Tetra Pak has announced the first US application for its Tetra Wedge Aseptic Microwavable pack, which it claims is currently the world’s only microwaveable aseptic package.
American food producer Chef Creations is using the pack, which Tetra Pak says addresses the growing US popularity of using microwaves for cooking fast “gourmet style” meals for three new Alfredo, Hollandaise, and “Classic Brown” sauces. Developed at Tetra Pak’s Lund, Sweden R&D centre, the container is already being used in Europe by companies including UK-based Gourmet Classics (for beef and chicken jus) and French luxury chocolate manufacturer Valrhona (for chocolate sauce).
Made from a six-layer paper/polyethylene laminate, which includes a PET SiOx (silicon oxide) barrier layer and a proprietary material in place of alufoil, the pack’s structure is said, not only to provide sufficient barrier properties to enable ambient storage for up to six months, but also allows it to be placed straight in the microwave for cooking.