Discover the best food & freezer grade packaging materials for squid and shrimp exports. Compare APET, RPET, HIPS and PVC trays.
Choose food & freezer grade APET, RPET, HIPS and PVC trays for squid and shrimp. Ensure hygiene, product protection and export-quality packaging. For seafood products such as squid, shrimp, octopus, cuttlefish, and other frozen marine products, selecting the right thermoformed packaging tray is a critical decision that directly affects product quality, shelf life, and customer satisfaction.
Choosing the appropriate packaging material is not simply about cost—it involves understanding factors such as food safety, freezer performance, product protection, durability, sustainability, and the expectations of international buyers.
The materials like APET, PVC, and HIPS for seafood packaging trays each offer unique advantages depending on the application.
Why Food & Freezer Grade Packaging Matters
Seafood is one of the most sensitive food products in the global supply chain. After harvesting, it is rapidly processed and subjected to blast freezing at temperatures as low as -40°C, followed by storage and transportation at -18°C.
Packaging trays must retain their strength, shape, and hygiene throughout this process.
A high-quality seafood tray should:
- Be manufactured from food-contact-safe materials.
- Resist cracking or deformation at freezing temperatures.
- Protect products during stacking, handling, and export logistics.
- Preserve product appearance and freshness.
- Meet international food packaging requirements.
Understanding the Different Packaging Materials
APET (Amorphous Polyethylene Terephthalate)
Virgin Food-Grade APET is one of the most popular materials for seafood packaging.
It offers exceptional clarity, allowing customers to clearly view the product while providing excellent strength and rigidity.
APET is recyclable, hygienic, and ideal for premium seafood products such as Nobashi shrimp, headless shrimp, and whole squid.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
PVC offers excellent thermoforming characteristics, dimensional stability, and durability.
It is commonly used in both food and industrial packaging applications where precise cavity designs and reliable product support are required.
The suitability of PVC for food-contact applications depends on the formulation and the regulations of the destination market.
HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene)
HIPS is widely recognized for its outstanding impact resistance and toughness.
It is particularly suitable for frozen seafood packaging where trays must withstand rough handling, stacking, and transportation without cracking.
HIPS is also commonly used for Seafood & industrial packaging applications due to its durability.
Why Choose Amuket – APTSPL Seafood Packaging Trays?
At Amuket – APTSPL, Pune (India), we manufacture premium thermoformed packaging trays using Virgin Food & Freezer Grade APET, PVC, and HIPS materials to meet the demanding requirements of seafood exporters.
Our trays are specifically engineered to:
- Withstand blast freezing up to -40°C for 3–4 hours.
- Maintain strength during -18°C cold storage and export logistics.
- Protect seafood from physical damage during handling and transportation.
- Offer excellent stackability and attractive product presentation.
- Be customized in size, shape, depth, and cavity design to suit customer requirements.
Our packaging solutions are ideal for:
- Nobashi Shrimps
- Head-On Shrimps
- Headless Shrimps
- Whole Squid
- Baby Squid
- Cuttlefish
- Octopus
- Skin Pack and Vacuum Pack Applications
Conclusion
Selecting the right packaging material is essential for maintaining seafood quality from processing to the customer’s table.
While APET offers excellent clarity and premium presentation, PVC delivers dimensional precision for specific applications, and HIPS offers superior impact resistance for demanding handling conditions.
By partnering with an experienced manufacturer like Amuket – APTSPL, seafood exporters gain access to customized, food-grade, freezer-grade thermoformed trays that ensure product safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with international packaging standards.
Investing in the right packaging today helps reduce product losses, enhance brand reputation, and deliver consistent quality to global markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which packaging material is best for frozen squid and shrimp?
Virgin Food-Grade APET is an excellent choice for premium frozen seafood due to its clarity and strength. Food-grade RPET is ideal for sustainable packaging, while HIPS is recommended where maximum impact resistance is required.
2. Can thermoformed trays withstand blast freezing?
Yes. Amuket’s food and freezer-grade trays are designed to withstand blast freezing up to -40°C for 3–4 hours and maintain their structural integrity during -18°C cold storage and transportation.
3. Are APET, RPET, PVC, and HIPS safe for food packaging?
When manufactured using food-grade raw materials and in compliance with applicable food-contact regulations, these materials are suitable for seafood packaging. The final material selection should also consider the destination country’s regulatory requirements.
4. Can the trays be customized for different seafood products?
Yes. Amuket offers custom thermoformed trays designed to suit specific seafood products, including shrimp, squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and other frozen seafood, with tailored dimensions, cavity designs, and stacking features.
5. Why should seafood exporters choose Amuket – APTSPL?
Amuket – APTSPL combines advanced thermoforming technology, premium food & freezer-grade materials, custom design capabilities, and rigorous quality control to deliver export-quality packaging trays that protect seafood products throughout processing, storage, and international transportation.