DUNCAN, S.C. (AP) — If you had a turkey on the table during the holidays this year, chances are the frozen bird was protected by a wrapper designed 50 years ago by a South Carolina company.

Cryovac created a process at its plant in Duncan that allowed a turkey to be slaughtered, cleaned, wrapped in the stretchy film, vacuum-packed and quickly frozen. The invention turned the meat from an only-on-the-holidays treat that often had to be eaten fresh within 25 days to something enjoyed year-round with a shelf life of up to 18 months if frozen properly