Kick off 2026 with a competitive edge at PACK EXPO East. Register now!
Get a jump on your 2026 goals at PACK EXPO East. Put projects in motion, accelerate timelines and solve challenges—all in one trip to Philadelphia.

Tray puts PLA on the MAP

Seeking sustainability for case-ready meats and vegetables, fresh food packaging provider Coopbox Italia (www.coopbox.com) of Reggio Emilia, Italy, introduced in 2005 a foam food tray made from polylactic acid resin from NatureWorks (www.natureworksllc.com).

Pw 6830 Coopbox

Called the NaturalBox, the tray can be wrapped with standard stretch film, “without any modification of the speed or setup of the packaging line,” says Cesare Vannini, who is part of the Packaging System R&D for Coopbox.

For a completely compostable package, users can join the tray with a top-welding PLA film for MAP packaging of fresh meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables. “When the tray is used with PLA,” Vannini says, “it is possible to obtain a 100-percent biodegradable solution. The system is suitable for protective atmosphere packaging [MAP] of fresh foods with a shelf life of up to 15 days.”

Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Hiring remains a major challenge in packaging, with 78% struggling to fill unskilled roles and 84% lacking experienced workers. As automation grows, companies must rethink hiring and training. Download the full report for key insights.
Download Now
Annual Outlook Report: Workforce
Get a jump on your 2026 packaging & processing goals at PACK EXPO East.
Be the first to find what’s next in packaging & processing at PACK EXPO East. See new solutions from 500 exhibitors, uncover creative ideas for 40+ verticals and gain inspiration from free sessions on industry trends—all in one trip to Philadelphia.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE
Get a jump on your 2026 packaging & processing goals at PACK EXPO East.