Unicoop Fi, Coopbox (Gruppo Happy) | Best Packaging 2025

Direct

Product overview. Direct is an absorbent tray without a pad, which can absorb the exudate emitted by meat or fish, thus avoiding direct contact for better preservation of organoleptic characteristics and better presentation at the point of sale. New Direct in XPS: safety and functionality as always, now even more sustainable and recyclable.

Innovation. It is mono-material, the lightest ever for the same application. Made of extruded expanded polystyrene (containing recycled post-consumer food contact), making it particularly rigid and durable for stretch or MAP packaging.

Materials used. Polystyrene, talc, an expanding agent that, through a specific extrusion process, expands into a composite honeycomb structure capable of absorbing food exudate. This results in a very light, high-performance and sustainable tray due to the very low use of raw material.

Applied technologies and benefits. The specific extrusion process results in a composite mono-material honeycomb structure, with closed cells on the outside and open cells on the inside. The light and strong tray obtained after thermoforming is suitable for stretch, BDF® and top seal packaging. The tray absorbs the exudate emitted by food without the use of an absorbent pad, which is necessary for PP or APET trays, complicating the sorting and recycling stage.

Environmental and consumer benefits. The very low use of raw materials due to the expansion process and its partial replacement with a percentage of secondary raw material, drastically reduces its impact compared with similar trays made of r-APET with absorbent pad; in terms of GWP, the reduction is -36%. In addition to the lightness of the tray, the draining function keeps the food separated from the exudate, preserving its organoleptic qualities. Disposal is simplified in the collection of plastics, making it easier for consumers, and incentivizes the polystyrene recycling supply chain.

Communication advantages. UNICOOP FI strengthens its dialogue with its members/customers through dedicated materials, providing clear information about its commitment to safe, functional and sustainable packaging solutions, facilitating informed choices and eco-friendly behaviour.