Microwavable MAP trays: redefining convenience for ready meal packaging

In a market where convenience, sustainability and product safety all matter, packaging plays a defining role in the consumer experience. Ready meals have grown in popularity by 25% in recent years, driven by busier lifestyles and the desire to save time, and 77% of the consumers want meals where all components can be cooked or heated together easily.

At Solidus, we have developed MAP trays that preserve the freshness of ready meals and offer much more. They redefine the convenience of ready meals, enabling consumers to heat food directly in the tray while supporting operational efficiency across the supply chain.

Microwavable by design: convenience across the supply chain

Consumers, retailers and food service professionals are demanding ready meals that are fresh and easy to heat. Solidus’ modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) trays meet these expectations by enabling ready meal trays to be heated directly in the microwave or airfryer. This eliminates the need for repackaging or additional containers, reducing preparation time and waste.

Our fibre-based trays are designed to withstand heating in both microwaves and airfryers while retaining their strength, shape and protective qualities.

Solidus MAP trays support efficient workflows across the entire supply chain:

• Producers and wholesalers benefit from PPWR-compliant trays suitable for fresh and frozen meals, optimised for automated filling lines and designed to simplify handling while minimising waste.
• Retailers and food service operators can offer ready meals in high-quality, attractive packaging that is easy to heat and recycle, while maintaining meal quality from kitchen to customer and simplifying portioning, transport and presentation.

A fully recyclable, ready meal packaging solution

Beyond convenience, Solidus MAP trays for microwave and airfryer meet today’s expectations for sustainability. The trays are made from Solidus’ fully recyclable, fibre-based board and feature a removable barrier film that provides effective separation. Their low-plastic design uses up to 90% less plastic than traditional trays. Solidus’ solid board is made from FSC®- and PEFC-certified materials, containing over 90% recycled content to support the circular use of fibres.

Sustainability is not just a feature; it matters to consumers. In fact, more than 77% of consumers consider sustainable packaging to be an important factor when choosing products. This makes it essential for producers to consider recyclability and responsible material sourcing when developing ready meal packaging.

At the Solidus Techno Centre, we collaborate with packaging technology partners to optimise barrier performance, recyclability and operational efficiency, ensuring that each tray meets both consumer expectations and supply chain requirements.

Extending shelf life without compromising convenience

Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) technology keeps meals fresh for longer, reducing food waste and improving supply chain efficiency. Our trays not only extend shelf life, but also allow consumers to enjoy fast and convenient heating directly in the packaging.

The dual benefit of freshness and a design that is heating safe enables brands to enhance the sustainability and experience of their ready meal range.

Microwavable MAP trays are shaping the future of ready meals

As consumer expectations shift towards fast, effortless, and sustainable meal solutions, packaging must evolve accordingly. Solidus MAP trays offer a unique proposition: a recyclable, fibre-based, microwavable solution that protects meals, simplifies preparation, and reduces environmental impact.

For ready meal producers and retailers aiming to combine convenience with compliance, a design that is safe for heating is essential. It is a defining requirement, and Solidus offers a market-leading solution designed for this exact purpose. 

To find out more, please email us at info@solidus.com.