Top 18 Meat Tray Manufacturers in 2026

How We Selected These Meat Tray Manufacturers

We evaluated manufacturers using information published on their official websites and product pages. Inclusion required clear evidence of manufacturing or supplying trays designed specifically for fresh meat, poultry, seafood or other protein products.

The main evaluation factors were:

• Meat and protein packaging expertise

• Support for overwrap, modified atmosphere packaging or vacuum skin packaging

• Material range and barrier options

• Tray strength, sealability, denesting and automation compatibility

• Standard and custom product availability

• Regional manufacturing or distribution coverage

• Published food-contact, recycled-content or sustainability information

• Evidence of current product activity as of July 2026

Marketplace review scores and unverified supplier claims were not used as the sole basis for inclusion. This list does not replace a factory audit, migration test, packaging-line trial or supplier qualification process.

Top 18 Meat Tray Manufacturers in 2026

1. Hi-Tray — Best for Custom PP and High-Barrier Meat Trays

Hi-Tray is a food tray manufacturer based in Changzhou, China, serving processors, wholesalers, distributors and packaging brands in international markets.

Its meat packaging range includes clear, black and white PP trays as well as PP/EVOH/PP high-barrier trays. Available services include customized dimensions, colors, compartments, material structures and branding.

Hi-Tray is particularly relevant to buyers seeking factory-direct meat packaging and the ability to combine stock products with customized development.

Best for: Custom PP meat trays, MAP barrier trays, OEM programs and international wholesale sourcing.

Key options: Standard PP, high-barrier PP/EVOH/PP, clear and colored trays, custom molds and multi-compartment designs.

Buyer check: Confirm the required oxygen transmission rate, tray flange, sealing film, tooling dimensions and destination-market documentation before production.

2. Sealed Air — Best for Integrated MAP and VSP Systems

Sealed Air offers CRYOVAC-brand preformed trays for overwrap, modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum skin packaging.

Its portfolio includes high-barrier PP trays, PET overwrap trays, padded and padless formats, multiple depths and configurations, and compatible lidding, overwrap and vacuum skin films. This system-based approach is valuable when the tray, film, sealant and equipment performance must be evaluated together.

Best for: Large meat processors, case-ready meat programs and companies seeking an integrated tray-and-film supplier.

Key options: MAP, VSP, overwrap, high-barrier PP, PET and recycled-content configurations.

Buyer check: Compare the complete packaging-system cost, technical support coverage and regional SKU availability—not just the tray price.

3. Pactiv Evergreen — Best for North American Supermarket and Processor Trays

Pactiv Evergreen, now part of Novolex, offers one of the broadest North American meat tray portfolios.

Its range includes polystyrene foam supermarket trays, reduced-density polypropylene trays, PET and rPET formats, and both supermarket-grade and processor-grade designs. Some processor trays feature reinforced rims and are designed for high-speed lines, vacuum skin packaging or lid sealing.

Best for: Supermarkets, grocery distributors, fresh meat processors and large North American packaging programs.

Key options: PS foam, RDPP, PET, rPET, padded and unpadded trays.

Buyer check: Verify the recycled content and recyclability of the exact SKU. Material and collection availability can differ by municipality.

4. TekniPlex — Best for Processor-Grade Protein Trays

TekniPlex supplies protein trays for fresh meat and poultry applications using overwrap, MAP and VSP technologies.

Its current portfolio builds on the company’s Dolco packaging experience and includes PET and foam polystyrene processor trays. TekniPlex emphasizes machinability, lightweight strength and compatibility with case-ready meat production.

Best for: Poultry and meat processors using automated case-ready packaging lines.

Key options: PET display trays, PS foam trays, MAP formats and processor-grade designs.

Buyer check: Ask which products are manufactured at the nearest plant and whether pads, films and custom colors are available for the required format.

5. Klöckner Pentaplast — Best for Circular rPET and Padless Technology

Klöckner Pentaplast—commonly known as kp—offers an extensive protein packaging portfolio for fresh meat, poultry and fish.

Its products include rPET MAP and VSP trays, kp Zapora padless trays, kp Elite mono-PET MAP solutions, kp Evolve vacuum skin trays, rXPS trays and lightweight EPP formats. Some rPET products are offered with up to 100% post-consumer recycled content.

Best for: Retailers and processors prioritizing recycled content, pad elimination and tray-to-tray circularity.

