Packaging matters when it comes to flash-frozen seafood.
We also know more people are paying attention to topics like plastics and microplastics, so we wanted to share a transparent look at what we use, why we use it, and what we recommend at home.
Here’s how Premier Catch packages and ships wild seafood, and how we protect quality while reducing waste wherever we can.
Why packaging matters so much for flash-frozen seafood
Our seafood is flash frozen shortly after harvest to lock in peak freshness. That’s how we protect the texture, flavor, and nutritional quality you expect from wild seafood.
But flash freezing is only half the equation.
The other half is packaging that can hold up through:
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deep freezer temperatures
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moisture and ice crystals
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shipping transit time
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long-term freezer storage
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sharp edges (especially shellfish)
Without the right barrier, seafood is more likely to get freezer burn, dry out, or lose quality over time.
And wasting food is never the more sustainable option.
Why we vacuum seal our seafood in plastic
We vacuum seal many of our portions because it’s still the most effective way to protect premium flash-frozen seafood.
Vacuum sealing helps:
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reduce exposure to oxygen (which helps prevent freezer burn)
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protect flavor and texture
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prevent leaks and cross-contamination
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keep portions easy to store and thaw
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keep your seafood in peak condition from our freezer to yours
We know plastic isn’t perfect. But right now, there are no truly plastic-free alternatives that perform as well for flash-frozen seafood, especially when it comes to maintaining quality, preventing freezer burn, and safely sealing at cold temperatures.
In other words: we use plastic where it’s necessary to protect the product.
And we work hard to reduce waste everywhere else.
Microplastics: what we know, and what matters most
Microplastics are a growing concern, and we think it’s fair for customers to ask questions.
Microplastics can come from many places in modern life, including the environment and food packaging. When it comes to seafood packaging specifically, here’s the most important takeaway:
Plastic contact at cold temperatures is generally considered lower risk than heating food in plastic.
That’s why we recommend a simple best practice at home:
Thaw your seafood in the fridge, then remove it from the packaging before cooking.
The simplest way to reduce exposure at home
We keep this easy, because dinner should be easy.
Our recommendation:
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thaw seafood overnight in the refrigerator
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open the package and transfer seafood to a plate or bowl
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cook and enjoy as you normally would
What we do not recommend:
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microwaving seafood in the vacuum-sealed pouch
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boiling the pouch
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cooking in the original packaging
This is one of the simplest ways to reduce any potential packaging-related exposure, and it’s also better for the texture of the seafood.
What we’re doing to reduce packaging waste
While vacuum sealing is still the best option for protecting flash-frozen seafood, we’ve made major improvements to the packaging we ship in.
Depending on your order, you will see materials like:
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recyclable corrugated cardboard shipping boxes
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recyclable paper-based insulation and packing materials
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right-sized packaging to reduce wasted space in transit
Our goal is to keep your seafood frozen solid and protected, while minimizing unnecessary waste.
Our promise going forward
We’re always paying attention to new packaging innovations and better materials. If a truly better option becomes available that maintains seafood quality and reduces waste, we’ll test it.
Until then, we’ll keep doing what we’ve always done:
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prioritize premium quality
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ship seafood safely and efficiently
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stay transparent about how it’s packaged
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make thoughtful improvements where we can
If you ever have a question about packaging, thawing, or storage, just reach out to our team at hello@premiercatch.com. We’re always happy to help.
