In today’s competitive food market, presentation, freshness and shelf life are everything. For butchers, deli counters, farm shops and farmers selling direct to customers, choosing the right packaging can make all the difference. That’s where MeatPAK from SystemPAK comes in, a versatile range of heat-sealable trays designed to protect and showcase fresh meat, poultry and other protein products with professionalism and performance.
What Is MeatPAK as a Packaging Solution and Why It Matters
MeatPAK trays are robust, food-grade containers made specifically for fresh proteins and protein-rich foods. These trays are made from recyclable materials and engineered to work with heat-sealing equipment to give you an airtight, hygienic package every time. They’re suitable for retail display, chilled storage and extended shelf life applications. SystemPAK
Designed for both top sealing and overwrapping, MeatPAK provides a flexible solution that helps preserve product quality and presentation, whether you’re selling traditional cuts of meat, poultry, game, or prepared deli items.
Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) – A Game Changer for Freshness
Many MeatPAK trays are fully compatible with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP). Rather than simply sealing meat in air, MAP replaces the internal atmosphere with a tailored mix of gases such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. This controlled environment slows down microbial growth and oxidation, helping to:
- Extend shelf life without relying on preservatives
- Maintain colour, flavour and texture
- Reduce waste and returns by keeping products fresher for longer
- Expand distribution reach by increasing product stability
This makes MAP particularly valuable for fresh meat and deli products where quality and appearance have a direct impact on sales.
Ribbed vs Non-Ribbed Trays – What’s the Difference?
When choosing your trays, you’ll see options described as ribbed and non-ribbed:
- Ribbed trays have a textured base with raised lines or patterns.
- These ribs help boost rigidity and strength, making trays easier to stack and transport.
- The design can improve gas distribution in MAP applications, helping produce stay fresher for longer.
- Ribbing also helps channel liquids and juices, keeping products looking cleaner in the tray.
- Non-ribbed trays (smooth base) offer a clean, classic look that works for everyday packaging needs, and may suit products where strength demands are lower or visual clarity is priority.
Whether you choose ribbed or smooth, SystemPAK supplies both options in a range of practical sizes and finishes to suit different products and retail environments.
Tray Depth and Size – Tailored to Your Product
MeatPAK trays come in various depths and capacities, allowing you to match packaging precisely to your product type:
- Shallow trays (e.g. ~40–50 mm) are ideal for flatter cuts, portion packs or smaller deli items.
- Medium-depth trays (e.g. ~60 mm) suit thicker steaks or larger cuts while still remaining easy to handle.
- Deeper options (70 mm and above) provide extra space for bulkier products or larger portions.
Selecting the correct depth not only improves presentation but also helps maintain product integrity, preventing compression of delicate items and reducing the risk of spills or damage.
Key Features and Benefits of MeatPAK
Choosing MeatPAK brings a range of practical advantages for businesses focused on fresh food:
Enhanced Freshness and Shelf Life
Heat-seal trays combined with MAP help prolong freshness and maintain quality longer than simple overwrapped trays.
Professional Presentation
Clear, crisp packaging improves product visibility, making goods more attractive on display in butcher cases, farm shops and deli counters.
Hygienic and Secure
Heat-sealed trays offer tamper-evident protection and reduce the risk of contamination critical for food safety and consumer confidence.
Flexible Options
With a choice of materials, finishes, sizes and compatible lid films, you can choose packaging that matches your operation and customer expectations.
Recyclability
SystemPAK’s trays are made from recyclable plastics and are compatible with sustainable disposal systems, supporting your environmental commitments.
Who Benefits Most from MeatPAK?
MeatPAK is especially suited to:
- Butcher shops looking for premium meat presentation
- Delicatessens packaging charcuterie, cooked meats and pates
- Farm shops offering their own produce direct to consumers
- Farmers selling meat products at markets, online or through local retailers
Whatever your scale, MeatPAK provides a professional solution that enhances appeal, prolongs shelf life and supports a high standard of food safety.
For any butcher, deli, farm shop or farmer wanting to elevate their product packaging, MeatPAK trays from SystemPAK deliver the performance, flexibility and presentation today’s customers expect. With options for MAP packaging, a choice of tray styles including ribbed and non-ribbed, and multiple depths to fit different products, it’s a solution that meets the needs of busy food businesses while helping protect freshness, reduce waste and boost sales.
Explore MeatPAK trays today and see how the right packaging can transform your product offering.
