Lightest MAP tray design

kp Elite^® Nova: the lightest MAP tray design in its class with unique ribbing – engineered for performance and sustainability

Introducing kp Elite^® Nova, the lightest MAP tray design in its class –  engineered for performance and sustainability.

If you're focused on reducing costs without compromising quality, meet kp Elite^® Nova. Designed using finite element analysis and kp’s deep material expertise, it features unique ribbing that ensures strength while significantly reducing weight.

Key Benefits:

• 10% lighter than any other MAP tray for protein on the market.
• No compromise on strength, sealing, or barrier properties.
• Available now in a wide range of sizes and depths.

And this is just the beginning - kp’s innovation team is committed to ongoing lightweighting advancements while maintaining performance.

Why lightweighting matters:

• Reduced logistics costs.
• Lower carbon footprint.
• Decreased Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees based upon weight
• Supports plastic reduction goals

No compromise on quality: kp Elite^® Nova is the lightest MAP tray design in its class. It combines strength, excellent barrier and outstanding sealing properties which extend shelf life for the fresh and processed protein it protects and promotes. 

Sustainability at the core:

kp Elite^® Nova offers many sustainability benefits. 

• Its low weight can help reduce EPR fees.
• Made with up to 100% recycled PET, kp Elite^® Nova, is endorsed for recycling by the Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform of Petcore Europe (TCEP). It is fully aligned with UK and EU ‘Design for Recycling’ (D4R) guidelines.
• We systematically include kp Tray2Tray^® PCR content which creates a closed loop for food trays.

kp Elite^® Nova is the lightest MAP tray design in its class with unique ribbing – engineered to boost sustainability.

About TCEP. TCEP, an independent industry association focused on PET thermoforms, is a PETCORE initiative rapidly emerging as the definitive authority on ‘Design for Recycling’ (D4R) in food packaging trays. Its stringent evaluation criteria are already helping shape upcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) legislation.

kp Elite^® Nova, the lightest MAP tray design in its class is more than a tray - it's a step forward in sustainable, high performing food packaging.

*Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform

Endorsement - Tray Circularity Evaluation Platform (TCEP) of Petcore Europe

TCEP is an independent industry association dedicated to advancing PET thermoform recycling. As a key initiative under PETCORE, TCEP is quickly 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

How can a lighter pack be as strong as one that has 10% more PET?

With kp Elite^® Nova, we have developed a tray design that can cope with the forces expected during modern MAP packaging processes. The design has been strengthened in critical areas that are subject to strong forces experienced during denesting, transportation and sealing. 

We have effectively reinforced the design where needed and where it’s not needed, we have removed material.

What is finite element analysis?

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computer-based software tool used to calculate how objects behave under applied forces. FEA gives a clear picture of how the whole object will resist deformation, bend, or break, when forces are applied in different positions, magnitudes and directions, helping designers improve kp tray designs quickly and efficiently without building expensive prototypes. 

By selecting the design that best withstands forces, kp can ensure the optimum balance of material weight and strength.

Why have you chosen to endorse kp Elite^® Nova with the TCEP platform?

The TCEP platform brings together technical experts in PET production, design and recycling through its Technical Committee, which is establishing and evolving test procedures while providing confidential assessments of new technologies. This comprehensive approach makes TCEP endorsement particularly valuable for food brands and retailers looking to validate their packaging choices against upcoming PPWR requirements.

I need to seal through contamination. How does kp Elite^® Nova perform in challenging conditions? 

kp Elite^® Nova ensures a reliable and consistent seal for fresh food applications with superior sealing. This gives you best-in-class performance which also complies with EFSA and FDA food contact regulations keeping food fresh and safe. 

Do I need special equipment or new tooling to use kp Elite® Nova?

kp Elite^® Nova is perfectly designed for high-speed automated packing lines for fresh meat, poultry, processed meat, fresh and processed fish. Our dedicated applications engineers are on hand to help facilitate our customer’s transition to this lighter, packaging design.

What is kp Elite^®?

It’s a patented washable adhesive solution for our, up to 100% rPET MAP trays. It removes the need for a PE sealing layer. So, it’s a fully recyclable solution endorsed by TCEP.

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 2022 almost 10% of our recycled material was from kp Tray2Tray^® and the number of trays we recycled increased to 725 million.

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.

For more information about kp’s products, click here www.kpfilms.com

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