New cultivation concepts like hydroponics are gaining in importance. This new cultivation technique also poses challenges to the trade. At the same time, the topic of hygiene at the POS is very topical, especially in these times. Packaging manufacturer Weber Verpackungen wants to offer the industry a sustainable and hygienic packaging alternative with the waterproof lettuce bag guard.
The guard was already introduced by Weber Verpackungen in 2015 and has won various awards, including the "World Packaging Award 2017". In the meantime, various variants have proven successful in the horticultural sector. The packaging is made completely from recycled, FSC-certified paper and is 100% recyclable in turn. "We are receiving more and more inquiries from the vegetable sector. The response at this year's Fruit Logistica was consistently positive," said Key Account Manager Thomas Leithe.
The lettuce packaging is available in different, tailor-made versions, for lettuces, root salads, etc. These include solutions made of 100% paper or as a transparent hybrid solution (50% film, 50% paper). The bloom guard is also very suitable for machine processing. Large investments in new machines or packaging lines are not necessary.
Hydro cultivation is booming all over the world and with it the interest in a corresponding, natural packaging. "In Berlin, we have received enquiries from all kinds of growing countries, whether Greece, Iceland or Chile. The subject of packaging is a recurring theme in the international fresh produce industry. Everywhere, people are trying to avoid plastic wherever possible and find a sustainable solution. At the same time, hygiene and product safety are also of great importance," Leithe stated.
Successful trials in the field
Before the lettuce packaging was actually launched on the market, there were several field packaging test runs. Leithe: "For example, we carried out a test run with coloured lettuces. These were packed in the field immediately after harvesting, after which they were placed in the cold store. Five days later, no significant discolouration was detected, neither on the lettuce nor on the bag". In the meantime, the lettuce bag is already in use in several countries, including the Austrian food retail trade.
Left: Thomas Leithe and Olaf Amende at this year's Fruit Logistica.
Right: Every type of lettuce stays fresh significantly longer in the new lettuce bag.
Breathing paper
The lettuce bags are suitable for packaging both hydrolettuces and "conventional" lettuces. Depending on the customer's requirements, the bags can be delivered completely closed at the bottom or with a bottom opening. Individual printing in up to 10 colours will accommodate any customer. Printing is done exclusively with water-based inks. "We work without fixed standards. The bloom guards are designed and manufactured individually for each customer. Above all, it is important to us to supply packaging made of renewable raw materials so that the product also retains its natural image," said Leithe.
The bloom guard is made of waterproof paper without any coating. Leithe: "The paper does not remove moisture from the lettuce, so it's contents do not readily spoil. Paper breathes and creates optimal conditions for the packed lettuce. This means the lettuce retains its freshness at the POS."
Marketing in unusual times
Since trade fairs and specialist events are currently not taking place, this opportunity is being used to present the packaging solution with added value to interested parties. WEBER Verpackungen is a traditional German manufacturer of innovative packaging solutions for various industries. "All our products are developed and manufactured at our sites in Wickede and Bielefeld in Germany and from there they quickly find their way to our customers," Leithe emphasised, once again pointing out the short distances and fast implementation.
Have you become curious and are you interested in free samples? Please contact our bloom guard experts, who will be happy to advise you:
Thomas Leithe
leithe@weberverpackungen.de
0049 176 1180 9922
Olaf Amende (NL)
amende@weberverpackungen.de
0049 151 4627 3725