Consumers are increasingly choosing ready-to-eat meals over traditional grocery shopping methods, with new meal kit options appearing in growing numbers. In order to capitalize on the growing market opportunity, businesses require the ability to efficiently manufacture meal prep packaging and present quality products.

As a leading supplier of innovative food packaging concepts and packaging machinery, Point Five Packaging is prepared to provide meal prep businesses with quality packaging solutions specializing in MAP (modified atmosphere packaging) and VSP (Vacuum Skin Packaging) tray seal machinery that helps to extend shelf life and freshness using advanced vacuum sealing technologies. Since 2010, we have been developing a strong supply chain and investing in advanced technologies to meet our customers’ packaging and design requirements.

The Rise of Meal Prep Packaging

Meal kits are in high demand, with notable growth in subscription meal delivery services. In 2022, the global meal kit delivery market reached an estimated value of $20.6 billion, with an anticipated market size of $65.1 billion by 2030.

There are several key developments in the meal prep market. Recent trends in meal prep services include:

  • Sourcing organic foods. Meal kits make it easier for consumers to eat organic food, eliminating the hassle of searching for hard-to-find ingredients.
  • Catering to specific dietary needs. A growing number of meal kit delivery services focus on providing nutritious options for consumers with specific dietary concerns.
  • Leveraging new technology. Meal kit delivery services can simplify the ordering process using automated delivery scheduling, mobile apps, and personalized meal recommendations.

Benefits of MAP and VSP Packaging

Point Five Packaging’s meal kit packaging solutions leverage advanced technology and processes to streamline operations and realize innovative food concepts for meal prep packaging applications. Learn more about the benefits our MAP and VSP packaging systems offer below.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Systems

MAP systems incorporate flexible machinery to accommodate various meal prep packaging needs, including packaging for food delivery. These systems offer advanced capabilities, including vacuum-gas and vacuum skin packaging (VSP), to extend product shelf life and preserve freshness in packaged food products. Tabletop models are also available to help businesses reduce their operational footprint.

Investing in MAP results in better food products, which is key to gaining and keeping loyal customers. Long-term benefits of using MAP systems include:

  • Minimal food waste/spoilage. Proper packaging is critical to keep food products like raw meat, dairy, and fresh produce from going bad before they can be sold. MAP packaging processes promote freshness in sealed products.
  • Less plastic waste. Businesses can reduce the amount of plastic waste they produce during manufacturing.
  • Improved on-shelf appearance. MAP and VSP systems use gas flushing and vacuum technology to preserve packaged food products for longer, which results in a more visually appealing end product.

At Point Five Packaging, we work with businesses from the initial concept until the product reaches the market. Our in-house demonstration lab allows for easy testing and evaluation throughout the process.

Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP) Systems

VSP relies on film technology to securely confine ready-to-eat meals in sealed trays. Meal prep packaging companies can use this system to guarantee freshness and prolong the shelf life of their products. Other benefits of this type of meal prep packaging include:

  • Microbial growth reduction. VSP packaging prevents food degradation by removing the oxygen that bacteria, yeast, mildew, and mold need to grow. This can be used alongside other prevention methods, such as heat sterilization, dehydration, refrigeration, and freezing.
  • Oxidation prevention. Oxidation can cause food items to lose their color and flavor. VSP helps eliminate oxygen exposure and maintain the color, smell, and nutritional value of packaged products.
  • Enhanced product appeal. Seafood and meat products benefit from VSP methods. Using a clear film allows consumers to inspect the contents within. It also reduces the migration of liquids in the tray, making the end product more visually appealing.
  • Microwave & oven-safe packaging. This type of packaging is easy to use and can withstand extreme temperatures. It also protects contents during transport and is safe to reheat.

Food Packaging Systems and Materials

As a full-service supplier of packaging solutions, Point Five Packaging offers a broad range of food packaging systems and materials for the meal prep market:

Food Packaging Systems

We offer manual and automated machines with the following capabilities:

Food Packaging Materials

MAP systems from Point Five Packaging utilize the following materials for food packaging:

  • CPET. Crystallized Polyethylene Terephthalate (CPET) is suitable for constructing containers, trays, and cups that are safe for use in conventional ovens, microwaves, and freezers. The material can withstand a broad temperature range of -40 ºF to +428 ºF.
  • Film. Food film is ideal for packaging meat, seafood, fresh produce, and snacks. It is safe for use in conventional ovens and microwaves.
  • Aluminum. This metal can withstand extreme heat and has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is an ideal material choice for ready-to-eat trays, containers, and cups that might be heated in conventional ovens, microwaves, and grills.
  • PETE. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) is commonly seen in cold packaging for products like salads. The material offers flexibility for creating standard and custom-shaped trays, containers, and cups for storing food on shelves, refrigerators, or freezers.
  • PP. Polypropylene (PP) is suitable for use in microwave and freezer-safe trays, cups, and containers. These products can tolerate temperatures ranging from 32 ºF to 257 ºF.

Enhanced Meal Prep Packaging with Point Five Packaging

Point Five Packaging offers flexible packaging systems to help meal prep businesses succeed in today’s market. Through our vast supplier network, we can supply advanced technology and innovative packaging materials for use with our MAP and VSP systems. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a shelf-life solution that meets your unique requirements.

Contact us today to learn more about our products or request a quote for specific information relating to your next project.