Key options: rPET, PET MAP, VSP, padless liquid retention, EPP and rXPS.

Buyer check: Evaluate the recyclability of the complete pack, including the top film, sealant, label and absorbent components—not only the tray.

6. Faerch — Best for European Circular Protein Packaging

Faerch manufactures fresh meat and protein trays for MAP, vacuum skin, flow-wrap and case-ready applications.

Its portfolio includes PET and PP trays, CIRPET+ recycled PET, built-in absorber technology and WRAPET formats. Faerch also works on closed-loop tray recycling and announced a commercial meat tray project using 70% CIRPET+ in 2026.

Best for: European processors seeking recycled PET, tray-to-tray content and established automated-line performance.

Key options: APET, recycled PET, PP, MAP, VSP and integrated absorbency.

Buyer check: Confirm whether the required barrier, recycled-content and color configuration is available from the plant serving your region.

7. Groupe Guillin — Best for Broad European Format Availability

Groupe Guillin supplies PET, PET/PE and PP trays for beef, pork, poultry, fish and prepared foods.

The group offers standard and custom formats for film wrapping and sealing, including MAPTIPACK, DUALIPACK and cardboard-based FOOD K MAP and SKIN solutions. Its products are designed with automatic denesting, sealing equipment and production speed in mind.

Best for: European processors that need a broad product range, standard dimensions and packaging-line support.

Key options: PET, PET/PE, PP, recyclable hybrid trays, MAP and skin-compatible formats.

Buyer check: Groupe Guillin operates through several companies and brands, so buyers should identify the manufacturing site and product family that serves their market.

8. ILIP — Best for Eco-Designed Meat Trays and Automated Lines

ILIP produces three principal fresh food tray families: HeatSealingMaster, StretchMaster and SliceMaster.

Its meat trays are available in high-recycled-content rPET, PET/PE and certified compostable bioplastic formulations. Options include heat-sealable MAP trays, stretch or flow-pack trays, microcell liquid-retention bases and absorbent pads.

Best for: European meat processors using heat sealing, stretch film, flow pack or MAP.

Key options: rPET, PET/PE, compostable bioplastic, microcell bases and automatic-line geometries.

Buyer check: For compostable products, request the applicable certification and confirm that the target market has an appropriate industrial composting system.

9. Cascades — Best for Multi-Material North American Programs

Cascades offers trays for meat, poultry and seafood in several materials.

Its protein packaging range includes rPET rolled-edge trays, rPET/PE barrier trays, polystyrene trays and recyclable cardboard formats. This breadth allows buyers to compare conventional, recycled-plastic and fiber-based options through one supplier.

Best for: North American processors and retailers evaluating more than one material strategy.

Key options: rPET, rPET/PE barrier, PS and cardboard trays.

Buyer check: Ask for the material composition and end-of-life guidance for the complete package, especially for laminated barrier structures.

10. Pact Group — Best for Australasian Protein Packaging

Pact Group manufactures thermoformed protein trays for the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Its fresh meat portfolio includes recyclable trays made with recycled content and MoistureLock technology, which manages meat purge without a separate soaker pad. Pact also operates a tray-to-tray initiative that uses recovered PET tray material in new packaging.

Best for: Meat, poultry and seafood processors in Australia and New Zealand.

Key options: rPET protein trays, padless MoistureLock designs and custom packaging.

Buyer check: Confirm local tray-to-tray content, collection infrastructure and supply availability for the required state or country.

11. CKF — Best for Conventional North American Meat Trays

CKF manufactures both rPET and foam meat trays for retailers and food processors.

Its range includes multiple standard meat tray dimensions, colors and strength grades. The company’s foam trays are positioned for meat and produce presentation, while rPET formats provide a rigid alternative for buyers moving away from conventional foam.

Best for: Canadian and North American supermarkets, distributors and traditional meat departments.

Key options: rPET meat and produce trays and foam meat trays.

Buyer check: Review local restrictions on expanded polystyrene and confirm whether the product is supermarket-grade or processor-grade.

12. Knauf Industries — Best for Custom European Meat Packaging

Knauf Industries manufactures PP and PET packaging for beef, pork, poultry and processed meats.

Its Kary product families include standard and custom formats for MAP, skin packaging and retail display. The company also offers design and technical development through its ID Lab and manufactures several meat packaging lines in France.

