RBC’s food heater technology is unlike any other product on the market. The food heater is integrated into a separate, sealed compartment of a prepared food package. Removing a tab on the outside of the package exposes the heater material to air. The heater material reacts with the oxygen in air to generate heat and a solid oxide material. The food in its own package compartment is safely heated in less than ten minutes.

The RBC food heater technology can be used with a variety of foods (soups, chilis, pastas and hot beverages) and package types (cans, foil or plastic trays, and even flexible pouches). The heater is composed entirely of food-safe, environmentally-friendly materials.

Unlike the RBC food heater, all other commercial self-heating package technologies use water rather than air to produce the heat generating reaction. Generally the water is also included in the package so that the whole system is self-contained, adding substantial weight and bulk, and requiring the user to carry out a sequence of steps to mix the water and heater material.

RBC's special heater composition and its reaction with the surrounding air produce the lightest possible weight and size for a compact, easy to carry hot meal.

RBC began work on chemical heaters in 2005. The RBC food heater technology was developed for use with US Army, Meals, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) rations. This same technology is now being made available for safe, convenient warm meals for anyone away from home.