The new Dimple Base Tray features an engineered base that captures and retains liquid within the tray itself, combining the functions of both the tray and absorbent pad into a single component. The result is a simpler pack structure that improves recyclability, reduces packaging waste and increases pack strength.
Testing has shown the tray retains up to 16ml of liquid, matching the performance of a conventional absorbent pad, while delivering 30% greater strength than a standard equivalent tray.
Tom Cliffe, i2r’s sales director, said: "For decades, absorbent pads have been viewed as an essential part of fresh protein packaging. We challenged that thinking by redesigning the tray itself, creating a solution that delivers the same performance while removing an unnecessary packaging component.
"The Dimple Base Tray demonstrates how intelligent design can simplify packaging, improve recyclability and deliver practical benefits for manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike."
Manufactured from aluminium, the tray supports circular economy objectives by removing a difficult-to-recycle packaging element while utilising one of the world's most recyclable packaging materials. i2r's smoothwall trays already contain 54% recycled content, with a target of reaching 90% by the end of 2026.
The first Dimple Base profile has successfully proven the concept, with further tray formats planned to extend the technology across a wider range of fresh food applications.
Tom Cliffe added: "With billions of fresh meat and seafood packs produced every year, even small design changes can have a significant impact. The Dimple Base Tray offers the industry a practical, scalable solution that improves sustainability without compromising performance."
For more information and samples, contact +44 (0)845 371 5111, email: sales@i2rps.com.