Best for: European processors that need custom design support or established French manufacturing.

Key options: PP, PET, MAP, skin and standard European B5, B6 and B2 formats.

Buyer check: Validate the required sealant, absorber and film combination on the actual tray-sealing equipment.

13. Coopbox — Best for Central and Eastern European Supply

Coopbox produces XPS, PP and PET packaging for meat, cured meats, fish and other fresh foods.

Its VISTAFRESH line is designed for protective-atmosphere meat packaging, while VISTAPP polypropylene trays focus on gas tightness, denesting and movement through production lines. Coopbox also operates manufacturing capacity in Eastern Europe.

Best for: Processors seeking a regional European supplier with foam and rigid plastic options.

Key options: XPS, rXPS, PP, PET and protective-atmosphere trays.

Buyer check: Product availability can vary by plant, so specify the destination, annual volume and required material before requesting samples.

14. silver plastics — Best for Padless and Self-Absorbing Designs

silver plastics manufactures meat packaging in rPET, PP and XPS.

Its CAPIRELLA rPET tray is designed without a separate absorbent pad, adhesive or PE coating. The INCUCINA range consists of polypropylene MAP trays, while the company also supplies self-absorbing and conventional XPS formats.

Best for: European buyers interested in padless liquid management and mono-material tray concepts.

Key options: Padless rPET, mono-PP MAP, self-absorbing XPS and lidding films.

Buyer check: Test real purge volume, retention after tilting, seal integrity and consumer handling with the actual meat product.

15. Solidus — Best for Fiber-Based MAP and Skin Packaging

Solidus develops solid-board packaging for fresh and frozen meat, poultry and meat alternatives.

Its portfolio includes meat boxes, consumer-sized MAP trays and skin packaging. Some formats combine solid board with a thin plastic barrier layer to reduce plastic while maintaining sealing and shelf-life performance.

Best for: European processors and retailers pursuing fiber-led packaging and high-quality printed presentation.

Key options: Solid-board boxes, board-based MAP trays, skin packaging and custom printing.

Buyer check: Confirm how the liner separates from the board, which waste stream applies and whether consumers can realistically separate the components.

16. Smurfit Westrock — Best for Bulk and Club-Store Protein Trays

Smurfit Westrock supplies corrugated, paper-based meat packing trays for protein distribution and retail display.

Products include reinforced corner trays, VPS trays, breaker boxes, shelf-ready formats and six-corner clamshell trays. They are designed for stacking, pallet stability, branding and efficient stocking.

Best for: Club stores, bulk protein transport, mixed pallets and shelf-ready secondary packaging.

Key options: Corrugated trays, heavy-duty boxes, printable retail trays and automated packaging systems.

Buyer check: These products are not direct replacements for every hermetically sealed retail meat tray. Confirm whether a liner or separate primary package is required.

17. Great River Plastics — Best for Custom U.S. Thermoforming

Great River Plastics manufactures custom thermoformed packaging in Wisconsin.

Its food portfolio includes specialty meat trays, seafood trays, freezer trays, cavity trays and custom inserts. The company focuses on made-to-order designs and high-volume programs using materials sourced from U.S. vendors.

Best for: U.S. brands requiring a specialized tray rather than a standard supermarket footprint.

Key options: Custom thermoformed meat, seafood and freezer trays.

Buyer check: Define the barrier, sealant, film compatibility and food-contact conditions because a custom tray shape alone does not create a complete shelf-life solution.

18. Elsepack 

Elsepack manufactures custom thermoformed meat trays for sausages, burgers, poultry, seafood and prepared foods.

Its published material range includes PP, PET, rPET, PS and high-barrier structures. The trays can be developed for top sealing, flow wrapping, BDF and modified-atmosphere processes. Elsepack also publishes comparatively low starting order quantities for certain projects.

Best for: Buyers testing custom shapes, colors or lower-volume export programs.

Key options: PP, PET, rPET, PP/EVOH/PE, custom colors and multiple packaging formats.

Buyer check: Verify every certificate and test report against the specific material, manufacturing plant, food type and intended temperature condition.

Meat Tray Materials Compared

No material is automatically the most sustainable option in every market. Package weight, recycled content, food waste, transport efficiency, local collection and the recyclability of the complete pack should be assessed together.

