GPI collaborates with 2SFG to bring ovenable pizza carton to UK market

Packaging Solutions

Graphic Packaging International (GPI) has collaborated with 2 Sisters Food Group (2SFG) to launch a carton with an ovenable tray insert for Marks & Spencer’s Detroit style ‘Deep & Loaded’ pizzas.

The novel concept has been specially designed by GPI to enable the consumer to conveniently cook a Detroit style pizza – which is characterised by cheese that goes right to the edge and down the sides of the base – in a conventional home oven.

‘We were challenged to create an ovenable cartonboard tray that would achieve a crispy base and eliminate the possibility of superfluous melted cheese spilling over the edge of the pizza and into the appliance,’ said key account manager at GPI, Lauren Hutchinson.

The resulting design allows the consumer to simply remove the artisan look outer carton, using an easy open tear strip, and place the pizza and cartonboard insert tray straight into the oven.

The tray design ensures a crispy base by facilitating air circulation and moisture dispersal, while the fold up sides prevent cheese from entering the oven. The novel design also keeps the tray dry, meaning that it is strong enough to lift the pizza out of the oven and even tolerates pizza cutting.

Lauren continues, ‘Our collaborative development process with 2SFG has realised a final tray that is completely ovenable and can consistently deliver the perfect Detroit style pizza.

‘We are extremely pleased with the end result, which offers the ultimate in convenience and reflects the takeaway experience for the consumer.’

The Marks and Spencer ‘Deep & Loaded’ pizza is on sale in stores nationwide.