Patented, mono-PET MAP solution, circular by design
kp Elite® offers breakthrough recyclability and performance for mono-PET MAP applications. Endorsed by TCEP, patented, and circular by design
|
kp Elite® is a modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tray for fresh protein. Choosing kp Elite® means benefiting from innovation, securing trusted protection and advancing sustainability – all backed by proven performance and the strength of legal protection.
Patented, mono-PET MAP solution, circular by design
kp Elite® is a breakthrough packaging innovation engineered for recyclability, performance, and sustainability. This patented, mono-PET MAP solution, circular by design, is endorsed by TCEP and delivers measurable benefits across the supply chain - from packers and processors to retailers and sustainability leaders.
For Packers & Processors: Efficiency meets compliance
kp Elite® is built to perform under pressure. Its patented sealing technology ensures consistent, high-quality results - even sealing through contamination to maintain pack integrity. With reduced sealing time and lower temperature requirements, it boosts line efficiency while lowering energy consumption.
Made with high recycled content, kp Elite® helps you stay compliant with plastic packaging tax regulations in markets like the UK and Spain. This patented, mono-PET MAP solution, circular by design minimises waste, improves uptime, and supports your sustainability targets - all while reducing per-unit costs and tax liabilities.
For Retailers: Shelf impact and sustainability
Crystal-clear visibility and extended shelf life make kp Elite® a standout choice for retailers. Its exceptional clarity enhances product appeal, while MAP technology and robust sealing reduce spoilage and food waste. The peelable seal offers convenience that improves customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Designed for recycling (D4R) and aligned with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines, kp Elite® earns a favourable “green” classification - helping retailers lower EPR fees and meet corporate sustainability commitments. It’s a patented, mono-PET MAP solution, circular by design that delivers both shelf impact and environmental value.
Sustainability: Circular by design, proven in practice
kp Elite® is more than recyclable - it’s built for circularity. Manufactured using kp Tray2Tray® technology, it supports closed-loop recycling and is made with up to 100% recycled PET. Endorsed by Petcore (TCEP), it meets industry-recognised sustainability standards and reduces reliance on virgin plastic.
With energy-efficient sealing and extended shelf life, kp Elite® helps reduce carbon footprint and food waste across the supply chain. It’s a strategic asset for companies pursuing ESG and CSR goals - a patented, mono-PET MAP solution, circular by design that aligns with global sustainability initiatives.
“ Sustainable packaging has an important role to play in containing, protecting and preserving our food, and kp Elite® is an ideal solution; not only is it 100% recyclable, it’s created using recycled content and it also delivers a plastic weight reduction.
We’re absolutely delighted that we’re set to achieve our transition to mono material plastic trays well ahead of the 2025 deadline set by On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL). This means that our poultry trays can continue to be recycled at kerbside.”
Matt Harris, Head of Packaging at Moy Park
|
Fully recyclable
Our kp Elite® trays have been endorsed as recyclable by the Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) of Petcore Europe. .
Include kp Tray2Tray®
Our kp Tray2Tray® technology creates a closed loop for food trays. We work with our partners to recover used food trays and turn them into new food packaging trays.
Operational excellence
kp Elite® brings productivity benefits and cost savings compared to rPET/PE and rPET mono alternatives.
kp Elite®’s capability to seal through contamination reduces potential leakers, rework and ultimately reduces food waste.
Combine with other techologies
By combining kp Elite® with other market leading technologies such as kp Zapora® and kp Kapture®, the finished pack solution becomes even easier to recycle.
Maximum strength, exceptional clarity
Lighter pack with a lower carbon footprint while maintaining maximum resistance for food protection. Clear presentation for increased consumer appeal.
Patent protected
Both the kp Elite® product and its manufacturing process are patent protected.
TCEP is an independent industry association dedicated to advancing PET thermoform recycling and is establishing itself as the leading authority on Design for Recycling (D4R) for food packaging trays. Its rigorous evaluation standards are already influencing the development of future Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) policies. .
|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kp Elite®?
It’s a patented, washable adhesive solution for our mono-PET MAP trays. It removes the need for a PE sealing layer. So, it’s a fully recyclable solution as endorsed by TCEP.
Prior to kp Elite®, a PE layer was utilised across the full tray surface to create a seal to the lid film.
kp Elite® replaced the PE layer with a hot melt adhesive only on the tray sealing flange.
What’s the difference between rPET and PCR trays?
