Is this the future of sustainable packaging?
Cirkla’s MAP trays might seem like a standard packaging upgrade, but they are set to address one of the meat industry’s most pressing environmental issues: cutting down on plastic waste.
The packaging company recently launched its molded fiber Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) trays, promoted as a “sustainable alternative” to traditional plastic ones.

The trays are said to be made from renewable plant fibers like sugarcane bagasse and can slash plastic content by around 85%. These also include a patent-pending easy-peel liner for paper recycling.
“Our technology ensures that brands can transition seamlessly from plastic to fiber, addressing the challenges of performance, cost, and scalability,” said Glenn Divers, spokesperson for Cirkla.
The company also claims that the trays have already been tested by major U.S. meat packers and have proven to extend the shelf life of products like beef, pork, and seafood while matching the performance of traditional plastic trays.
Cirkla plans to roll out these trays at scale, with production starting in February 2025.
Apart from its new molded fiber MAP trays, the company also offers other sustainable solutions, including compostable coffee capsules, dairy tubs, and ready-meal containers.