Abstract: An improved method for die cutting a plastic or paper web which is used in the formation of the trays, pouches and such composite structures for containing food or other consumable products, or is used in the formation of hospital or medical products, for instance filters employed in medical procedures, is effective to provide smooth cut edges of the tray without any hair-like sliver members. In the process where a rotary die cutter is employed and includes a support member for supporting the web to be cut, a frangible but non-splintered coating is first applied to the surface of the web coming in contact with the support member. The web is conveyed between the rotatable die cutter and the support member and the die cutter cuts the web by penetrating the entire thickness thereof, however, the cutter blade does not come in contact with the support member.