PP/EVOH/PE High Barrier Tray Manufacturer for MAP Food Packaging
HSQY supplies PP/EVOH/PE high barrier trays for modified atmosphere packaging, chilled food packaging and heat-sealed retail food packs. The multilayer tray structure combines polypropylene for mechanical and thermal performance, EVOH for oxygen barrier and a PE-based functional layer that supports sealing or other structure-specific requirements.
The current HSQY range includes rectangular white, black and clear high-barrier trays in multiple footprints and depths for fresh meat, poultry, seafood, prepared foods, deli products and frozen or chilled meals. Custom tray dimensions, colors, barrier structures, compartments, sealing flanges and export packing can be evaluated for food processors and packaging distributors.
Quick answer: A PP/EVOH/PE tray is a multilayer thermoformed food tray designed to reduce oxygen transmission and maintain the atmosphere inside a sealed package. The tray only delivers high-barrier performance when it is combined with a compatible high-barrier lidding film and a validated seal.
How the PP/EVOH/PE Multilayer Structure Works
The function of a high-barrier tray comes from the complete layer structure rather than one polymer alone. Layer order, thickness, tie layers and the sealing surface vary by manufacturer and application, so buyers should request the exact cross-section for the proposed grade.
| Layer or Component | Primary Function | Purchasing Consideration |
| PP Structural Layer | Provides tray stiffness, impact resistance, oil resistance and heat performance. | Confirm PP grade, tray weight, wall distribution and approved temperature range. |
| Tie or Adhesive Layer | Bonds chemically different polymers in the coextruded or laminated structure. | Verify interlayer adhesion after forming, chilling and intended heating conditions. |
| EVOH Barrier Layer | Reduces oxygen, aroma and flavor transmission. | Define required OTR, humidity conditions, shelf life and post-forming barrier. |
| PE Functional or Seal Layer | Can provide a sealable surface and help protect the moisture-sensitive EVOH layer. | Match the exact sealing surface with the lidding film and sealing equipment. |
| Thermoformed Tray Geometry | Creates the food cavity, flange and stacking features. | Deep drawing thins the material and can change barrier and mechanical performance. |
EVOH is highly effective against oxygen under suitable conditions, but its barrier performance is sensitive to moisture. The surrounding PP, PE and tie layers help protect the EVOH and maintain the integrity of the multilayer structure.
HSQY PP High Barrier Tray Product Range
HSQY currently lists several rectangular high-barrier tray formats in white, black and clear. The product names provide the nominal outer dimensions; final flange dimensions, usable capacity, tray weight and case packing should be confirmed from the approved drawing.
| Current HSQY Model | Nominal Dimensions | Color and Typical Use |
| Compact Rectangular High Barrier Tray | 7.3 × 4.7 × 2.0 in, approximately 185 × 119 × 51 mm | Clear; deeper portions, chilled foods and prepared products. |
| Shallow Retail MAP Tray | 7.5 × 5.6 × 1.2 in, approximately 190 × 143 × 30 mm | White; fresh meat, poultry, seafood and deli display. |
| Medium Rectangular High Barrier Tray | 7.9 × 5.5 × 1.6 in, approximately 201 × 140 × 41 mm | Clear; prepared foods and chilled retail packs. |
| Black Retail High Barrier Tray | 8.7 × 5.1 × 1.6 in, approximately 221 × 130 × 41 mm | Black; meat, ready-to-cook foods and premium presentation. |
| Large White MAP Tray | 10.3 × 6.8 × 2.0 in, approximately 262 × 173 × 51 mm | White; larger meat, poultry, seafood and meal portions. |
| Extra-Large White High Barrier Tray | 12.0 × 7.6 × 2.5 in, approximately 305 × 193 × 64 mm | White; family packs, bulk portions and foodservice applications. |
Related products include the 190 × 143 × 30 mm white PP high barrier tray, 8.7 × 5.1 × 1.6 inch black tray, 7.3 × 4.7 × 2 inch clear tray and 12 × 7.6 × 2.5 inch white tray.
