DS Smith and Priméale (part of agricultural and food processing group Agrial) have collaborated to create a plastic free, fibre-based punnet for Priméale’s Vegetable Kit range, designed to protect fresh produce during transportation and on the supermarket shelf.
Said to be fully recyclable, the solution is comprised of a fibre-based corrugated cardboard tray and a cellulose hydrate lid. The companies say the lid is transparent to ensure easy product visibility for consumers during display, and the punnets are equipped with a moisture barrier within the corrugated cardboard tray to support direct wet food contact.
The trays are designed to be securely sealed while keeping fresh food products moist and at the correct temperatures. DS Smith adds that the punnets can be assembled into small or large sized components and made bespoke for a variety of customer requirements, while the corrugated cardboard exterior allows for various graphic design and brand promotion options for effective visibility at Point of Sale (POS).
DS Smith also cites data from the Kantar Research Bureau which states that in France, 45% of consumers have a strict budget for their weekly shopping and one in four of these shoppers are increasingly in support of plastic reduction in packaging for fresh food products.
Christophe Charvieux, sales and marketing director for Priméale France, says: “This product combines practicality and quality, while being packaged in a fully recyclable alternative to existing plastic trays. We are convinced that this innovation will meet our consumers’ expectations in terms of functionality and recyclability.”
DS Smith teamed up with V. Roubis, creator of bfresh spitiko, at the start of this year to develop fibre-based e-commerce packaging for three sets of existing juice products produced in glass bottles. The new packaging consists of fibre-based corrugated cardboard, said to have a robust casing and a luxurious look and feel.
StePacPPC partnered with Windham Packaging in February to develop a range of bulk modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP) aiming to improve shelf-life for fresh produce heading to foodservice outlets, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency. The packaging is resealable and has inbuilt water vapour transmission rates (WVTR) to help eliminate excess moisture buildup and preserve the quality and appearance of the fresh produce.
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