When we talk about PET trays, the two terms are the same. rPET stands for recycled PET and PCR stands for Post Consumer Recyclate. The addition of a percentage in front of rPET or PCR indicates how much recycled PET has been used to make the tray.
What is kp Tray2Tray®?
Replacing recycled content from bottles with recycled content from trays is at the heart of our kp Tray2Tray® programme. This is circularity in action! In 2024 12.5% of our recycled material was from kp Tray2Tray® and in this way, we helped create demand for one billion food trays to be recycled.
kp Elite® and kp Tray2Tray® bring two innovations together. With the potential to include up to 100% Tray2Tray flake, it’s a fully circular solution offering maximum food protection and safety and exceptional clarity.
Why is the TCEP endorsement important?
The TCEP endorsement is particularly significant for kp's Tray2Tray® initiative, which aims to close the loop on PET tray recycling by recovering post-consumer PET trays and recycling them into new, food-safe packaging. With an estimated one million tonnes of PET trays produced annually in the EU, but only 5% currently recycled back into food-grade trays, TCEP endorsement helps to validate the circularity potential of kp's fresh and innovative approach to closing the tray loop.
kp Elite® can be seen here, applied to the tray sealing flange.
What applications can kp Elite® be used for?
Any fresh and processed protein applications such as fresh red meat, fresh poultry, fresh fish and meat alternatives.
Have you conducted any LCA studies on kp Elite®?
Yes, in 2020 we conducted an independent and peer-reviewed life cycle assessment (LCA) of different modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) types. kp Elite® in combination with a mono tray made of rPET and a laminated lidding film (BOPP/PE-EVOH-PE) was found to have the lowest overall environmental impact. You can read the ‘at-a-glance findings below’ and request a sales call if you want to know more.
Does kp Elite® combined with your 100% PCR trays cost more than other PET solutions on the market?
When you consider total cost of ownership, kp Elite® is the lowest cost solution.
|
Here are the ‘at-a-glance’ findings from the independent, peer-reviewed LCA assessment
Request a sales call if you’d like to know more
|
kp Elite®
|
Mono material tray: 100% rPET
Adhesive: very small amount (polyolefin
based) used around the edge of the tray
to seal it to the lidding film
Lidding film: BOPP/PE-EVOH-PE
complex laminate
|
• kp Elite® has the lowest overall
environmental impact compared
to the other MAPs studied.
• This is due largely to the facts that the tray
is the lightest weight of those studied and
is made from 100% rPET.
|
PET/PE
|
Mixed-material tray: PET/PE: 94.8% PET
(92% recycled and 8% virgin) and 5.2% PE
on the inner surface of the tray to facilitate
heat sealing of the lidding film
Lidding film: PET/PE-EVOH-PE: virgin PET
with a PE layer that enables heat-sealing of
the lidding film to the tray
|
• Although the tray is the second‑lightest
in the assessment, the use of
virgin materials contributes to the
environmental impact. Energy use impact
is 28% greater than kp Elite®.
• The tray is listed as ‘Widely recycled’,
but it may not get recycled as it is a mix of
rPET and PE, not a mono material. If the
tray is incinerated instead of recycled, the
carbon emissions increase by 49%.
|
PET Mono
|
Mono material tray: PET: 92% rPET,
8% virgin PET
Lidding film: PET: virgin PET multi-layered
film
|
• The tray and lidding film together
account for the second-largest carbon
emissions impact. This is 22% greater
than kp Elite®.
• Having the third-heaviest tray
contributes significantly to
the environmental impact.
|
PP
|
Mono material tray: PP: virgin PP
Lidding film: PET/PP-EVOH-PP: virgin PET
with a PP layer that enables the lidding film
to be heat-sealed to the tray
|
• It is the only virgin plastic material
tray, which contributes to it having
the highest carbon emissions impact
of those assessed.
• In contrast to PET, PP is not currently
mechanically recycled to food grade,
which therefore requires the use of
virgin PP.
|
Cartonboard
|
Tray: Folding cartonboard/PE/PA
Top web film: PE/PA
Base web film: PE/PA and EVA adhesive
(to attach the base web to the tray)
|
• Water use impact is significantly higher
(195% greater than kp Elite®), the key
contributor being the cartonboard
outer tray.
• The base and top web films make
the largest contribution to the carbon
emissions impact, related to raw
materials, conversion and end-oflife
processes.
|
