"We are convinced that, if Europe is drafting a regulation imposing a guideline on packaging materials for fresh produce, the situation must be dire! Objectives to pursue must be capable of halting pollution due to microplastics. But the banning of all packaging containing goods weighing less than 1.5 kg does not seem to be the solution. It is equivalent to sweeping dust under the rug. We cannot just put items in our pocket, a container is always necessary and useful," explains Giuseppe Merloni, CEO of the fresh produce sector at inKarta.
“A wide range of rigid primary packaging such as PET, PP or R-PET (recyclable but non compostable) trays is available on the market. In addition, most flexible packaging (Plastic 07) is manufactured considering mainly the economic and not the sustainable aspect, so we have produced multiple non-recyclable materials that can at most be turned into energy if intercepted well."
"Without talking about the pollution caused by micro-plastic - the real reason for this European proposal - we can say that there are now technologies and products that boast manufacturing, use, recyclability, disposal and sustainability characteristics in line with the zero residue circular economy. This is the fundamental element of the inKarta project, which we firmly believe in and in which we invested resources and energy. Sustainable alternatives must be introduce so that 'packaging waste' can go back to being raw materials to be used and recycled with the lowest possible impact on the environment."
“As for primary packaging, inKarta makes it available in paper and cellulose-hydrate, of course of natural origin. Ink, solder elements and treatments have been studied, researched and manufactured in compliance with zero-residue circular economy. Packaging can therefore contain dry products such as onions, garlic, shallot, nuts and pulses as well as wet ones such as washed potatoes. carrots, radishes, green beans, aromatic herbs, celery etc. and even frozen produce."
In collaboration with Cosmec srl, a GREFA partner in the production of end-of-line systems for apples, pears and kiwifruit, inKarta manufactures vertical packagers that mainly use paper-based materials boasting higher performances than those that use plastic. One of the characteristics of MVP-850 is the capability of processing both paper and plastic materials such as PE, PP, extruded nets, Klaff, bands and nets.
MVP-850 is therefore extremely versatile during a moment of transition that is still not well defined. The machine can process all the solutions currently found on the market.
As for secondary packaging, inKarta's proposal focuses on favoring its reuse, therefore reducing labor costs when it comes to the opening of collapsible crates (IFCO, CPR System, Polymer, EURO-POOL System, SDI.)
"OPEN-800 was created with the aim to open all collapsible crates on the market in the 30x40 and 40x60 formats. Operators only need to enter the crate model on a touch screen, and the machine is ready to open a pallet of crates."
Productivity exceeds 1,500 crates/hour and quality is guaranteed by the Siemens technology, brushless motors and high-quality European components. In addition, self-diagnostics, remote operation, the availability of spare parts on the free market and easy of use reduce the assistance needed by 80% considerably reducing maintenance costs."
The technology developed by inKarta is entirely made in Italy.
For further information:
inKarta srl
Giuseppe Merloni
Via Primo D'Altri, 259
47522 Cesena (FC) - Italy
Tel: +39 0547600819
+39 3357220145
Email: giuseppemerloni@gmail.com
www.inkartasrl.eu