| |
Marietta, Georgia, July 17, 2008 -- Wal-Martís Great Value brand lasagna became much easier and quicker for consumers to prepare last year when Wal-Mart switched to a MicroRite tray made by Graphic Packaging International, Inc. which reduced cooking time in the microwave oven by more than 50%. Recently the tray has been honored with a prestigious AmeriStar award from the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP).
ìPreviously, Wal-Mart used a paperboard tray for this product which required as much as 75 minutes of cooking in a conventional oven, or 28 minutes in a microwave oven ñ plus five minutes of setting or cooling time," said Bob Babich, Manager of Market Development for Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK). "Consumers can now take a 40-ounce Great Value lasagna meal from the refrigerator to the table in 13 minutes."
The MicroRite tray was selected as an AmeriStar award winner based on its superiority in six categories - innovation, protection, economics, performance, marketing, and environmental impact. This year's competition featured 100 entries which were evaluated by 15 judges. The award was presented in conjunction with the Packaging Summit Expo and Conference held in May at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.
The MicroRite tray, which consists of aluminum and polyester laminated to a paperboard base, is specially-designed by Graphic Packaging to heat products thoroughly and evenly, thereby eliminating overcooked "hot spots" and undercooked "cold spots."
"Consumers not only benefit from greater convenience and time savings, but also from improved product quality and value," added Babich. "Overcooking in a microwave oven can dehydrate food products, which results in up to 25% product weight loss. Graphic Packagingís MicroRite tray eliminates this and allows consumers to enjoy more of the meal they purchased."
MicroRite packaging material can also be formed into cartons, sleeves, bowls, lids, and discs.
About Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE:GPK), headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, is a leading provider of paperboard packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage and other consumer products companies. The company is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and holds a leading market position in coated-recycled boxboard and specialty bag packaging. The company's customers include some of the most widely recognized companies in the world. Additional information about Graphic Packaging, its business and its products is available on the companyís web site at www.graphicpkg.com.
About the Institute of Packaging Professionals
The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) is the leading individual membership organization serving the educational needs of the packaging community. It is committed to providing continuing educational programs of interest and value to all packaging professionals. These programs cover all packaging-related areas of business and technology, as well as fundamental principles. With more than 5,000 members and headquarters in Naperville, Illinois, the organization supports the development of the best possible packaging programs and events. For more information, visit www.iopp.org.
|
