Sorry it has been so long since my last posting. I recently went to a biopolymer symposium in Denver and was going to write about that, but every time I started to type I’d get sleepy and drift off to my happy place which is a place where the beer flows like wine and beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. Okay I ripped that off from a movie. Name it and win 10 points. Anyway, I did learn that listening to chemists and biologists for 20 hours will make you a little punchy, especially at a mile high. All kidding aside, these folks are working on some very cool technologies that will propel us into the next generation of biopolymers that will be produced from such things as corn stalks & leaves along with other annually renewable, non agricultural sources. It’s my guess that in 5 years time, there will be affordable alternatives for virtually every petro based plastic resin out there.
And speaking of bio-based products, Harvest Fiber fans rejoice! By mid November we’ll be launching several new compostable food packaging products. In keeping with the tradition of adding proven Genpak designs to our fiber line, we’ll be borrowing from our very popular S4 Dinnerware design. Our new 10″ plate, 11″ platter and 20 ounce bowl will all sport the progressive and highly functional square design of our S4 line. The really good news here is in each instance, the corresponding S4 clear lid will work perfectly well. This opens a whole new range of applications that can now include carry-out as well as dine-in for busy food service operators. Now don’t go thinking that the clear lids make this product offering less green. Keep in mind that we use up to 40% post consumer recycled content in every clear lid we manufacture and #1 PET is still the most recycled plastic material out there. We’ll also be offering a new 6″ snack plate in the traditional geometric configuration to help round out (pun intended) the dinnerware offering.
Also this month we have launched new products in our microwave safe Smart Set Pro line. The FP348 is our new large, three compartment container 
that is perfect for meals to go that need to spend time under the intense heat of warming stations. Many restaurants that have embraced meals to go need to stage their product in these warming stations while they wait for the consumer to arrive. The heat these lamps produce can do a number on many packaging options, but the FP348 will hold up like a champ. Our standard FP948 is the lid of choice for this new package.
Also new to the Smart Set Pro line are the FP008 and FP012. These smaller 
profile containers are the perfect size for the booming breakfast on the go segment. It seems every major chain has introduced some sort of breakfast menu item as of late and these two new packaging options will fit that bill with ease. Eggs, oatmeal, pancakes…you name the food and it will work.
Last but certainly not least on the new product front are two new oven ready food tray options. The 55216 and 55337 are items that may be used in any school lunch program as well catering events, deli counters and any frozen
food application. Both are produced from #1 recyclable, oven ready PET and will also work well in automated fill lines as well as accept film seals. Our oven ready PET material is good in the oven up to 400° F and may be frozen to -20° F. See our safe handling guide for complete instructions.
Well, that’s a lot of new products to digest. From compostable food packaging to microwave safe food packaging to oven ready food packaging. Our goal is a simple one. To offer only the best in design and functionality to keep our customers competitive. If you would like to receive a free sample kit of these new items, or any of our products, just drop us a line and let us know how we may help you out.