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What is a thermoformed tray?
One thermoformed tray It is a rigid plastic container with thin, uniform walls, manufactured from a sheet of material—usually PET or RPET—that is heated and molded using vacuum or pressure over a mold that precisely matches the shape of the product it will contain. It is one of the most widely used packaging formats in the food industry due to its versatility: it is suitable for fruits, vegetables, meat products, baked goods, and many other foods.
Unlike other plastic containers, thermoformed trays are characterized by their transparency, structural strength, and the ability to be manufactured in various thicknesses and depths, with or without internal compartments, depending on the requirements of your production line.
How is it manufactured, and what makes it different from other types of packaging?
The thermoforming process begins with a flat sheet that is heated to a controlled temperature at which it becomes malleable and is then shaped using vacuum or pressure against a metal mold. This process makes it possible to produce large volumes of thermoformed food trays with a lower unit cost than other manufacturing methods, without compromising dimensional consistency between batches.
Another important difference compared to injection-molded or blow-molded containers is the material efficiency: thermoforming allows for thinner walls without sacrificing strength, which reduces the amount of plastic used per unit produced—an increasingly important factor for companies seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.
What characteristics should a thermoformed tray for food use have?
Not all thermoformed tray Products available on the market must meet the necessary standards for food contact. At a minimum, they must have a valid INVIMA certification guaranteeing that the material is suitable for direct contact with food, and be made of a material with sufficient strength to withstand the weight and handling it will experience during transport and display.
It is also important to evaluate the transparency of the material—a key factor for point-of-sale displays—and the possibility of manufacturing it from RPET (recycled PET 100%), an option that an increasing number of food companies are prioritizing to meet their own sustainability commitments.
How to Choose the Ideal Thermoformed Tray for Your Production Line
The first step is to define the physical characteristics of your product: weight, shape, whether it contains liquids, and whether it needs internal compartments or dividers. From there, it’s essential to work with a manufacturer that can offer you different sizes and, if necessary, design a custom mold for your product.
You should also consider whether the tray is compatible with your automated sealing or packaging process, and the supplier's ability to handle your production volume without causing bottlenecks on your line. A thermoformed container Incorrect sizing can lead to delays, additional packaging costs, or even product rejections at the point of sale.
Why Choose Lamiempaques as Your Thermoformed Tray Manufacturer
In Lamiempaques We design and manufacture thermoformed trays using our own vertically integrated production process, which allows us to control every stage—from the sheet material to the finished package. This ensures consistent quality and reliable delivery times for your production line.
We are INVIMA-certified and work with certified RPET, which allows you to offer your customers safe and sustainable packaging. In addition, our nationwide distribution network enables us to support food companies in different regions of Colombia, regardless of the scale of your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a thermoformed tray and a thermo-molded tray?
They refer to the same product: “thermoformed” and “thermo-conformed” are used interchangeably in the industry to describe packaging molded using heat and a vacuum or pressure from a plastic sheet.
Which material is better for a thermoformed food-grade tray: PET or RPET?
Both offer similar strength and transparency; the difference is that RPET (recycled PET 100%) has a lower environmental impact without sacrificing the properties required for food contact.
Can I order a thermoformed tray with custom dimensions?
Yes, a manufacturer with in-house design capabilities can develop a mold tailored to the weight, shape, and compartments your product requires.
Are thermoformed trays suitable for freezing or only for refrigeration?
It depends on the material and gauge; there are types designed to withstand low temperatures without becoming brittle, so it's important to check directly with the manufacturer based on how you plan to use it.
Find the perfect thermoformed tray for your product
If your production line needs a thermoformed tray Reliable, certified, and adaptable to your product—at Lamiempaques, we can help you determine the ideal format. Contact us and tell us about your production line so we can recommend the best solution for you.