Typical PP/EVOH/PE Tray Specifications
The following values summarize the published HSQY category and product information. They should be treated as selection guidance rather than a universal specification for every tray.
| Specification | Typical HSQY Options |
| Material Structure | Food-contact PP with an EVOH and PE high-barrier or sealable structure; exact layer sequence subject to the approved specification |
| Tray Shape | Rectangular as the main current format; custom square, oval or compartment designs can be evaluated |
| Current Colors | White, black and clear; custom colors subject to volume and food-contact review |
| Compartments | Current examples are mainly single-compartment; custom divided trays may be developed |
| Published Temperature Range | Approximately -16°C to 100°C for a selected HSQY high-barrier tray model |
| Packaging System | Heat sealing, modified atmosphere packaging and selected chilled or frozen food applications |
| Current Published MOQ | 30,000 pieces for a representative HSQY high-barrier tray; confirm MOQ by mold, color and barrier structure |
| Customization | Size, depth, color, compartment layout, barrier structure, logo, flange and carton packing |
| Sample Testing | Recommended before commercial approval for forming, sealing, gas retention, stacking and food compatibility |
What Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging?
Modified atmosphere packaging replaces part of the air inside a sealed food package with a controlled gas mixture. Oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are selected in different proportions according to the food, microbial risks, color requirements and target shelf life.
The tray does not generate or actively control the gas mixture by itself. A MAP system normally includes the high-barrier tray, compatible lidding film, gas-flushing tray sealer, validated sealing parameters and controlled cold-chain storage.
| MAP Component | Function | What Must Be Validated |
| High Barrier Tray | Provides structural support and limits gas transmission through the base and sidewalls. | Post-forming barrier, flange condition, top load and dimensions. |
| High Barrier Lidding Film | Closes the package and controls gas and moisture transmission through the top web. | Film structure, sealant chemistry, anti-fog, peel strength and barrier. |
| Gas Mixture | Supports the required product atmosphere. | Food safety, product color, microbial behavior and headspace volume. |
| Tray Sealing Machine | Evacuates air, flushes gas and applies heat, pressure and dwell time. | Tooling, sealing window, gas residuals, cycle speed and cut quality. |
| Cold Chain | Maintains the temperature required for product quality and food safety. | Storage temperature, distribution time and temperature abuse scenarios. |
Food Applications for PP/EVOH/PE High Barrier Trays
Fresh beef, pork, lamb and processed meat
Chicken, turkey and other poultry
Fish fillets, shrimp, shellfish and seafood
Cheese, sliced meats and deli products
Ready-to-cook meals and meal components
Chilled prepared foods and supermarket meals
Frozen food portions after low-temperature validation
Fresh pasta, filled pasta and selected bakery products
Sauces, marinated foods and oil-rich products
Selected fruit and vegetable products where a validated gas-transmission profile is required
MAP conditions are food-specific. A gas mixture or tray structure used for red meat may not be appropriate for seafood, cheese, vegetables or ready meals.
PP/EVOH/PE Tray vs Standard Mono-PP Tray
| Selection Factor | PP/EVOH/PE High Barrier Tray | Standard PP Tray |
| Oxygen Barrier | Designed for substantially lower oxygen transmission when the structure remains intact. | Provides only the basic oxygen barrier of polypropylene. |
| Primary Packaging Use | MAP, extended chilled distribution and oxygen-sensitive foods. | General food containment, short shelf-life products and non-MAP uses. |
| Sealing Requirements | Requires a compatible barrier lidding film and validated gas-tight seal. | Can use simpler PP-compatible sealing systems where high gas retention is not required. |
| Cost and Complexity | Higher material and quality-control complexity. | Lower material complexity and often lower cost. |
| Recycling Assessment | Must consider the complete multilayer composition and local design guidelines. | A mono-PP tray may be easier to classify, but actual recyclability still depends on local systems. |
PP/EVOH/PE vs PP/EVOH/PP Trays
PP/EVOH/PE and PP/EVOH/PP are not interchangeable descriptions. The surface polymer affects lidding-film compatibility, heat-seal behavior and suitability for thermal processing.
Some industry suppliers specifically distinguish PP/EVOH/PE trays from PP/EVOH/PP and state that their PP/EVOH/PE products are not intended for pasteurization, sterilization or autoclave processing. HSQY buyers should therefore confirm the exact layer structure and approved process rather than selecting by the generic term “high barrier PP tray.”
Can PP/EVOH/PE Trays Be Microwaved?
Selected HSQY PP high-barrier tray pages publish a service range up to approximately 100°C. This can support certain hot-fill or microwave-reheating applications, but it is not a universal approval for every PP/EVOH/PE tray.
Microwave suitability depends on the PP grade, tie layers, EVOH layer, PE layer, pigment, tray geometry, food composition, heating time and lidding film. The complete sealed package must be tested under the maximum intended conditions.
Can the Tray Be Used in an Oven, Retort or Autoclave?
