plastic trays with fiber-based alternatives is a critical sustainability objective. Graphic Packaging International provides fully integrated paperboard tray solutions engineered for chilled, frozen, fresh, and ready-to-eat food applications.
Our tray solutions utilize renewable, responsibly sourced paperboard certified under FSC and PEFC standards, combined with ultra-thin removable barrier films to support circular economy initiatives across international retail markets.
Engineered Paperboard Tray Solutions
Explore our specialized tray structures engineered for specific food processing, retail, and barrier requirements.
PaperSeal™ Barrier-Lined Paperboard Trays
Our patented PaperSeal™ tray series provides food brands and supermarket chains the ability to eliminate high-barrier plastic trays. Featuring a continuous 1-piece flange design, it guarantees continuous top sealing for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) applications.
- Replaces rigid MAP trays for fresh meat, seafood, cheese, and ready meals
- Easy film separation allows consumers to recycle the paperboard tray seamlessly
- Extends product freshness while reducing single-use plastic by up to 80-90%
Pressed Trays and Bowls
Engineered for ready-to-eat chilled and frozen foods, our pressed paperboard trays and bowls offer versatile dual-ovenable heating performance. Available in a wide selection of shapes, sizes, and barrier coatings suited for microwave and conventional oven use.
- Available with MicroRite™ susceptor technology for even browning and crisping
- Rigid construction maintains structural stability under high heating temperatures
- Perfect for frozen entrees, bakery goods, and prepared convenience meals
PaperLite™ Barrier Material for Trays
PaperLite™ is an innovative fiber-based barrier material supplied on flat reels for direct forming on existing thermoforming packaging lines. Designed specifically for high-volume fresh meat, processed meats, and cheese slicing lines.
- Formable on standard form-fill-seal (FFS) thermoforming equipment
- Provides excellent oxygen and moisture barrier protection for perishable foods
- Delivers premium natural tactile appeal on retail display racks
ProducePack™ Punnet Tray
Engineered to replace plastic clam shells, PP, and APET punnets for growers, packers, and retailers. The ProducePack™ Punnet tray features high structural strength and top-seal capability for berries, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and grapes.
- Fully recyclable paperboard structure with optional ventilation cutouts
- High-impact graphics printing for outstanding brand differentiation on shelf
- Compatible with manual, semi-automated, and fully automatic top-seal machinery
TrayArray™ Cookie & Cracker Tray Inserts
TrayArray™ offers a functional paperboard alternative to thermoformed plastic tray inserts used inside flow-wrapped cookies, biscuits, and crackers. Provides rigid cell protection while supporting plastic-free brand positioning.
- Protects delicate bakery items against breakage during global transport
- Custom cell configurations tailored to product shape and pack count
- 100% recyclable in standard paper recovery streams
Paperboard Tray Technical Reference
Standard technical capabilities for global procurement qualification.
| Tray Series | Primary Applications | Packaging Format | Plastic Reduction | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PaperSeal™ MAP | Fresh Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Cheese, Ready Meals | Top-Sealed MAP / VSP | Up to 90% | BRCGS, FSC/PEFC, FDA & EU Food Contact |
| Pressed Paperboard | Frozen Dinners, Bakery, Chilled Entrees | Pressed Tray / Bowl | 100% Plastic-Free Options | BRCGS, ISO 9001, FDA Compliant |
| PaperLite™ | Sliced Meats, Charcuterie, Portion Cheese | Form-Fill-Seal (FFS) | Up to 85% | BRCGS, ISO 14001, FSC Certified |
| ProducePack™ | Berries, Tomatoes, Mushrooms, Grapes | Top-Sealed / Heat-Sealed Punnet | Up to 100% | FSC/PEFC Recyclable Paperboard |
| TrayArray™ | Biscuits, Cookies, Crackers, Confectionery | Inner Rigid Insert | 100% Plastic Replacement | Direct Food Contact Certified |
New Seasons Market Reduces Single-Use Plastic in Fresh Food Packaging
In partnership with Graphic Packaging International, New Seasons Market successfully replaced rigid plastic clamshell containers across their fresh pasta line with barrier-lined paperboard trays. This transition achieved measurable plastic reductions while preserving product shelf life and enhancing retail shelf appeal.
End-to-End Packaging Development Process
How our global technical teams support international buyers from initial sample prototyping to high-speed line qualification.
1. Requirement Audit
We evaluate your product barrier requirements, target shelf life, automated filling speeds, and distribution supply chain conditions.
2. Structural Design
Our CAD engineers custom-design tray geometry and flange tolerances for optimal denesting and tight heat-seal integrity.
3. Barrier Matching
We match paperboard substrates and barrier coatings to ensure precise oxygen (OTR) and moisture vapor (WVTR) protection.
4. Line Validation
Sample batches undergo rigorous sealing, leak testing, and trail runs on your production tooling or our packaging machinery.
5. Global Supply
Full-scale commercial production supported by vendor-managed inventory and global technical service support.
Paperboard Tray Sourcing Guidance
Can paperboard trays provide equal shelf-life compared to traditional plastic MAP trays?
Are Graphic Packaging paperboard trays compatible with existing sealing machinery?
What food contact and quality compliance accreditations do you maintain?
How do consumers recycle barrier-lined paperboard trays?
Request Samples & Technical Specifications
Connect with our technical packaging specialists to discuss tray samples, barrier options, machinery compatibility, and global supply pricing.