De Jong Verpakkingen and International Paper have started a cooperation to market a new retail-packing system in Europe. With this system, the inter-stackability between fruit and vegetable boxes will be realised on a European level. For retailers, this will result in major advantages, particularly in the field of logistics.
Fruit and vegetable boxes in all shapes and sizes, with different colours and printing, aren’t beneficial to the presentation of the fresh produce department. Besides, the different versions mean the various boxes can’t be easily stacked on pallets. This was also concluded by Lidl International in Germany. They went looking for a fitting solution with the packing branch. “The retailer wanted to tackle the packing system for fresh produce departments of Lidl shops throughout Europe. This way they hope to create more unity in their shops, and to improve the logistical imbalance,” says Ronald de Wildt of De Jong Verpakkingen, who is closely involved in the development and implementation of the new packaging system. The system has now been taken into use by Lidl, and is applied in more and more shops.
Ronald mentions it wasn’t easy to develop an entirely new system on this scale. That’s why local corrugated cardboard associations in various European countries, as well as FEFCO, the European umbrella organisation for corrugated cardboard packaging, also collaborated in the thought process. “After many discussions, tests and adjustments, an assortment of boxes was created that can be mutually stacked. Variation in size, colour and printing is still possible, but the boxes, or rather, the uniform bottom size, the corners and notches have been made in such a way that all boxes correspond to each other, among the various European countries as well. This will have many advantages, particularly logistically, because the boxes can be stacked on pallets more efficiently. On average, up to 30 per cent can be gained in the logistic field now.”
European implementation
The packing system was initially developed for Lidl, but because interest from other retailers soon followed, the system is now being presented throughout Europe. “The entire fresh produce sector actually benefits from this system. Grower’s associations and sales cooperatives have also voiced interest, and GroentenFruit Huis has indicated they’re also interested in a packing system. This made us feel very positive about the future.” De Jong Verpakkingen wants to offer its customers a good logistic system with the stackable boxes. The sustainability aspect is an added bonus. The packaging producer offers an extensive assortment of corrugated and solid cardboard boxes to the fresh produce sector. “Cardboard boxes are one of the most sustainable packaging on the market. The material is made from renewable materials, and it’s recyclable and compostable. A nice added value is the option to print, making the boxes usable as a marketing tool. Moreover, research shows fresh produce has a shelf life that’s three days longer in cardboard.”
For the production and sales of the new packing system, as well as cardboard solutions for fruit and vegetables in general, De Jong Verpakkingen recently entered into an agreement with International Paper. De Jong Verpakkingen is particularly active in the Benelux and the UK, while International Paper is a global market leader with as many as 26 production locations in Europe, in France, Italy, Spain, Turkey and Morocco. The two companies will continue to operate independently from each other, although the cooperation does make it easier to respond to specific needs of European retailers, according to Ronald, and to develop solutions to improve the logistic supply chain. “We’re not afraid to say the new system offers a pioneering and cross-border solution, which will be available for all of Europe now.”
In the short term, De Jong Verpakkingen and International Paper present a combined brand, and they will dedicate themselves particularly to increasing the reputation of the new packing system among European retailers. Besides, the packing producers hope to combine their strengths in coming years to move customers away from plastic and towards cardboard even more.
More information:
De Jong Verpakkingen
Ronald de Wildt