Do not assume conventional-oven, retort, sterilization or autoclave suitability. Standard PP/EVOH/PE heat-sealable trays may delaminate, distort or lose barrier performance during severe thermal processing. Use a structure specifically designed and qualified for the required temperature, pressure and time.
Lidding Film Compatibility
A high-barrier tray requires a lidding film that matches both the sealing surface and the barrier target. A high-barrier base tray combined with a low-barrier top film will not create a high-barrier package.
For PP-compatible sealing systems, HSQY offers related options such as BOPET/CPP sealing film. The final choice may require a high-barrier EVOH-containing top web, anti-fog treatment, easy-peel or weld-seal behavior and printed graphics.
| Lidding Film Requirement | Why It Matters | Trial Check |
| Sealant Compatibility | The sealant must bond to the tray surface over a practical temperature window. | Seal initiation, average strength, peak strength and visual continuity. |
| Oxygen Barrier | The lid often represents a large percentage of the package surface area. | OTR under intended humidity and after printing or converting. |
| Anti-Fog | Condensation can obscure fresh meat, poultry, seafood and prepared foods. | Performance after filling, chilling and retail display. |
| Peel Behavior | Opening force affects consumer convenience and product spillage. | Easy peel, clean peel, film tear and residue on the flange. |
| Puncture Resistance | Bone edges and food products can contact the lidding film. | Filled-pack handling and transport simulation. |
| Machine Running | Film tension, curl and coefficient of friction affect cycle speed. | Tracking, cutting, registration and seal-tool release. |
Building and Validating the Sealing Window
There is no universal sealing temperature for every PP/EVOH/PE tray. Temperature, pressure and dwell time must be developed with the exact tray, lidding film and machine.
Confirm the sealing surface: Identify whether the tray flange presents PE, PP or another sealable layer.
Inspect the flange: Check flatness, width, contamination and deformation.
Run a controlled parameter matrix: Change temperature, pressure and dwell time systematically.
Measure seal strength: Test immediately and after chilling, aging or heating as applicable.
Check gas tightness: Use leak, vacuum, pressure-decay, dye or other approved package-integrity methods.
Inspect the peel path: Look for channel leaks, film tear, flange distortion and inconsistent opening.
Confirm production speed: Validate the window at the intended commercial line rate.
Freeze the specification: Record tray, film, gas, tooling and machine settings in the approved process.
Barrier Performance: OTR, WVTR and Humidity
“High barrier” should be supported by measurable test data. Oxygen transmission rate is normally the primary barrier parameter for an EVOH tray, while water-vapor transmission and aroma retention may also be relevant.
Request the test method, specimen thickness, temperature and relative humidity.
Confirm whether the value applies to flat sheet, an unformed tray or the finished thermoformed cavity.
Evaluate the thinnest formed wall, not only the original sheet.
Confirm the effect of high relative humidity on EVOH performance.
Include the lidding film and seal in complete-package shelf-life testing.
Define acceptable gas residuals and gas-ratio change over the target shelf life.
Use real product stability and microbiological studies rather than barrier data alone.
A tray supplier cannot guarantee a universal shelf-life extension in days. Shelf life depends on the food, initial microbial load, gas mixture, packaging hygiene, seal integrity, barrier, distribution time and storage temperature.
Leak Resistance and Package Integrity
The multilayer structure can support a gas-tight package, but it does not automatically prevent leakage. Leakage normally occurs at the seal, through damaged material, at a contaminated flange or after mechanical stress.
Inspect the flange for meat juice, oil, sauce or particles before sealing.
Check seal-tool pressure distribution and platen flatness.
Evaluate pinholes, cracks and thin corners after thermoforming.
Test packages after stacking, vibration and drop events.
Repeat integrity tests after refrigeration, freezing or reheating.
Define an acceptable leak-test method and sampling plan for production.
Food-Contact Safety and Compliance
Food-contact suitability must be confirmed for the exact PP/EVOH/PE structure, tie layers, pigments and intended conditions of use. Requirements differ by destination market, food type, contact duration and temperature.
Before ordering, provide the target country and request the applicable declaration, migration data, technical specification and batch documentation for the final tray grade. General statements such as “FDA compliant” or “EU compliant” should be supported by documentation covering the specific formulation and application.
Recyclability and Sustainability Considerations
PP/EVOH/PE is a multilayer structure and should not be described as universally recyclable. The original page also incorrectly referred to “PET/PE layers”; this category is based on PP, EVOH and PE.
