The company EuralPack was founded in 1992 and is active in the Benelux and Northern France. EuralPack is specialised in vacuum packaging and packaging in a modified or controlled atmosphere of fresh and prepared food. This is done with the aid of synthetic packaging materials. This was said by director Thierry Lambert. "A product that EuralPack has been supplying from the beginning is the vacuum potato bag. The development in recent years is that more and more packaging machines for thermoform (FFS) or flowpack are being demanded. Over the course of the years many growers have expanded and started to peel themselves. This market is the largest in Belgium. France is also an important buyer in that area. In the years that we have serving the potato sector, we have mainly been supplying vacuum or gassed packaging for freshly peeled potato, chips and baby potatoes."
Competition
According to Thierry EuralPack defines itself by working with the best material. "Because you are working with starch products, it is very important to use the right materials and seal the back properly. It is essential to an optimal shelf life to continue to respect the cold chain." There is certainly competition, according to the director, but not always from equivalent materials suitable for freshly peeled potato products. EuralPack's special potato packaging is not only suitable for potatoes. It can also be used for peeled onions, carrots or other 'hard' vegetables."
Fruit and vegetables
Thierry Lambert indicates that they are also active in the fruit and vegetable sector. "Especially for products that are packaged in a controlled atmosphere (CAP) or modified atmosphere (MAP) such as gassed or vacuum. These are usually chopped or processed product, for example lettuce and spinach."
He indicates that the demand for MAP and CAP in the fruit and vegetable sector is increasing. "For years we have been supplying customers who pre-cook their products in the packaging. These can be separate potatoes or vegetables, but also full meals. We mainly supply closed packaging."More and more fruit and vegetable companies want to add value to the packaging. "I notice this, people used to choose simple things, now it can look good, and even be printed. Laser perforation is also in higher demand. It isn't visible in the packaging, but you can use it to give a non permeable foil a certain level of gas permeability. This means that the product can still 'breathe' and remains fresh for longer."
New snack packaging
EuralPack recently introduced a new snack packaging, the plastic PET with a special clasp. "Customers were asking for packaging with an ultra fresh look that wasn't sealed shut. Most packaging for freshly cut fruit with a lid isn't leak proof. Our new packaging is. Because the packaging is completely closed when you shut it, nothing can get out and the product remain fresh. The packaging is opened by removing a special 'clip'. And, of course, it is resealable. It is very suitable for freshly cut fruit, dried fruit, nuts and all kinds of snack products. The consumer wants convenience and the fruit and vegetable sector is listening."
Be_NaturaL
When Thierry noticed that the demand for organic based packaging was increasing, he started a separate company, Be_Natural, and collected a range of 'organic activities' within it. Be_Natural supplies synthetic packaging materials based on plants. The activities match those of EuralPack, but only in products that consist of renewable (organic based) and compostable materials. Be_natural also supplies organic based and compostable disposables.
Thierry still sees an increased interest in the area of organic packaging. "Although it is limited by the economic crisis. We also supply open packaging at Be_Natural, such as PLA trays and "bagasse" trays (made from sugar reed fibres). We also supply bags and other packaging for, for instance, organic herbs." He thinks it's a shame not all organic companies choose organic packaging. "This is often to do with the price, an organic packaging remains slightly more expensive, for now at least. This is too far for many. There is also still little stimulation from the government. Belgians pay a certain amount per kilo for recycling, and unfortunately organic synthetics are still taxed as heavily as conventional synthetics. The consumer also can't do much with organic packaging as they are not informed about them."
Another argument companies use for not purchasing organic packaging is that it doesn't look 'organic'. Some prefer paper, which isn't necessarily compostable. They believe it looks more 'organic' than a synthetic which is compostable and made on a corn base. But there are companies who chose an organic packaging and disposables, for instance food chains within the framework of responsible and ecological business." He expects the demand for organic packaging to increase, but not quickly. "Especially retailer do not believe in it enough yet. As well as this, not everything is yet technically possible for organic synthetics, but the technological advancements and developments are coming in increasing rapid succession."
For more information:
Thierry Lambert
s.a. EuralPack Belgium n.v.
Wijtschotbaan 9, B 4
B-2900 Schoten
tel. +32(0)3/354 14 42
fax +32(0)3/354 36 16
www.euralpack.com
www.benatural.be
[email protected]
Thierry Lambert
s.a. EuralPack Belgium n.v.
Wijtschotbaan 9, B 4
B-2900 Schoten
tel. +32(0)3/354 14 42
fax +32(0)3/354 36 16
www.euralpack.com
www.benatural.be
[email protected]
