This week, Dutch packaging company DLB brought a new blueberry packaging line into use. With this, they are now capable of packaging 600 kg of berries per hour. The packaging line consists of two sorting units and an automated filling unit. Products are quality sorted using imaging and laser technology.
The company, previously known as Overbeek Logistiek BV, has been part of the DLB group since 2001. It has more than 15 years of experience in the packaging and repackaging of fruit and vegetables. Willem-Jan Kwisthout, who works at DLB, says: "The packaging used to be done by hand. This new line not only packages the fruit but also better sorts the product based on quality. With the packaging line's two sorting units enables us to offer our clients better service. We can also be more competitive. The mechanical packaging of the blueberries benefits their quality and costs are also lower. An added advantage is that we can also pack cranberries with this line. We have all the different kinds of common kinds of packaging. We offer a service to those who need to process bulk amounts."
The different kinds of packaging
"Since blueberries are seen as a healthy product, their consumption has increased. This has resulted in an increased demand for the sorting and packaging of these berries. This is why we purchased this machine. We expect this growth to continue. Sustainability plays an increasingly important part in every company. There is a growing demand for top-seal containers. We see a lot of these types of containers in Dutch supermarkets. Our most popular product is still the 12x 125g trays, but this will change in the future."
DLB want to distinguish themselves by being able to package all kinds of soft fruit for their clients. "Our clients often offer the whole range of soft fruit, such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, red currants and strawberries. We also package stone fruit like plums, cherries and grapes. We can sort and package all these kinds of products for our clients. We, therefore, offer a complete service. We hope to generate more work in the packaging of blueberries for exiting and new clients with this machine. We want to stand at the ready for growers to be able to package their fruit; not just in the import season, but also during the Dutch season", concludes Willem-Jan.
For more information:
DLB Inpakbedrijf BV
Willem-Jan Kwisthout
IABC 5102
4814RN Breda
T: +31 (0) 765 232 804
M: + 31 (0) 630 645 389