On September 10, 2026, packaging manufacturer ProAmpac announced its collaboration with convenience retailer Circle K and snack brand PepsiCo/Frito-Lay to support the rollout of Circle K’s Flamin’ Hot® Boneless Chicken Wings. According to company press releases, ProAmpac engineered a custom fiber-based tray designed to resolve hot food merchandising challenges, including moisture loss, heat retention, and grease resistance, while extending hot hold times.
Engineering Solutions for Hot Food Merchandising
Circle K sought a specialized packaging format that could display the spicy poultry items inside heated retail cabinets without degrading product quality. According to ProAmpac, the newly designed tray matches the recipe and portion sizes. Working from initial brand design provided by PepsiCo, ProAmpac optimized the container for production while improving internal heat retention and external product visibility.
“Successful food innovation depends on more than great flavor; it requires packaging that protects product quality from the kitchen to the customer,” said Adam Grose, executive vice president for ProAmpac, in a public statement. Grose noted that the custom container improves overall shelf presentation and operational performance for retail staff.
Combining Brand Identity with Functional Materials
The packaging utilizes material science to help keep the chicken hot and moist while resisting grease penetration. According to Gary Brant, VP of foodservice at Circle K, the design meets retail demands. “Our goal was to create packaging that worked as hard as the food itself,” Brant stated, highlighting the collaborative development process between the two companies.
The exterior features bold, consumer-focused design aligned with the Flamin’ Hot® brand identity, ensuring high visibility in heated display cabinets. By pairing structural fiber design with grease resistance, the package aims to deliver a cleaner presentation for consumers.
Industry Context and Corporate Background
Cincinnati-based ProAmpac operates as a global flexible packaging company owned by PPC alongside management and co-investors. The company’s sustainability initiatives, marketed under the ProActive Sustainability framework, focus on delivering innovative, sustainable, flexible packaging products to help customers achieve their sustainability goals.
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