Curwood, a Bemis Company has joined forces with Swedish company MicVac to offer a new microwave pasteurized cooking and packaging method for chilled ready meals in North, South and Central America.
Curwood director of marketing David Engen said changing demographics, coupled with shifting economic conditions, have led to trends that support the pasteurization technology.
"MicVac technology provides a nutritious option -- without sacrificing convenience -- at an extended shelf life of 30-45 days," Engen said.
According to the company, the addition of new packaging solutions will extend its food packaging solutions portfolio from fresh, frozen, retort and MAP packaging to include microwave pasteurization.
The MicVac method integrates a tray, lidding film and valve technology using a microwave tunnel cooking system, which is delicate enough to open up product options to foods such as fish, shellfish, pasta and ethnic-oriented meals.
The consumer can heat the meal for about three minutes in a microwave before eating, where it cooks under controlled steam pressure and the package whistles when it is at the right temperature.
MicVac technology, which also offers opportunities for food service, restaurant and institutional applications, improves the feasibility of brand concepts that capitalize on emerging consumer trends for fresh, healthy and convenient food choices.
