Sturdy and sustainable packaging for leeks. That was what Frankort & Koning, an international fruit and vegetable trading company, asked Smart Packaging Solutions to provide. "Together, we developed sturdy solid board trays designed to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. Our growers deliver top-quality leeks. The packaging has to convey that."
"We were already using Smart Packaging Solutions for our cucumber packaging," says Michel Wulms, Frankort & Koning's packaging and containers manager. "Now we've added a new type of packaging: solid board stackable machine-erected trays for packaging leeks. The trays are printed at Smart in Oudegem on the brand-new Celmacch machine and delivered just-in-time to growers in the Venlo region. They package the leeks, which are then exported."
© Nv Smart Packaging Solutions
The trays are used to package leeks under Frankort & Koning's own brands: Royal Select (5 kilogrammes) and Royal Verde (10 kilogrammes). "These brands stand for quality," says Michel. "The grower delivers a top-quality product, and the packaging has to convey that. And it does, thanks to Smart. The full-color printing and sleek finish of the stackable machine-erected trays give the brand a stylish look both in-store and during transport."
Sturdy tray for both the grower and the buyer
"The leeks are washed at the grower's and placed in the tray while still damp. This requires sturdy packaging that can withstand transportation. The tray needs to be strong and moisture-resistant. In consultation with Smart, we opted for a tray with a slightly higher gramme weight. This means the packaging is extra sturdy, which is essential for transportation and presentation. Transportation can take up to two or three days. When the trailer is opened in Italy, it's very important that the trays are still robust and undamaged. Crumpled packaging is the first thing the buyer sees, and that immediately makes a bad impression, even if the leeks are still in great shape. With Smart's packaging, we don't have to worry about that."
"Smart Packaging Solutions takes care of the entire process: from the production of the trays to delivering them to our growers within a radius of about seventy kilometres around Venlo," says Michel. "Smart Packaging Solutions also keeps assembled trays in stock. This means that our growers are guaranteed immediate delivery, even in urgent cases. Orders placed in the morning are often delivered the same day. In a market where speed is crucial, that's worth its weight in gold. We only want to stock fruit and vegetables, not empty packaging. That means you have to be able to rely on a supplier who delivers just-in-time. In that respect, Smart is a partner that anticipates your needs and does what it promises."
For more information:
Johan De Neef
Smart Packaging Solutions
Tel: +32 (0)52 26 19 25
[email protected]
www.smart-packaging-solutions.com
