Insulating microwave interactive packaging

A microwave packaging material configured to at least partially define a package including an interior space for receiving food, the packaging material comprising:

• a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film, wherein the microwave energy interactive material is operative for converting microwave energy into heat;
• a support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, wherein the support layer comprises moisture;
• and
• a second polymer film joined to the support layer so that the support layer is positioned between the layer of microwave energy interactive material and the second polymer film,
• wherein
• the second polymer film is partially joined to the support layer to define closed cells between the support layer and the second polymer film layer, and
• the closed cells inflate when sufficiently exposed to microwave energy.

A microwave heating package having an interior space, in combination with a food item, wherein the food item is disposed within the interior space, the microwave heating package comprising:

• a layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film, wherein the first polymer film is facing the interior space;
• a moisture-containing support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, wherein the support layer comprises at least one of paper, paperboard, and a polymer film;
• and
• a second polymer film joined to the support layer so that the support layer is positioned between the layer of microwave energy interactive material and the second polymer film,
• wherein
• the second polymer film is partially joined to the support layer to define closed cells between the support layer and the second polymer film layer, and
• the closed cells inflate when sufficiently exposed to microwave energy, so that the layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on the first polymer film and the moisture-containing support layer are urged towards the food item within the interior space.