Meals on Wheels driver Willie Thomson with Antonio Gianandrea

The idea, imported from the United States, allows meals to be delivered in cool-to-the-touch containers, even after being lifted from a hot oven.

The packaging also stays rigid despite being made from paper.

The change comes as National Meals on Wheels week begins, marking the 60th year of its availability in the UK.

Replacing old foil containers, the new boxes have a transparent film lid which makes the meal inside visible, as well as carrying safety messages.

Trials have also shown the new containers to be 98% biodegradable in eight weeks.

Pilot scheme

Falkirk Council alone produces more than 42,000 meals every year and has 358 service users on its books.

Local councillor Gerry Goldie said the packaging also had other advantages.

He said: "This is a great step forward for the service as the new design is far safer and simpler to use.

"The packaging can help to remind users that it isn't safe to reheat meals and shows exactly what the meal is beforehand."

Drivers will be briefed with information on the new packaging to relay to those who receive the service.

Antonio Gianandrea, 97, who took part in a pilot scheme to test the containers, said: "I think it is a great idea and the new container is much better to handle when hot.