Sabert Corporation Europe has created an innovative packaging solution for a children’s meal program offered by Carambola, an Irish provider of school meals.
When Carambola reached out to Sabert, their request was ambitious. The organization aimed to find the most environmentally responsible packaging for its school meal initiative, with a specific requirement that the packaging be completely compostable within domestic settings. Beyond its sustainability features, the tray needed to cater to children’s preferences and pique their interest.
“It was essential for the tray to be cool to the touch and appropriately sized for the portion sizes required for children’s meals,” explains Carambola’s General Manager, Jenny Eustace. “We also wanted it to be visually appealing for kids.”
“Carambola required a tray that provided versatile functionalities,” notes Sabert Sales Manager Matt Nash. “They needed a tray that could be sealed, used in the oven, frozen, and easily transported. Overcoming numerous challenges to reach our current solution was crucial. We assessed every possible material available to Sabert, and Pulp Ultra® met all the necessary criteria for the customer.”
An Exclusive Innovation
Pulp Ultra® represents a new, proprietary formula developed by Sabert, designed without intentionally added PFAS while ensuring compliance with regulations.
This innovative material consists of over 95% bagasse fibers, enhanced with a barrier spray coating that offers exceptional resistance to oil and grease when in contact with hot foods.
Specifically designed for fresh, ready-to-eat meals and hot items, Pulp Ultra® exceeds the performance of existing market alternatives, including laminated products. This packaging is freezer-friendly, maintaining the quality of frozen goods, preserving the freshness of perishables, and containing factory-prepared items. It is microwave-safe, usable in conventional ovens, and compatible with high-speed ovens, suitable for single PET sealing or multiple welding processes.
With its PFAS-free composition, Pulp Ultra® adapts to evolving regulations, complying with the European PPWR. This packaging solution simplifies waste collection processes, as it is recyclable and certified “Compostable TÜV OK Compost Home and Industrial.”
Aligning with Sustainability Goals
Pulp Ultra® has established itself as a reliable packaging option for Carambola, consistently performing well throughout the full production and regeneration cycle. This solution has significantly aided Carambola in surpassing sustainability targets while supporting the green initiatives of both the company and the schools it serves.
“Pulp Ultra® has been an excellent packaging solution for us,” remarks Jenny Eustace. “One of the most impressive aspects of collaborating with Sabert was their attentiveness to our needs. They dedicated considerable time to understanding our business, identifying our challenges and successes, and discovering the ideal solution for our requirements.”
A Milestone for Ireland
“With the implementation of Pulp Ultra®, the entire process of meal preparation and the experience for children in schools have transformed dramatically compared to our previous methods,” states Carambola Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director Colm O’Brien.
“Partnering with Sabert has been a true pleasure, and that’s not something I often say about many suppliers. During our first meeting, Sabert visited to observe our production process and inquired about our long-term sustainability goals. They returned with a remarkable product, the first domestically compostable ready-meals tray in Ireland.”
Recognized for Excellence
Pulp Ultra® has received accolades, winning the National Silver award in the Paper & Packaging category from The Green Organisation at the Green Apple Awards. It was also recognized as a finalist in the Product Innovation category at the Foodservice Packaging Association Awards and in the New Packaging category at The Sammies, the Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards.
For further information, visit www.sabert.eu.
