In recent years, top-sealed cardboard packaging has become increasingly popular in the fruit and vegetable sector. That meant Pack11 had another hectic year. Whether it was soft fruit, grapes, or cherry tomatoes, many growers and marketing organizations knew where to find this Dutch film manufacturer.
"Our program includes a Unipeel film, which can be used on several bases like pulp or cardboard. This packaging has taken off in the fruit and vegetable sector. We're, I believe, the only one in the market that stocks a mono-polyester film suitable for top-sealing cardboard punnets," Marc Lodewijks begins.
Marc Lodewijks and Wim Mariën
Pack11 has been in business for more than ten years and is, among other things, Sappi Rockwell Solutions' exclusive distributor in Germany and the Benelux. "Our thin, recyclable, single-layer films position us well in the segment. We're responding to the increasing demand for top-seal uses and supplying custom-printed, perforated, and cut-to-size films. A new development is that we're becoming more active in resealable packaging, which consists of a single type of material."
60% recycled material
"Sustainable fruit and vegetable packaging is a hot topic that the market still needs to conquer. I think there are two options. One is to switch completely to biobased materials from renewable resources. But the market hasn't yet chosen to do so. Or you must make existing packaging more recyclable," Marc says.
"Composite plastics, by definition, aren't recyclable. However, films made from a single type of plastic can easily be recycled, making more reusable material available. This >60% PCR-recycled material forms the basis for our films, and we can reuse it. So, you create a circular system."
"The plastic we used to use became very expensive, and now, energy costs are skyrocketing. It takes a lot of energy to produce films, so we're looking for ways to sell films with the lowest possible energy requirements. By making these films as thin as possible, we achieve the lowest possible weight with the highest possible yield. I believe this is the only viable way to move closer to making flexible packaging more sustainable," explains Marc.
100% paper solutions
"Everyone's trying to find more sustainable forms of packaging. Paper and cardboard seem the easiest option, though I want to stay out of the 'what's most sustainable' debate. Our partnership with Sappi - one of the largest global paper manufacturers - means we can also offer paper solutions, such as cardboard trays with a top seal or 'Paper Lidding.' If visibility isn't an issue, we can offer 100% paper solutions."
"We unburden clients from the entire process, from pre-design to supply. We can respond quickly to demand thanks to our on-site stock and flexible attitude. That drove our recent growth. Top sealing material and process know-how are vital. Our packaging industry knowledge should let customers rely on our know-how and expertise in smart packaging solutions," Marc concludes.
For more information:
PACK11
Marc Lodewijks: +31 (0) 650 51 1780
Wim Mariën: +31 (0) 610 679 486
3 Heijbeekse Street
4709 PD, Nispen, NL
Tel.: +31 (0) 850 220 004
Email: info@pack11.nl
Website: www.pack11.nl