Sealed Air Highlights Cryovac® Series 4000 Bags and Convenience of Simple Steps™ Heat-and-Serve Package at 2004 IDDBA Show

DUNCAN, S.C. (June 5, 2005) - The Cryovac Food Packaging Division of Sealed Air Corporation will feature its Series 4000 bags and the Cryovac® Simple Steps™ heat-and-serve package at this year’s International Deli Dairy Bakery Show in Minneapolis June 5 - 7.

The Series 4000 bags deliver stronger abuse resistance and enhanced shrink, providing an even better destination performance in the retail display case. The high-abuse bags - shown in testing to have up to 40 percent improvement in key abuse properties like impact resistance - provide consistent protection for products as they travel through distribution. Available in both plain and printed options, in up to eight colors, which creates a better presentation for multi-colored labels, nutritional information and other graphics.

Cryovac® Simple Steps™ heat-and-serve package permits consumers to complete product preparation in three simple steps. They just: 1) remove the tray from its outer packaging; 2) heat for the designated time (usually about four minutes) and let cool; and 3) pull the easy-open tab to remove the film and serve. Simple Steps™ eliminates the need to puncture ventilation holes in the package before heating. Instead, the vacuum-skin film "tents up" as the product reheats, then self-vents and relaxes over the food. The "stay cool" side handles reduce the risk of burns or spills as the tray is removed from the microwave.

Simple Steps™ enables processors to fully cook and distribute center-of-the-plate entrées, such as beef tips, pot roast, pork roast, pulled pork and chicken breasts, in the same package. While the cook-in technology is more efficient for processors, it gives shoppers a high-quality entrée that has undergone minimal handling.

Vacuum-skin packaging enhances the food’s visual appeal because it contours to the shape of the product providing the most appetizing presentation and makes it easier for shoppers to identify their dinnertime selection. It also enables the product to be frozen in its original packaging and reheated later.