Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), a global leader in cellulose-based technologies, has launched an enhanced freezer-grade folding cartonboard designed specifically for frozen food packaging. The new advancement uses certified forest fiber that meets RYAM’s folding grade requirements. It is designed for use in a range of frozen food categories, including protein trays and ready meal packaging, offering brand owners and converters a dependable option as the global frozen food market expands amid rising consumer demand for convenience and extended product shelf life.
Ken Duffy, Senior Vice President of Paperboard and High Yield Pulp at RYAM, commented, “Our enhanced freezer application is a straight response to the consumer needs. This encourages converters to use a freezer-ready solution that serves as a reliable source, simplifying the conversion process. This supports brands to effectively stay competitive without considering production complexity.”
Developed at RYAM’s Temiscaming facility in Canada, the new freezer-ready board represents an evolution of Kallima Paper’s folding grade. The board is built to handle the demands of cold chain logistics, keeping its strength and finish intact even at temperatures as low as 18 degrees Celsius. Its strong resistance to delamination helps it stay durable in freezer conditions, while the surface delivers steady converting performance and supports sharp, high-quality graphics. RYAM added that the material naturally resists condensation and moisture without needing plastic or coating extrusion, making it a more sustainable and cost-efficient option for packaging producers.
The push for sustainable solutions in frozen food packaging is gathering pace. ProAmpac has been showcasing its recyclable R-2000 film line and paper-based RP-1000 series for similar uses, with the RP-1000 earning both an award of distinction and a best-in-class honor at the PAC Global Awards 2025. In another move, the American Packaging Corporation (APC) rolled out its RE design technology last year for recycled flexible packaging. Created with produce processors, the design replaces multi-material, non-recyclable laminates and can be adjusted to meet tougher oxygen and moisture barrier needs for frozen food applications.