The firm, which already offers a wide range of packaging suitable for ovens and microwaves, said that its development of suitable water-based inks would allow it to manufacture the products in a significantly more eco-friendly manner.

Peter Ralten, commercial and business development director, said: “Consumer demand for ovenable convenience is growing rapidly and it is essential food cooked in plastic packaging, a very popular way of cooking, is safe. It is great that we have been able to reduce the environmental impact of these products.

“The NPD team and factory have been working non-stop to get this product out into the market. These ovenable printed films and pouches are truly a great step forward taking the environment, health and safety into consideration.”

The films and pouches are the first of their kind printed and laminated with water-based inks and adhesives that have been successfully tested by Smithers laboratory for food safety performance of up to 220°C.

Ralten added: “We believe this is a world-first.”

Water-based printing results in a significant reduction in the number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted in production. VOCs can prove harmful to both humans and the environment, by causing cancer, ozone depletion, and climate change. 

The use of water-based adhesives, meanwhile, removes the risk of carcinogenic aromatic amines being released from adhesive solvent.

Rachel McKenna, Sirane’s innovation and business development manager, said: “This is a fantastic achievement, expanding our in-house capabilities and product offering to customers and furthermore, demonstrating the close teamwork between departments  to successfully lead new developments from concept to launch.”

Sirane has launched the range in reel form, flat bags or pouches, and as stand-up pouches.

The first Bobst Vision CI flexo press in the UK was due to be up and running by the end of February at Sirane’s Telford site, significantly increasing its print capacity.