Plastic is back, thanks to the focus having switched from avoiding plastic to simply using fully recyclable plastic in packaging, says Sagarkumar Chotaliya, General Manager for Indian packaging manufacturer WellPET: "We've seen strong demand for transparent, lightweight, and recyclable plastics. Sustainability is central; clients prefer recyclable PET packaging that supports circular manufacturing rather than single-use materials. Because of this, many produce packers are returning to clear PET trays and punnets. The focus now is not on avoiding plastic, but on using 'better plastic', which is recyclable and consists of responsibly made materials."
Chotaliya states that this kind of plastic packaging is still highly suitable for a wide variety of fresh products. "We specialize in high-quality rigid and flexible plastic packaging, including PET sheets, thermoformed trays, containers, and stretch films. All our products are food-grade, durable, and recyclable, produced using advanced European technology equipment. In fresh produce, our packaging performs especially well for berries like strawberries and blueberries, as they're delicate and benefit from rigid, transparent PET trays that prevent bruising during transport while letting consumers see the freshness."
© Nick Peters | FreshPlaza.com
"However, our packaging is also well-suited for leafy greens and salad mixes, which need air circulation and visibility; our clear trays help showcase freshness and reduce condensation. It can be used as fruit and mixed vegetable trays, where clarity and hygiene are key and customers want to see what they're buying, as well as for tropical fruits, such as mangoes and papayas, which require stronger, stackable packaging to handle long-distance shipping."
The PET packaging that WellPET manufactures has several advantages for the produce it contains, Chotaliya explains. "We feel that plastic packaging still performs well due to the transparency of the packaging, building trust, as it helps buyers instantly assess quality and freshness. There's also the logistical side of things, as produce often travels long distances, during which our packaging prevents crushing or leakage while maintaining its shape. Our packaging is made from fully recyclable PET materials, and we maintain in-house recycling for production waste, reducing environmental impact, despite it being plastic packaging. We tailor sizes and shapes depending on the product, from small berry cups to larger fruit or pastry trays."
"We export our PET packaging globally, mainly serving regions across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The shift in recent years has been toward markets seeking premium, sustainable packaging that balances presentation and practicality," Chotaliya concludes.
For more information:
Sagarkumar Chotaliya
WellPET
Tel: +91 8306069641
[email protected]
www.wellpetind.com
