The cup can be heated in a microwave oven in less than seven minutes.
The container is a collaboration between Huhtamaki (Gosport, Hampshire, England), and BCP Fluted Packaging (Blackburn, Lancashire, England). It is used for four 300-g (10.58 oz) soups sold refrigerated. Shelf life is believed to range between 12 and 15 days.
The package includes an inner thermoformed polypropylene container from Huhtamaki. Marks & Spencer outsources filling to a company that spot-glues BCP’s single-face corrugated wraparound liner to the outside of the PP container. The liner is litho-printed in six colors. The combination of materials reduces the transfer of heat from the product to the consumer. The film-based printed lidstock is also sourced in England.
While this particular container is used only for QuickBite soups, the range of products spans 22 varieties, including noodle dishes and sandwiches, for quick lunches, dinners, or snacks. Sold at 100 Marks & Spencer outlets, QuickBite offerings retail at prices from £1.09 to £2.79 (US$1.54 to $3.95). (JB)
