Supermarkets are collectively dedicated to using less and more sustainable packaging. Is that good news for the packaging sector? The supermarket branch association CBL recently announced that 25% less packaging will be placed on supermarket shelves in 2025. To realise this goal, projects with suppliers of fruit and vegetables are being started.
The use of packaging material is being reassessed, and the most important question being asked is regarding the function of packaging. Where possible, packaging material will be reduced and/or made more sustainable. For Poorthuis Packaging, a supplier of plastic packaging material, this is no threat, it’s actually an opportunity. They recently expanded their assortment with (top-seal) trays, among other things.
“We were asked by Fruity Pack to replace their current trays with sustainable trays that looked the same,” says Bas Folbert of Poorthuis Packaging. “As a company, we’re known for shakers and buckets for snack vegetables. Trays were actually completely new to us, but we managed to develop a completely new line for Fruity Pack in a short amount of time. With this range of products we have a good base we can also start offering to other customers.”
Wim Kleinjan of Fruity Pack and his commercial team felt the need on the market to unburden customer and consumer with a sustainable packaging made of 100% recycled material, meaning it can be recycled again after use. “Because the market already has a plan to grow towards 50% recycled material in five years, Fruity Pack wanted to try taking care of the problem now, and go for 100% recycled.
Fruity Pack’s sister company is Source Pack, for the sourcing and development of packaging. Source Pack and Fruity Pack have developed a wonderful series in cooperation with Poorthuis in no time, making Fruity Pack one of the first to enter the market with this packaging. Thanks to a super professional cooperation with their partners Source Pack and Poorthuis,” according to Wim Kleinjan.
Plastic was still used as a starting material, but because it consists of 100% recycled PET (R-PET), this is a sustainable solution. Compared to PP, PET can be recycled indefinitely. “R-PET is in high demand, everyone wants to start using it, because all characteristics remain the same as well. It’s strong, durable and suitable to reuse for the food industry. It’s a clear product as well, making the contents visible. Besides the top-seal trays, we also supplied shakers made from 100% R-PET to tomato growers. These are automatically processed in the filling lines, and sealed or lidded if desired. We’re currently working on a new PET bucket suitable for tomatoes and blueberries, among other things. This bucket is also made from 100% R-PET, and can also be printed if necessary,” Bas concludes.
More information
Poorthuis Packaging
De Watergang 29
7671 SV Vriezenveen
T: 0031 (0) 546 563 313
M: 0031 (0) 621 646 666
www.poorthuispackaging.nl
bas.folbert@speciaaldruk.nl