Sustainability on the Go: How On Track Meals Are Built for a Better Fu

1. Long Shelf Life = Less Waste

Our meals are shelf-stable for up to 3 years, thanks to our heat-sealed retort packaging. This drastically reduces spoilage and allows stockists, households, and emergency responders to store food safely without constant rotation or refrigeration.

Less food going in the bin = fewer emissions from landfill.
Ideal for emergency prep with no panic restocking.

And when meals do approach their best-before date, we donate them to Foodbank and other Australian charities—ensuring no meal goes to waste and someone in need gets a real, nourishing feed.

2. No Rehydration Needed

Unlike freeze-dried or dehydrated alternatives, On Track Meals come fully cooked and ready to eat—no added water required.

Saves water in the field—especially important in dry or remote areas.
No need to boil or simmer water, which cuts energy use.
Just heat (or eat cold in a pinch) and go.

It’s simpler, faster, and more efficient—especially in emergency or low-resource environments.

3. Lower Energy Use from Start to Finish

Because our meals don’t need refrigeration at any stage—from warehouse to trail—they significantly reduce energy use across the supply chain.

Stored at room temperature—no fridges or freezers required.
Heated easily using our flameless heater bags—no gas, fire or electricity.
Bulk-cooked in energy-efficient commercial kitchens.

From start to finish, we’ve designed an energy efficient system. .

4. Made in Australia

On Track Meals are proudly made in Australia, using as many local ingredients as possible.

Supports local farmers and suppliers.
Reduces the footprint associated with long-distance ingredient sourcing.
Ensures strict food safety, quality, and freshness standards.

It’s our way of keeping quality high while supporting Aussie jobs and local agriculture.

5. Bulk Cooked, Portion Controlled, Less Waste

Our meals are cooked in bulk and packed into individual portions, reducing waste throughout the process.

Bulk cooking = energy and ingredient efficiency.
Individual portions mean no leftovers and less overconsumption.
Perfectly suited for single-serve field use or ration planning.

Our packaging process ensures quality, consistency, and minimal waste at every step.

6. Let’s Talk Packaging

We’re aware that our meals and heater bags are packaged in single-use plastic pouches, and we want to be honest about why.

Retort pouches are necessary for food safety and long shelf life. They seal in freshness, prevent spoilage, and don’t require refrigeration.
Currently, no commercially viable recyclable or compostable option exists that meets the strict demands of shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food.

But we’re not giving up.
We’re constantly researching sustainable packaging alternatives that could one day meet both our safety standards and sustainability goals. We’re ready to move the moment the right solution becomes available.

In a Nutshell

On Track Meals aren’t just built for convenience—they’re designed for resilience, responsibility, and real-world use.

3-year shelf life = less food waste
Made in Australia
No water or refrigeration needed
Donated to charities at end-of-life
Honest about packaging, with eyes on the future

We’re committed to leaving minimal trace—just a full belly and a lighter footprint.

FAQ

Q. Are On Track Meals environmentally friendly?

Yes, On Track Meals are designed with sustainability in mind. They have a 3-year shelf life to reduce food waste, require no water or refrigeration, and are cooked in energy-efficient kitchens. When meals near expiry, they’re donated to charities instead of going to landfill.

Q. Why are On Track Meals packaged in single-use plastic pouches?

We use retort pouches to ensure food safety, long shelf life, and freshness without refrigeration. Currently, there is no commercially viable recyclable or compostable option that meets these safety standards. However, we're actively researching sustainable alternatives and ready to adopt better packaging as soon as it's feasible.

Q. How do On Track Meals help reduce energy and water usage?

Our meals are fully cooked and ready to eat no rehydration, boiling, or extra water required. They can be stored at room temperature, cutting energy use in storage and transport. Plus, our flameless heaters heat meals without fire, gas, or electricity, making them ideal for low-resource situations.