RYAM Introduces Freezer-Ready Cartonboard for Sustainable Frozen Food Packaging

RYAM’s Freezer-Ready Cartonboard to Promote Deep Freeze Product Packaging

The Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM), a leading provider of cellulose-related technologies, has launched its enhanced freezer application for folding cartonboard. This advancement aims to address unmet needs in the packaging of frozen food. This advancement is made from a trustworthy source, qualified forest fiber that meets RYAM’s folding grade. This provides a new solution to brand owners and converters for numerous frozen food applications involving protein trays and ready meal packaging. This innovation launch is initiated as the frozen food market is rapidly emerging globally, fueled by growing consumer demand for convenience and a longer shelf life.

The senior vice president, paperboard and high yield pulp at RYAM, Ken Duffy, said, “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.”

This solution is established at the Temiscaming facility of RYAM, based in Canada. The solution focuses on advancing Kallima Paper’s folding grade to meet the necessary performance and timeframe for cold chain distribution. The freezer-ready cartonboard is engineered to sustain temperatures as low as 18 degrees Celsius. This balances out the resistance to delamination and structural integrity at freezer conditions. The surface also contributes to the continuous conversion results and quality graphics. The RYAM stressed that its natural resistance to condensation and moisture, achieved without plastic or coating extrusion, offers advantages in convertibility, sustainability, and cost efficiency. This potential will pave new ways for development in sustainable packaging solutions.

Most packaging manufacturers are entering the market with sustainable solutions for frozen food. The proAmpac has currently highlighted its recyclable R-2000 film series and paper RP-1000 for frozen food applications. Following this innovation, the proactive recyclable RP-1000 paper platform won an award of distinction and a best-in-class position at the PAC Global Awards 2025.

The American packaging corporation (APC) revealed its RE design for recycled flexible packaging technology last year. This design is aimed at frozen foods. The APC collaborated with produce processors to replace their current multi-material, non-recyclable laminate. The packaging structure can be manipulated to suit more rigorous applications requiring advanced oxygen and moisture barrier properties.