CF Embal has been packaging fruit and vegetables for three generations. In the 1980s, the family business specialized in the creation, manufacture, and marketing of wooden trays. "At the time, the trays were assembled manually. In the 1990s, we invested in a unique system that allowed us to produce wooden trays automatically using a single sheet of peeled wood. This was a revolutionary process that we have developed over time to eventually get rid of the staples used to form the trays. Through this evolution, we have managed to preserve an autonomous, independent, and 100% French industrial tool, both in terms of the process and the raw material," explains Anthony Fournier, the company's managing director.
Very low carbon footprint
In addition to sourcing from France, CF Embal wants to buy its raw materials as close to the factory as possible. All of our poplar wood is PEFC certified and located at a maximum distance of 250 km, which means that our carbon footprint is very low. Our raw material is managed sustainably, and traceability is possible on each packaging, which guarantees the CSR aspect and sustainability of the material."
Ecological alternative for high-end products
The advent of plastic in fruit and vegetable packaging may have been detrimental to the company in the past, but the sector is now undergoing a new development again. "Our product is mainly aimed at seasonal and early fruit and vegetables, which is a growing market. The packaging we offer is an alternative for high-end products. Clients who are aware of environmental issues can identify with the values embodied in our tray, which makes real sense in terms of ecology. It is indeed a degradable product, untreated and raw because it has not been processed, is 100% French, and is manufactured locally without intermediaries. This allows us to be very reactive to our clients' requests but also to control costs and not be dependent on variations in the price of raw materials or logistics, for example. Wood also has very interesting virtues for the conservation of fresh products. Our tray ticks a lot of boxes and appeals to consumers."
Customizable trays
With seven production lines, the company has a production capacity that allows it to meet a great and diversified demand. "We can make trays ranging from 100g to 1kg of fruit content. Our trays can be used for a wide range of products, including red fruits, for which we have a really well-adapted range. We are also able to personalize the trays with logos and slogans that we print in color. Our clients can therefore use our tray as a communication support. This unique service allows us to respond quickly to the demand and make very specific offers."
Standing out from the competition
Consumers' concerns related to the economic context are predominant today. Anthony Fournier is convinced that ecology will soon come back to the forefront. "Before the energy crisis, we could feel a real concern for environmental issues. But today, the brutality with which things have happened has caused people to turn away from these issues. Companies are, therefore, more cautious about making the bold choice that our wooden trays represent. Still, we are attracting a lot of interest, especially from clients who want to stand out. Our tray can be a real addition to the range of retailers or other independent stores. As for the consumers who buy products packaged in our trays, they do much more than just buying fruits and vegetables. They like quality products, and it is not at this level that they are looking to make savings."
For more information:
Anthony Fournier
CF Embal
direction@cookinwood.fr
www.cookinwood.fr