Since 2018, Tanner & Co. AG has been working with Swiss asparagus producers who supply the retail trade. This collaboration aimed to develop an environmentally friendly and, at the same time, sales-boosting alternative to conventional packaging methods. Instead of shrink film, clear trays, or rubber bands, a wide sleeve has been used since then, which is both functional and visually appealing.
In an interview, Denis Nunes, Sales Team Leader, explains why the sleeve is particularly suitable as a packaging solution for asparagus and other stem vegetables. "The sleeve significantly reduces the amount of material used and at the same time offers plenty of space for branding and product information," he says. "Thin rubber bands are still used in some cases to secure the asparagus spears, but the 100 mm wide sleeve takes on the role of the central information carrier at the point of sale," explains Nunes. In addition to asparagus, other types of fruit and vegetables can also be sleeved, from bananas and zucchini to cardboard trays for apples.
Sleeved asparagus for the Swiss food retail trade
"Depending on customer requirements, paper or film bands are used, which are completely pre-printed in advance, for example with information on origin, logos, or advertising messages. Variable data such as EAN codes, batch numbers, or best-before dates can also be added during packaging using thermal transfer printing. The design is created in close cooperation with the customer."
Efficient packaging machines
The machine most commonly used for asparagus is the US-2100, which can achieve up to 30 cycles per minute. Nunes: "This is a decisive advantage over manual packaging, especially in the high season. The machines work particularly efficiently when the asparagus spears have a similar diameter to ensure consistent placement of print elements. The technology is also flexible when dealing with different lengths or weights, and the systems can be easily integrated into existing packaging lines as required. The precise, infinitely variable, and versatile adjustment options of the ATS sleeving machines ensure that the sleeves fit tightly enough to hold the bundles securely together without damaging the individual asparagus spears. Our sleeve machines are developed and built in Switzerland and meet the highest quality requirements. They are extremely reliable, low-maintenance, and energy-efficient."
Sleeved zucchini
TruePaper – paper-based sleeve
A special innovation from ATS Tanner is TruePaper – a paper-based sleeve that is sealed using ultrasonic or heat sealing technology. It is made from either virgin fibers or more than 50 percent recycled material, is approved for direct contact with food, and can be completely recycled in the paper cycle. "Thanks to a new water-based coating, almost any suitable paper can be processed into TruePaper," concludes Nunes.
For more information:
Cornelia Sibold
ATS-Tanner Banding Systems AG
Poststrasse 30
6300 Zug, Switzerland
Tel: +41 41 710 06 03
[email protected]
www.ats-tanner.com