The HomeFresh Entree product line is specifically designed for modular stacking and interlocking (small bottom containers stack on large bottom bases and underneath), leak-proof functionality when the lid is on, and reliable stacking during transportation from food service providers to households to prevent package movement. 
    Product
   Placon's Homefresh Entree product line won the silver award in the food packaging category of the SPE 2019 thermoforming products competition. The new product is designed to be stackable in a modular way, has excellent leak-proof performance, is made of polypropylene material, and is suitable for microwave treatment. 
    Features and Advantages
   The homeFresh Entree product line is specifically designed for modular nesting and stacking. It features a leak-proof function when the lid is closed and can be nested during transportation from food service institutions to households to prevent package movement.
   The product is specially designed with ventilation channels located at the bottom of the container to allow steam from hot food to escape when the package is closed. The ventilation channels allow air to circulate through the container compartments and escape through the outlets on the compartment lids, eliminating the need for multiple vent holes on the lids.
   The optional ventilation lid is made of steel trim and is produced using a modular mold. Key components such as the base and C-shaped cutting blades can be shared, saving mold costs and reducing mold setup/replacement over time. Some parts of the mold can be changed in the press, further saving conversion/setup time. The C-shaped cut ventilation vent trimming technology is unique as it is completed within the same cycle as forming and peripheral trimming. The vents are trimmed at the end of the forming cycle inside the forming mold and then opened using tools in the stacker. Typically, two trimming stations are required to create clean and open vents. This advanced tool saves costs and saves time for food service employees as they do not need to manually open the vents.
   The homeFresh Entree base has received three design awards: one for the lid and two for the base. The base edge does not overhang or wrap around the outer lip of the base, reducing the amount of plastic needed for the lid. The opening ear functional parts are located on a separate plane, which helps to easily open the container by naturally separating the two ears.
    The container is made of polypropylene and can be washed, heated, and reused at home to handle leftover meals, contributing to a circular economy. When the container reaches the end of its life, it can be recycled and re-enter the sustainable recycling stream.
   The PET lid is made of Placon's Ecostar material, a food-grade post-consumer recycled PET sheet that complies with FDA regulations. It is made from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles and thermoformed materials.