With packaging a vital part of the fresh produce chain along with a growing concern regarding the amount of plastic use, a number of companies are increasingly looking to environmentally responsible alternatives for their packaging needs. CKF Inc, a Canadian based packaging manufacturer, pride themselves on developing environmentally-conscious containers with this in mind. One of their newer products, Earthcycle, will be on display at Fruit Logistica in Berlin next month.
Earthcycle is a range of moulded fibre trays and punnets developed specifically for the produce industry. Certified compostable to the European industrial and home standards, the packaging is also recyclable and made from renewable resources. “What is even more unique, is that we will be showing our Earthcycle punnets with a peel and reseal top film,” said Shannon Boase of CKF. "The top seal film for these containers was launched in 2015 in North America and has been a success with companies looking for ways to cover moulded fibre punnets."
First introduction outside North America
"We introduced the newest innovation - a peel and reseal film at the PMA show last October," Boase continued. "Fruit Logistica will be the first time we've introduced this product outside of North America and we are very excited about it. We were told it wasn't possible to have a peel and seal film on moulded fibre, but with our partners we were able to develop it and it has been comprehensively tested."
Sustainable alternative to plastic packaging
"There is a huge anti-plastic movement occurring in Europe right now," Boase noted. "The Earthcycle products have been certified by European standards and are manufactured using materials from sustainably managed forests. Many businesses are interested in or have already established sustainable practices, and by using Earthcycle products, it aids them in this model."
Boase also said that the moulded fibre containers extend fresh produce shelf life due to the nature of their construction. "Customers have provided feedback that their produce is lasting 1-3 days longer than if they were in traditional plastic packaging," she said. "The natural, porous material allows moisture to escape, which leads to fresher food and reduced food waste."
In addition, the products have been designed with existing packaging infrastructure in mind, which helps to ease transition and minimize capital investment. "It's an across the board design and lends itself to automation," Boase said. "Companies require minimal investment because the moulded trays, along with the film, are designed with current technology in mind. In fact, much of the equipment comes from the UK which will give European based companies opportunity to run the product on the same machines they have now. This extends the value of moulded pulp, as all that companies may need to purchase additionally are cutting tools."
Fruit Logistica attendance
CKF are excited to be presenting for the very first time at Fruit Logistica this year. After having been a visitor for the last two years, they saw the value in the event and decided to have their own booth for the 2018 event.
"CKF will be part of the Canadian pavilion at Fruit Logistica," Boase explained. "We have attended the event for two years now and it really gives you a sense of the global impact and the global supply chain. It provides a fantastic opportunity to see new ideas for packaging as well as meet so many new people. Everybody goes there from all over the world and it's great to talk to people and establish those valuable connections."
At the booth will be samples of the Earthcycle line of packaging products, including the new peel and reseal film.
CKF will be located at Hall 23, stand A11, at Fruit Logistica in the Canadian Pavilion.