A predominantly polyolefin tray with a limited EVOH and tie-layer content may be compatible with certain PP or mixed-polyolefin recycling guidelines, but acceptance depends on the exact layer percentages, color, labels, food residue and local sorting and reprocessing infrastructure.
Sustainability evaluation should consider food-waste reduction, tray weight, shelf-life requirements, transport efficiency and end-of-life compatibility. Any recyclable, recycled-content or carbon claim should be supported for the exact finished package and destination market.
Customization Options
| Customization | Information Required | Key Consideration |
| Custom Dimensions | Length, width, depth, flange size, usable volume and food portion. | Must fit the tray-sealing tool, retail shelf and case packing. |
| Barrier Structure | Target OTR, WVTR, shelf life, storage humidity and gas mixture. | Layer ratios and tie layers affect cost, forming and recycling compatibility. |
| Custom Color | Color reference, opacity, quantity and destination market. | Pigments must meet food-contact requirements and may influence recycling sorting. |
| Compartment Layout | Food components, compartment volumes and divider height. | Geometry affects forming, stiffness and seal-tool design. |
| Logo or Embossing | Vector artwork, position, depth and annual volume. | May require mold modification or new tooling. |
| Private-Label Packing | Pieces per sleeve, carton artwork, barcode and marks. | Packing changes affect freight, storage and container loading. |
Quality Control for High Barrier PP Trays
Material identity and approved multilayer structure
Total thickness and layer-distribution control
Tray length, width, depth, flange width and squareness
Individual tray weight and material distribution
Color, clarity and visible contamination
Interlayer adhesion and resistance to delamination
Top-load compression and stacking stability
Drop, puncture and cold-impact performance
Flange flatness and sealing-surface condition
Seal strength and package-integrity testing
OTR and WVTR when specified
Microwave, chilled, frozen or hot-fill testing when required
Case-pack count, carton dimensions and batch traceability
Common Problems and Corrective Actions
| Problem | Possible Causes | Recommended Checks |
| MAP Gas Is Lost Too Quickly | Low-barrier lidding film, channel leaks, damaged tray or inadequate barrier specification. | Test the complete package, inspect seals and measure gas composition over time. |
| Weak or Incomplete Seal | Wrong sealant, low temperature, short dwell, low pressure or contaminated flange. | Confirm the tray surface and build a new sealing window. |
| Tray Delaminates | Incompatible layers, weak tie layer, overheating or severe thermal processing. | Review the exact structure and repeat heat and storage validation. |
| Tray Warps During Reheating | Temperature exceeds rating, uneven food load, hot oil or unsuitable geometry. | Test the actual meal cycle and select a heavier or heat-rated tray. |
| Tray Cracks When Frozen | Low-temperature impact, thin corners, unsuitable PP grade or handling damage. | Run cold-impact and transport tests with the filled pack. |
| Flange Wrinkles or Distorts | Poor nesting, heat exposure, uneven material distribution or tooling mismatch. | Check tray storage, denesting, flange dimensions and sealing tool. |
| Condensation Obscures the Product | No anti-fog treatment, high moisture load or rapid temperature change. | Test an anti-fog lidding film under the actual cold-chain cycle. |
Bulk Packaging and Export Supply
High-barrier trays are normally nested in protective sleeves and packed in corrugated export cartons. Because empty trays occupy substantial volume, freight cost depends on nesting depth, pieces per sleeve, carton dimensions and container loading.
Before confirming a commercial order, request the final packing specification, including pieces per sleeve, sleeves per carton, net and gross weight, carton dimensions, pallet pattern and estimated container quantity.
How to Evaluate Samples
Verify dimensions: Measure the outer footprint, depth, flange and usable cavity.
Check food fit: Use the actual portion, product shape and fill weight.
Run sealing trials: Test the exact lidding film and commercial machine.
Measure peel and integrity: Evaluate seal strength, channel leaks and opening performance.
Test MAP retention: Monitor gas composition during the intended shelf-life study.
Condition the package: Include chilled, frozen, microwave or hot-fill cycles when relevant.
Simulate transport: Test stacking, vibration, compression and drop events.
Review appearance: Check product visibility, color, fogging and retail presentation.
Confirm documents: Match the sample to the quoted formulation and compliance file.
Why Choose HSQY as Your PP/EVOH/PE Tray Supplier?
