A Quebec based packaging company has just introduced a label for netting, marking their entrance to the fresh produce packaging market. Transcontinental Flexipak is a second-generation, family-backed company focusing on flexible packaging options. They have been manufacturing packaging for decades, offering standup pouches and other flexible packaging, but only recently ventured into the fresh produce category.
"We supply different roll stock films that go around the netting," said Karl Boustany of Transcontinental Flexipak. "There are generic color films for basic application in Green, Black, Yellow, Red colors. These films are recyclable. The other films we produce are printed up to 8 colors with high definition graphics (HD). We are also working with our sister plant in Vancouver, BC - Transcontinental Flexstar, on laminated structures that could be eventually recyclable. Firstly though, we must implement a program to make it viable with retailers and consumers, but it is in the works."
Specifications of the labels
The labels, or film, for the netting is of different sizes according to the customer's requirements, and is suitable for a wide variety of produce items. Transcontinental Flexipak is able to customize the design and colors and they said the product fits in easily with existing packaging machinery that companies will likely already be operating.
"The labels come in different sizes, including 90mm wide, 119mm and sometimes 100mm," Boustany said. "All packable commodities are suitable, from apples, kiwi, all citrus types, avocados, onions, sweet potatoes and others. All colors can be used to produce their label design and the print quality is consistent as well as the quality of the rolls we use. As a result, the product is an identical or better replacement to existing products. Produce companies won't need to make significant investments, if any, as there is minimum to no equipment adjustments required versus OEM manufacturers."
Company says service wins customers
Although Transcontinental Flexipak is not currently a major player in the world of fresh produce packaging, they are confident that their service standards will lead them to gain a strong foothold in the market. They are already expanding around Canada, with a view to entering the US market also.
"Flexipak holds a high standard for their service," Boustany said. "Customers can pick up the phone, place an order and the product shows up. No excuses. We keep stock for them when required for next delivery. Quality, consistency and pricing is on par all the time. We are currently supplying the eastern part of Canada and finalizing on an expansion to the West. As for the United States, we are putting together a team across America to develop such a market."
Boustany added that Flexipak have a focus on sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging, and since joining Transcontinental, are currently ensuring their service standards remain high so that their fresh produce venture will continue expanding.
"We are proud of being part of a large flexible packaging family at Transcontinental and we are looking forward to making sure all plants work together in servicing our customers across North America," he said. "Fresh produce is relatively new for us and we count on investing in this market segment through our presence and outstanding customer service."
For more information:
Karl Boustany
Transcontinental Flexipak
Tel: +1 (514) 335-0001