Better packaging – better pizza!

As a reward for improving the appearance and flavor of one of the world’s favourite meals, Graphic Packaging International Inc (GPI) and The Schwan Food Company have received the Technical Award in the Food Packaging Category from the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) for the use of innovative susceptor technology.

Pizza cartons continually undergo freeze-thaw cycles in a grocery store freezer unit, and this ongoing change in moisture level can affect the package, causing the paperboard to warp, to look less appealing, and potentially cook the product unevenly in the microwave oven.

To solve the problem, GPI developed a proprietary lamination procedure and adhesive pattern for attaching the susceptor patch to paperboard.  Benefits include improving the integrity of the package in the grocery freezer, presenting a more attractive package to the consumer, and enabling more even cooking, browning, and crisping in the microwave oven.  Crucially, the improved results are achieved with no extra costs.