Current white, black and clear rectangular high-barrier tray range
Compact, medium, large and family-pack tray footprints
PP-based EVOH barrier structures for MAP and chilled food packaging
Custom size, depth, color, flange and compartment development
Lidding-film and tray-sealing solution support
Samples for seal, barrier, stacking and food-application testing
Private-label packing, carton marks and pallet planning
Bulk production and international export support
For related packaging formats, review VSP trays, PP lunch boxes, BOPET/CPP sealing film and hot and cold composite films.
Request Samples and a Wholesale Quote
To receive an accurate PP/EVOH/PE tray recommendation and quotation, provide:
Food type, portion weight and product dimensions
Required tray length, width, depth and flange size
Current tray drawing or physical sample
Target shelf life and storage temperature
Required OTR, WVTR or reference barrier specification
MAP gas mixture and headspace requirement
Lidding-film structure and sealant type
Tray-sealing machine brand, model and tooling
Microwave, frozen, hot-fill or thermal-process requirements
Color, compartments, logo and packing customization
Order quantity and annual forecast
Destination market and required food-contact documentation
Shipping terms, pallet requirements and delivery schedule
Contact HSQY through the inquiry page to request drawings, samples, technical data and bulk pricing.
FAQ About PP/EVOH/PE High Barrier Trays
What is a PP/EVOH/PE tray?
It is a multilayer food tray combining PP for structure, EVOH for oxygen barrier and a PE-based functional or sealing layer.
What is EVOH used for in a food tray?
EVOH reduces oxygen, odor and aroma transmission. It is normally protected between moisture-resistant structural layers.
Are PP/EVOH/PE trays used for MAP?
Yes. They are commonly used as the base tray in modified atmosphere packaging when combined with a compatible high-barrier lidding film and gas-tight seal.
What foods can be packed in these trays?
Typical applications include fresh meat, poultry, seafood, deli products, cheese, ready-to-cook meals and chilled prepared foods.
Does a high-barrier tray guarantee longer shelf life?
No. Shelf life also depends on the food, initial microbial load, gas mixture, lidding film, seal integrity and cold-chain control.
What is the difference between PP/EVOH/PE and a standard PP tray?
The EVOH multilayer tray is designed for lower oxygen transmission and MAP, while a standard PP tray provides basic containment and heat performance.
What is the difference between PP/EVOH/PE and PP/EVOH/PP?
The outer or seal layer differs, which changes sealing-film compatibility and possible thermal-process suitability. The structures should not be treated as interchangeable.
Can PP/EVOH/PE trays be microwaved?
Selected grades may support controlled microwave reheating, but the exact tray, food and lidding system must be tested.
Can these trays be used in a conventional oven?
Do not assume oven suitability. Standard PP/EVOH/PE trays are not CPET ovenable trays and may distort at conventional-oven temperatures.
Can PP/EVOH/PE trays be retorted or autoclaved?
Not unless the exact multilayer structure is specifically designed and validated for that process.
What lidding film is required?
The film must seal to the tray surface and provide the required barrier, anti-fog, peel and puncture performance.
How is the oxygen barrier measured?
It is commonly measured as oxygen transmission rate under defined temperature and humidity conditions. Request the method and whether the result applies after thermoforming.
Why does humidity matter to EVOH?
EVOH absorbs moisture, and elevated humidity can reduce its oxygen-barrier performance. Protective outer layers and complete-package testing are important.
Are these trays leakproof?
They can form a gas-tight package only when the tray, lidding film, flange and sealing process are compatible and validated.
What colors are available?
HSQY currently lists white, black and clear trays. Custom colors can be evaluated for qualifying projects.
Can HSQY customize the tray size?
Yes. Provide the tray drawing, food portion, machine tooling and annual volume for feasibility and mold review.
Can HSQY add compartments?
Custom compartments can be evaluated, but they affect forming, stiffness, food volume and sealing-tool design.
Are PP/EVOH/PE trays recyclable?
They are multilayer structures and are not universally recyclable. Compatibility depends on layer percentages and local PP or polyolefin recycling guidelines.
Are these trays biodegradable?
No. Conventional PP, EVOH and PE are not biodegradable or compostable.
What is the MOQ?
A representative HSQY high-barrier tray page lists 30,000 pieces. MOQ can change by mold, color, barrier structure and packing.
Can I request samples?
Yes. Samples should be tested with the actual food, lidding film, tray sealer, gas mixture and cold-chain cycle.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide tray dimensions, food application, barrier target, gas mixture, lidding film, machine details, quantity, documents and shipping requirements.
