Evolution of the Moulded Fibre Tray

Moulded Fibre Tray

Martin L. Keyes laid the foundations for the Moulded Fibre Industry when he was the first to Patent for a Fibre Pulp Mould in 1903 in Maine, USA. Prior to that most apples were packed and shipped to the market place in slatted wooden boxes. The industry progressed quickly and by the 1920s multi-functional packages for round products such as fruit and light bulbs were being produced. One of the earlier manufacturer’s was a company called Friday, hence the name Friday Trays.

Moulded Fibre customers quickly realized the tray separated each apple with specific size cups, provided a cushioning effect, was breathable and could be recycled. They also understood that the apple is a living organism, absorbing oxygen and giving off carbon dioxide. It’s crucial that over an extended storage period the apple can continue to breath and that the carbon dioxide can escape so that the apple doesn’t break down internally. Fibre trays also allow moisture from the apple and surrounding atmosphere to be absorbed, thus becoming pliable so more of the tray covers the surface area of the fruit providing further protection whilst keeping the fruit fresh.

Today, our customers enjoy the benefits of a company focused on the fruit industry. To further develop our tray design we have incorporated the latest technology to eliminate industry challenges like “pressure point or transfer bruising”.  We are aware how crucial it is that apples are separated in their own specific cups, that the weight of the fruit is distributed evenly so that ultimately our customer’s fruit can travel half way around the world and be enjoyed like it was just picked from the tree.