Overwrap vs MAP vs Vacuum Skin Packaging

Overwrap Trays

Overwrap uses stretch or breathable film around a preformed tray. It is familiar, economical and suitable for rapid-turnover fresh meat. However, it normally provides less control over oxygen and shelf life than a properly validated barrier package.

Modified Atmosphere Packaging

MAP replaces the air inside a sealed tray with a controlled gas mixture. The correct combination of tray, barrier layer, lidding film, seal integrity, gas ratio and cold-chain control can slow spoilage and maintain product appearance.

A tray should not be described as “MAP-ready” based only on its shape. The barrier structure, flange design and film seal must all be validated.

Vacuum Skin Packaging

VSP uses a heated film that conforms closely to the meat and seals to the tray. It can improve product stability, reduce movement and create a premium display. High-barrier VSP systems are commonly used for steaks, premium cuts, seafood and case-ready proteins.

How to Choose the Right Meat Tray Manufacturer

1. Define the Exact Food Application

Tell the supplier whether the tray will hold beef, pork, poultry, processed meat, seafood or a ready-to-cook product. Include the product weight, fat level, bone exposure, purge volume and target shelf life.

2. Specify the Packaging Method

State whether the tray will be used for manual overwrap, automatic stretch wrapping, flow pack, MAP, VSP or heat sealing without gas. These formats require different rim geometries and material structures.

3. Match the Tray to Existing Equipment

Provide the tray-sealer manufacturer, machine model, tooling dimensions, film specification, line speed and denesting method. A small flange or corner-radius difference can cause seal failures or production stoppages.

4. Request Application-Specific Compliance Documents

For the U.S. market, do not rely only on the phrase “FDA approved.” The FDA regulates food-contact substances according to their composition and intended conditions of use. Ask for documentation covering the specific resin, additives, colorants and recycled-content process. The FDA food-contact guidance explains this framework.

For the European Union, request documentation for the relevant food-contact rules. The European Commission states that food-contact materials must comply with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004, applicable material-specific legislation and good manufacturing practices. See the European Commission’s food-contact materials guidance.

5. Test Samples on the Production Line

Test more than appearance and dimensions. A useful validation program should include:

• Denesting and line-feeding performance

• Tray deformation and flange flatness

• Seal-window testing

• Seal integrity with a clean and contaminated flange

• Leak, burst or dye-penetration testing

• Oxygen and moisture barrier performance where applicable

• Purge absorption and liquid retention

• Drop, vibration and top-load resistance

• Chilled, frozen, microwave or oven exposure as applicable

• Odor, taste and migration testing

• Pallet stability and transport trials

6. Compare Total Landed Cost

Unit price alone can be misleading. Include tooling, sample development, rejected trays, film consumption, pads, freight, tariffs, pallet utilization, line downtime and food loss.

A slightly higher-priced tray may reduce total cost if it denests reliably, uses less film, eliminates a pad or reduces leakage.

7. Audit Supply Continuity

Ask about monthly capacity, backup lines, mold ownership, raw-material sourcing, preventive maintenance, disaster recovery and alternative production plants. Meat processors cannot easily absorb an interruption in tray supply.

2026 Regulations and Sourcing Trends

EU PPWR Begins to Apply in August 2026

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40, entered into force in February 2025 and will generally apply from August 12, 2026. Its requirements cover packaging design, composition, waste prevention, recyclability and producer responsibilities, although individual obligations follow different implementation dates. The official timeline is available from the European Commission.

Buyers selling into the EU should request:

• Complete packaging composition and weight

• Evidence supporting recyclability claims

• Recycled-content documentation where applicable

• Information about substances of concern

• Technical documentation and traceability

• Country-specific EPR information where relevant

A generic “PPWR compliant” statement should not replace product-specific documentation.

More Padless Meat Tray Designs

Manufacturers are developing channels, microcells and integrated absorbency systems that remove separate pads and adhesives. These designs may simplify packing and improve recyclability, but they must be tested with real purge volumes and display angles.

Growth of Tray-to-Tray Recycled PET

Several major manufacturers are using recovered food trays to make new rPET packaging. Buyers should distinguish genuine tray-to-tray content from recycled PET sourced primarily from beverage bottles.

Greater Demand for Mono-Material Packs

Retailers increasingly prefer trays and films designed around a compatible polymer family. However, “mono-material” does not automatically mean that the finished pack will be collected and recycled in every market.

