Erkap · Farewell to aluminium
Switching from aluminium to paper
A short, practical guide for ready-meal, bakery and catering producers who want to replace aluminium containers with paper.
Aluminium trays can be replaced with paper containers that are oven-safe up to 220 °C and freezer-safe. For ready meals, the Erkap Food Container replaces the aluminium meal tray and, unlike aluminium, is also microwave-safe; its lid closes by hand without heat sealing or machines. The Rectangular Baking Tray is used for loaf cakes and portioned meals, and the Soufflé Cup for soufflés and lava cakes. Paper leaves no metallic taste and can be printed with your brand.
Why producers are switching to paper
Microwave
Aluminium trays cannot go in the microwave. The Erkap Food Container works in the oven, microwave and freezer, so consumers heat the meal in its own container.
Taste
Aluminium can leave a metallic taste. A paper container does not affect the flavour.
Material
The container is made of recyclable paper. The Erkap Food Container’s lid is cardboard too, with no plastic lid.
Brand
Aluminium is grey and metallic. Every surface of the paper container and lid can carry your brand colours and logo.
Which Erkap product replaces which aluminium container?
The three most common aluminium containers and their paper equivalents:
Check before you switch
Having this information ready before requesting samples speeds up testing:
- Baking temperature and time: Erkap paper products can be used in the oven up to 220 °C.
- Cold chain: is your product sold chilled or frozen?
- How consumers reheat: oven, microwave or both.
- Portion and volume: the Erkap Food Container comes in 350, 500 and 1000 ml; custom sizes on request.
- Closing: the Erkap Food Container lid locks by hand, no sealing machine needed. The Baking Tray and Soufflé Cup run on automatic production lines.
- Storage and shipping: the Erkap Food Container is packed 600 per carton (350 and 500 ml) and 400 per carton (1000 ml).
Switch in four steps
Request samples
Fill in the form and we will send samples in the right size for your product.
Test with your product
Test with your own recipe in the oven, freezer, microwave and during shipping.
Choose size and print
Let’s choose the volume, colour and your branded print together.
Production
Your order is produced in a single BRCGS and ISO 22000 certified plant.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of aluminium trays?
Paper containers that are oven and freezer safe. At Erkap, the Erkap Food Container replaces aluminium trays for ready meals, the Rectangular Baking Tray for loaf cakes and portioned meals, and the Soufflé Cup for soufflés.
Can a paper food container go in the microwave?
The Erkap Food Container is suitable for the oven, microwave and freezer. Aluminium trays are not microwave-safe.
How does the lid of the paper container close?
The flat cardboard lid of the Erkap Food Container sits in and locks into an edge curl formed as part of the tray. No heat sealing, machines or plastic clips are needed; lifting the curls with your fingers releases the lid.
What temperature can a paper container withstand in the oven?
Erkap paper products can be used in the oven up to 220 °C.
How can I try the switch?
Fill in the sample form or write to info@erkap.com. We send samples in the right size for your product so you can test them with your own recipe and line.
Related pages
Let’s work together
For wholesale orders, samples or export, our team will get back to you.