Food trays with EVOH barrier | Hot Form
In the food packaging industry, the use of a material composition capable of increasing shelf life is a key component in ensuring product safety and maintaining taste and freshness.
Furthermore, the use of a material capable of extending the shelf life of a product reduces food waste by creating a longer window of time for grocery shops to store the product before it reaches the hands of the end consumer.
This is where EVOH barrier food trays come in, a packaging material that reduces the amount of oxygen permeating the plastic by incorporating it into a multilayer or extrusion-laminated structure. EVOH film makes it possible to maintain a high shelf-life of products contained in modified atmosphere (ATM), such as fresh pasta, cold cuts and cheese.
Read also: Modified and controlled atmosphere for better preservation of fresh products
But what specifically is the EVOH barrier, what functions does it perform in food trays and what are its main benefits for the environment?
What is the EVOH barrier?
EVOH stands for ethylene-vinyl-alcohol copolymer, a material known for its exceptional ability to form an effective barrier against oxygen, gases, and vapours. EVOH film is used as an inner layer in food trays to ensure maximum freshness and durability of packaged products.
Its ability to reduce gas permeability makes the EVOH barrier an ideal option to protect food from external factors that could compromise its quality, ensuring optimal preservation.
Functionality of the EVOH barrier in food trays
The EVOH barrier acts as an invisible shield, preventing oxygen and other contaminants from penetrating into food trays. This feature is particularly crucial for foods that are sensitive to oxidation and degradation caused by air, such as fresh pasta, cold-cut meats, and cheeses.
Its presence helps maintain the freshness of food, preserving its flavour, aroma, and texture. The EVOH barrier is highly resistant to odour transmission, prevents flavours from mixing and ensures that each food retains its taste identity.
In addition, the EVOH film gives the plastic food tray high transparency and low haze, producing optimal display clarity. The use of EVOH on the outer surface of a package provides excellent brightness for a better package appearance.
Discover EVOH food trays from Hot Form
Environmental benefits of the EVOH barrier
In addition to their food preservation benefits, EVOH food trays offer important environmental advantages.
Since they reduce the need for thicker packaging or the use of more aggressive preservatives, they help reduce waste and environmental impact. EVOH barrier trays allow products to last longer, reducing the number of foods thrown away due to loss of freshness.
EVOH plastic food trays enjoy a high degree of weather resistance. Even when exposed to sunlight, the polymer retains its properties and the food it contains.
Moreover, the higher permeability resistance allows the use of multiple packs or additional packaging layers to be reduced, contributing to an overall reduction in plastic waste. This eco-friendly approach is a step towards a more environmentally friendly packaging system.
Hot Form’s EVOH barrier food trays
Hot Form’s range of food trays with EVOH barrier comprises several lines, each designed to meet specific storage needs.
Designed to meet the expectations of the most quality-conscious consumers, these food trays offer superior protection for fresh food while ensuring high quality standards are met, without neglecting environmental impact.
Finally, our EVOH plastic food trays offer, like all Hot Form products, the possibility of customisation. We can meet the specific needs of each customer. The products meet the standards of the UNI EN 15593 certification, which precisely defines the characteristics and requirements that guarantee health and hygiene safety in the production of food packaging.
For more information about our EVOH products please download the updated catalogue. Alternatively contact us, our team of experts will provide you with comprehensive and timely advice.