Fiber and Hybrid Trays Continue to Expand

Solid board, molded fiber and paper-plastic hybrid trays provide branding and plastic-reduction opportunities. Their success depends on moisture resistance, sealability, barrier performance and consumer separation behavior.

Meat Tray Manufacturer RFQ Checklist

A complete request for quotation should contain:

• Meat or protein type

• Portion weight and dimensions

• Chilled, frozen or heated use

• Target shelf life

• Overwrap, MAP, VSP, flow-pack or sealing format

• Gas mixture, if already defined

• Tray-sealer and tooling details

• Current lidding or overwrap film

• Required material or barrier level

• Expected purge volume

• Required colors and branding

• Annual and monthly order volume

• Delivery destination

• Pallet and carton requirements

• Applicable food-contact market

• Required certificates and test reports

• Target sample and production dates

Providing these details allows manufacturers to quote a functional packaging system instead of offering a visually similar but technically unsuitable tray.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the leading meat tray manufacturers in 2026?

Leading manufacturers include Hi-Tray, Sealed Air, Pactiv Evergreen, TekniPlex, Klöckner Pentaplast, Faerch, Groupe Guillin, ILIP, Cascades, Pact Group, CKF, Knauf Industries, Coopbox, silver plastics, Solidus, Smurfit Westrock, Great River Plastics and Elsepack.

The best choice depends on material, packaging method, order volume, geographic market and equipment compatibility.

What is the best material for a meat tray?

PP and high-barrier PP structures are strong choices for MAP, VSP and applications requiring grease or temperature resistance. PET and rPET offer high clarity for retail display. Foam PS remains lightweight and economical but faces recycling and regulatory limitations. Fiber-based trays can reduce plastic but may require a liner or coating.

What is the difference between a standard meat tray and a MAP tray?

A standard tray generally supports the product and film during overwrapping. A MAP tray must also maintain a reliable gas barrier and hermetic seal with the selected lidding film. Its material structure, flange, sealant and rigidity must be validated as part of the complete packaging system.

Are meat trays recyclable?

Some mono-PP, PET and rPET trays are technically recyclable, but actual recycling depends on local collection, sorting, color, labels, pads, films and food contamination. Barrier laminates and fiber-plastic combinations may require additional separation or specialized recycling.

Always qualify recycling claims for the market where the package will be sold.

Are meat trays FDA approved?

The phrase “FDA approved tray” can be misleading. The FDA evaluates or authorizes food-contact substances for specific manufacturers and conditions of use. Buyers should request documentation demonstrating that every relevant component is permitted for the intended food type, temperature and contact duration.

What certifications should a meat tray supplier have?

Relevant evidence may include BRCGS Packaging Materials, FSSC 22000, ISO 9001, declarations of compliance, migration test reports, traceability records and recycled-content certifications. The exact requirements depend on the customer and destination market.

A certificate should be checked for its issuing body, manufacturing address, scope and expiry date.

Can one meat tray work on every sealing machine?

No. Tooling dimensions, flange geometry, sealing temperature, dwell time, pressure, film sealant and denesting design vary between machines. Always test production-intent samples on the actual packing line.

What is the typical MOQ for custom meat trays?

Stock trays may be available in smaller quantities, while custom colors, barrier structures and new molds generally require larger production runs. MOQ varies widely by manufacturer, material, tray weight and tooling. Buyers should request separate quotations for stock, modified-stock and fully custom options.

How long does custom meat tray development take?

The timeline depends on design complexity, mold fabrication, resin sourcing, sampling and line trials. A custom program usually includes technical review, drawings, prototype or trial tooling, sample approval, production tooling and validation. Allow additional time for migration testing or retailer approval.

Final Recommendation

There is no single meat tray manufacturer that is ideal for every buyer.

Large processors may prioritize regional supply, complete MAP or VSP systems and on-site technical support. Importers and wholesalers may prioritize customization, factory-direct pricing and product consolidation. Retailers may focus on shelf presentation, recycled content, leak control and consumer disposal.

Create a shortlist based on your region and packaging method, request product-specific documentation, and run samples under real production and cold-chain conditions before approving a supplier.

For custom PP meat trays or high-barrier PP/EVOH/PP packaging, send Hi-Tray your tray dimensions, meat type, packaging method, equipment model, target market and estimated volume. The team can review a standard or custom solution and arrange meat tray samples for testing.