Graphic Packaging's Microwave Packaging Wins Consumers for Oscar Mayer and Ameristar Award

Graphic Packaging’s Microwave Packaging Wins Consumers for Oscar Mayer and Ameristar Award

It’s a whole new way to prepare hot dogs, and now the packaging innovation has been honored with a prestigious AmeriStar award from the Institute of Packaging Pros.

Called “Oscar Mayer Fast Franks,” these hot dogs come individually-wrapped in a bun and are prepared in the microwave oven on a specially-designed paperboard tray produced by Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company. The tray uses Graphic Packaging’s innovative QuiltWave* active microwave packaging to warm and lightly crisp the bun, while at the same time fully warming the hot dog.

“Today’s on-the-go consumers want their meals to be fast and convenient, yet still tasty,” said John Gerstner, senior account executive at Graphic Packaging. “This product meets all of those needs - preparing a delicious, juicy hot dog in a bakery-fresh bun in as little as 35 seconds, without boiling water or firing up the BBQ grill.”

According to Gerstner, QuiltWave active microwave packaging’s exceptional performance is due to susceptor technology and a unique lamination pattern, which provides closer contact between the susceptor and irregularly-shaped food products when exposed to microwave energy. The hot susceptor surface immediately next to the food drives away moisture, heating the hot dog and the bun to achieve an exceptionally fresh taste and texture.

QuiltWave active microwave packaging was selected as an AmeriStar award winner based on its superiority in six categories - innovation, protection, economics, performance, marketing, and environmental impact. This year’s competition featured 100 entries which were evaluated by 15 judges. The AmeriStar award was presented in conjunction with the Packaging Summit Expo and Conference, held in May at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois.

Launched in June of 2007, Oscar Mayer Fast Franks are available in three SKUs (stock keeping units) - meat wieners, beef franks and beef & cheddar sausage. QuiltWave active microwave packages containing three hot dogs in buns can be found in the refrigerated products section of major grocery stores nationwide.

“Oscar Mayer and Graphic Packaging are both known as leaders in their respective industries for product innovation and ingenuity,” added Gerstner. “By coming together to produce this unique package for Fast Franks, we’ve created a delicious new product that can be prepared easily and quickly as a hot snack or as part of a complete meal for any member of the family, at any time of day or year.”

Graphic Packaging’s QuiltWave active microwave packaging was named the 2005 “Best in Class” new product in the food category by the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL). It continues to grow in popularity as consumers increasingly look for food products which are packaged for convenience and reliable performance.

* Trademark of Graphic Packaging.

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