Denester handles molded fiber and polystyrene alternatives.

Press Release Summary:

Apple Tray Denester uses combination of picking clamps and suction to remove individual trays from magazine. Use of 2 magazines enables A and B tray configuration placement onto conveyor belt. Pattern of trays compliment each other to prevent bruising. Tray-staging feature facilitates multiple pick attempts, minimizing jams and machine stoppages. Denester accommodates FruitMaster® standard and EZ(TM) FruitMaster® Euro-sized trays.

Original Press Release:

New Denester Compliments EZ(TM) FruitMaster® Apple Tray Line

Lake Forest, Ill. (November 21, 2003)-Pactiv Corporation (NYSE: PTV) introduces a new apple tray denester designed to handle both molded fiber and polystyrene alternatives. The unit uses a combination of picking clamps and suction to remove individual trays from the magazine. Unlike traditional apple tray denesters, which rely on either clamps or suction, the combination functions with less vacuum, minimizing the chance that more than one unit will be lifted. The denester uses two magazines, which enables an "A" and "B" tray configuration placement onto the conveyor belt. The footprint pattern of the "A" and "B" trays has been designed so that they compliment each other to prevent fruit bruising from stacking. A unique tray-staging feature facilitates more speed and multiple pick attempts when necessary, which helps minimize costly jams, and machine stoppages. The unit is designed to work with existing conveyor systems and can accommodate both FruitMaster® standard and EZ(TM) FruitMaster® Euro-sized trays. Its easy installation and minimal air system requirements make it virtually "plug and go." The denester, produced via a partnership with Applied Engineering, Inc., is the ideal compliment to Pactiv's Euro-sized, as well as standard molded fiber trays, for apples. FruitMaster® trays feature individual molded fiber "cups" which cradle each apple to help prevent it from spinning or jostling during transport. Additionally, the wicking characteristics of molded fiber enable it to absorb any external moisture that finds its way onto the fruit. The EZ(TM) FruitMaster® Euro-sized line is available in fifteen different tray configurations. The trays have been designed to work in conjunction with new Euro-style corrugated shippers or returnable plastic containers. EZ(TM) FruitMaster® trays are the latest addition to Pactiv Corp.'s full line of packaging products for agricultural applications. Other Euro-sized products include Microfoam® polypropylene foam sheets which provide additional cushioning protection between fruit layers, Astro Bubble® top pads which provide a cost effective void fill, and PantaPak®, a line of PVC trays designed for stone fruit and pear applications. Pactiv Corporation (NYSE: PTV) is a leading producer of specialty packaging products with sales of $2.9 billion and operations in 14 countries. Pactiv is a market leader in growth sectors of the packaging industry: Consumer Products, with the Hefty® brand; Foodservice/Food Packaging; and Protective and Flexible Packaging. For more information about Pactiv, visit the company's web site at www.pactiv.com. Please forward sales inquiries to: Protective Marketing Dept. Pactiv Corporation 1900 West Field Court Lake Forest, IL 60045 Phone: (847) 482-8812 Phone: (877) 692-6163 (toll free) Fax: (847) 482-4529