Winning Silver was the Tetra Wedge Aseptic Microwavable 200S stand-up pouch, a close cousin of the Tetra Wedge package that won the Diamond Award (see page 91) in this year’s DuPont competition. While the diamond award winner was notable for its transparency, this wedge impressed judges because it’s believed to be the first microwavable aseptic package. Once again, a plasma deposition of silicon oxide on PET film serves as the barrier material instead of the layer of foil traditionally used in conventional aseptic brick packs. Like the transparent package, this one is also formed and filled on a Tetra Pak (www.tetrapak.com) Model TBA-19 filler.
“We wanted the package to be microwavable, which meant foil couldn’t be included in the package structure,” says Hal Valdes of Culinary Concepts. That firm became the first to commercialize the microwavable Tetra Wedge when it launched its 6.75-oz Hollandaise, Alfredo, and Classic Brown sauces in the package last year. Classic Brown sells for $2.29 while the other two sell for $2.49.
—Pat Reynolds
