Cascades launches isothermal packaging technology, commissions new production site

Cascades Inc., a Kingsey Falls, Quebec-based packaging producer, continues to expand into the isothermal packaging market with advanced technology added to its Northbox line of meal boxes and has commissioned a new production facility in York, Pennsylvania.

The company has added its Northbox Xtend technology to its meal boxes, creating a moisture barrier that helps keep the insulation rigid. Cascades says the technology allows the boxes to keep food fresh during long transit times and in regions with higher temperatures, requiring less ice. The boxes also are made with recycled cardboard and determined to be recyclable by an external laboratory and prequalified by How2Recycle—a standardized labeling system in both the United States and Canada.

"We're pleased to innovate with our customers to offer them a variety of high-performance and adaptable isothermal packaging solutions," says Luc Langevin, president and chief operating officer of Cascades' specialty products group. "Since 2007, our recycled cardboard meal boxes have been perfected to meet operational and environmental challenges. Our expansion plan in the market is rolling out as anticipated, reinforcing our role as strategic partner that works in close proximity with customers."

Cascades new production site in York is the company's second in four months after the opening of a facility in Tacoma, Washington, in February. The company says it expanded its presence in the East to get closer to customers and strengthen its position as a strategic partner throughout North America.

The first phase of the expansion includes the installation of what Cascades calls a "state-of-the-art," highly automated packaging line for the production of its isothermal boxes. It installed similar technology at its Tacoma plant and said at the time of the announcement that the new sites allow it to increase production capacity and expand geographic coverage.