The ready meal industry has come a long way from flimsy plastic containers and inconsistent quality. Today’s consumers expect more — meals that taste fresh, reheat safely, and arrive in packaging that’s as sustainable as it is practical. Enter CPET trays — the game-changing solution redefining convenience food packaging.
At Carewell Group, we’ve seen how CPET technology is helping food manufacturers and meal delivery brands strike the perfect balance between performance, safety, and sustainability.
What Exactly Are CPET Trays?
CPET (Crystalline Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a modified form of PET plastic designed to handle extreme temperatures — from freezer storage to oven or microwave reheating.
These trays can withstand up to 220°C, making them ideal for ready meals that need to go directly from the fridge or freezer into an oven. Their ability to retain structural integrity under heat is one of the reasons they’ve become the standard for high-quality, pre-prepared meals.
But it’s not just about temperature. CPET trays also offer:
- Excellent barrier properties against oxygen and moisture
- High clarity or matte finishes for presentation flexibility
- Lightweight durability for transport and shelf stability
- Full recyclability, aligning with Australia’s packaging regulations
Explore our CPET food tray range for practical, sustainable solutions.
Why CPET Is Perfect for the Ready Meal Market
The modern ready meal market thrives on convenience — but customers still expect freshness and safety. CPET trays deliver both.
- Dual-Temperature Performance:
CPET trays move seamlessly between cold storage and reheating environments without warping, cracking, or leaking. - Consistent Cooking:
They distribute heat evenly, ensuring every portion — from edges to centre — is properly heated. - Extended Shelf Life:
CPET’s excellent sealing capabilities protect food from contamination and dehydration, extending freshness during retail display or delivery. - Visual Appeal:
Available in clear, black, or coloured finishes, CPET trays enhance meal presentation and brand aesthetics.
These qualities make them the packaging of choice for supermarkets, meal prep businesses, and large-scale food manufacturers across Australia.
Sustainability That Meets Australian Standards
With new EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations reshaping Australia’s packaging landscape, brands need materials that meet recyclability and compliance targets.
CPET trays are widely recyclable under current national frameworks and are compatible with ARL (Australasian Recycling Label) requirements when paired with recyclable film lids.
By adopting CPET trays early, food brands can reduce waste, lower long-term costs, and avoid penalties tied to non-compliant materials.
Learn more about eco-friendly compliance in our Sustainability section.
Performance Meets Practicality
Unlike traditional plastic or aluminium containers, CPET trays combine strength with flexibility. They’re ideal for high-volume food service operations because they:
- Stack neatly for storage and transport efficiency
- Provide tamper-evident sealing options for safety assurance
- Reduce breakage and leakage during distribution
- Support automation in packaging lines, including heat-sealing systems
In other words, CPET trays aren’t just about food safety — they’re about operational efficiency.
A Case for CPET: Real-World Application
One of Carewell Group’s meal manufacturing clients needed a packaging upgrade that could handle both frozen and fresh product lines. Their previous polypropylene containers were warping under heat, causing seal failures and customer complaints.
After switching to custom CPET trays, they saw immediate improvements:
- Zero product leakage during reheating
- Shelf life extended by 20%
- Full recyclability under Australian standards
- A noticeable improvement in customer satisfaction scores
This demonstrates how smart material choices can directly improve both performance and perception.
Customising CPET Trays for Your Brand
Carewell Group offers custom solutions that allow you to replicate your existing packaging shape, size, and visual appeal using compliant materials like CPET. Whether you’re creating single or multi-compartment trays, our engineers ensure each design aligns with your:
- Product type (wet, dry, or mixed meals)
- Sealing system (film, lid, or automated seal)
- Branding needs (embossed logos, labels, or colours)
Explore our tailored Custom Solutions to see how we can future-proof your packaging.
CPET vs Other Tray Materials
While sugarcane (bagasse) trays are ideal for compostable applications, and PP trays work well for cold or microwave-only meals, CPET trays are unbeatable when high heat and presentation are priorities.
| Material | Key Advantage | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| CPET | Oven-safe, recyclable, long shelf life | Slightly higher cost per unit |
| PP | Lightweight, recyclable, cost-efficient | Not suitable for oven use |
| Bagasse | Compostable and eco-friendly | Limited heat and moisture resistance |
Selecting the right tray is about aligning functionality with sustainability — and CPET often sits perfectly in that intersection.
The Carewell Commitment
At Carewell Group, we believe packaging should enhance food quality, simplify logistics, and protect the planet. That’s why we provide sustainable, high-performance materials like CPET trays to businesses looking to modernise their packaging lines.
Our packaging experts collaborate with clients to:
- Audit current packaging for recyclability and compliance
- Recommend future-ready material upgrades
- Custom-engineer trays suited to specific menus or production lines
For brands ready to elevate their packaging, CPET offers a smart path forward — both practically and sustainably.
Final Thought
As Australia’s food landscape shifts toward cleaner, greener, and smarter operations, CPET trays are leading the way. They don’t just contain food — they preserve freshness, uphold safety, and reflect your brand’s environmental commitment.
If your ready meal business is preparing for the next generation of packaging standards, it’s time to make the switch.
Carewell Group Pty Ltd
Unit 27/191 McCredie Road, Smithfield, NSW 2164
+61 0477 123 699
sales@carewellgroup.com.au | info@carewellgroup.com.au | logistics@carewellgroup.com.au
