Calls for sustainable and functional harmonized EU packaging rules for fresh fruit and veg

Following the release of the European Commission’s proposal for a Regulation on packaging and packaging waste, Freshfel Europe is calling on decision-makers to enact…

Now new imported soft fruit packaging line

The Greenery Softfruit introduced a new soft fruit packaging line at the beginning of the year. It proved very successful during the Dutch season. Thus, based on market demand, during the import season, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are also available in open 125g trays from now on. "In the Dutch…

“Laser micro-perforated bags extend bananas' shelf life by three weeks”

“Retailers are currently hugely concerned with saving and sustainability," begins Annette Hardeman, PerfoTec's Financial Director. A welcome development for this Dutch company that, by using laser micro-perforation technology, modifies packages' atmosphere. That improves the packaged fresh product's…

"It is young companies and open minds that make the difference"

"In Italy, there are only a few trailblazers opting for totally plastic-free packaging. By contrast, from abroad, requests are many and for a wide variety of products. It is a pity that many Italian operators are still standing by, watching. And it is not merely an economic issue because price increases…

Putting an end to wasteful packaging, boosting reuse and recycling

Yesterday, the Commission is proposing new EU-wide rules on packaging, to tackle this constantly growing source of waste and of consumer frustration. On average, each European generates almost 180 kg of packaging waste per year. Packaging is one of the main users of virgin materials as 40% of plastics…

A strategy to encourage in-store stock rotation

By reducing the number of trays to provide more rotation for the product in stores, the Italian company Sipo has been able to downsize the packaging of mushrooms, a very delicate product, while providing maximum freshness to the consumer. It is a new, more compact cardboard tray, reducing the number of…

Minamisoma company turns vegetable waste into eco-friendly plastic

A Japanese company has found a new way to make eco-friendly plastic; Toresyoku, a firm based in Minamisoma, Fukushima Prefecture, has developed technology that efficiently…

“We plant a single tree with every deal that we make with a client”

Mohamed Ali, owner and founder of Egyptian packer Fresh Deal, states that the consensus on paper packaging is very positive: “The paper packaging still has a good reputation. Nowadays a lot of large supermarket chains and retailers around the world demand paper packaging instead of plastic, as many…

Manupackaging announces strategic partnership with Polymateria for biodegradable films

Manupackaging is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Polymateria in the field of sustainable end-of-life packaging solutions.Incorporating Polymateria’s…

Reclosable and sealed freshness-saving packaging with tamper-evident solution

  Nespak, part of the Guillin Group, remains committed to sustainability and is launching Securipack, an innovative plastic tamper-evident punnet. Securipack is a new option for those looking for packaging that combines security, aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. It is a freshness punnet in rPET, 100%…

Over 400 exhibitors - Amount of visitors at pre-Corona levels

This year's edition of the expoSE/expoDirekt trade show duo will be remembered as a success. On both the first and second day, visitor numbers were pleasing and roughly at pre-Corona levels. Regarding the number of exhibitors, the shows were particularly successful as well: over 400 exhibitors were at…

Cambodian Minister plans QR-code stickers to combat fraud with durians

On November 22, Cambodia’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dith Tina, met with durian farmers and plantation owners as well as local authorities during a…

100% Vegan friendly DIY Pesto Kit introduced in The Netherlands

Europe Retail Packing B.V. from Poeldijk, Holland, released a DIY Pesto Kit available in the Netherlands in time for the Holiday Season. It contains fresh, Class 1, and handpicked ingredients such as Genovese Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pine & Mixed Nuts, Aged Parmesan Cheese, and Fresh Garlic.    It has a total…

Himachal: No takers for 6% Goods and Services Tax rebate on apple cartons

Sources claim that not a single Himachal apple grower has applied for 6% GST rebate on cartons, although close to 40 million cartons have been sold this season. Following a…

"I love that I can add my expertise to VH's vertical packaging specialization"

Jan Strijbos started at the Dutch company VH Vertical Packaging at the beginning of this month. Jan, a packaging industry veteran, is very motivated to begin working for VH. "I'm very much looking forward to it. I feel 25 again, although that was a while ago," Jan begins, laughing. He started in the…

Edible packaging addresses both food waste and plastic waste

Spain's Bio2Coat is attacking the twin problems of food waste and plastic waste coming from packaging materials. The company has developed a 100% natural, edible coating that…

SAVRpak

SAVRpak partners with Mexican company Jüsto, distributing moisture control technology

Food tech innovation company SAVRpak’s moisture control technology, which can extend the shelf life of produce up to three times, will be marketed through Jüsto, Mexico’s first online supermarket. Beginning in December, each clamshell of berry varieties ordered through Jüsto will include SAVRpak, a…

“Current weather conditions in India are perfect for a healthy growth of the crop”

The Indian grape season saw some delays due to excessive rains, says Samir Singh, business promoter for Indian grape exporter Mersel Foods: “Too much rain over an extended period has delayed the pruning process for 2-3 weeks in the main grape growing region of Nashik, which means the harvest will be…

A range of paper and board packaging suitable for over 30 different fruits and vegetables

Detpak, a manufacturer and supplier of sustainable paper and board packaging solutions, is working to keep their customers ahead of the sustainability curve. A specialist across the food service, FMCGand grocery industries, Detpak work with some of the largest and most iconic brands to provide innovative…

Mintec Analytics

'Prices in the plastics market in the EU and the US showed a decline in October'

The Mintec Global Packaging Category Index (MCI) declined in October 2022, down 1% month-on-month (m-o-m) to USD 1,414/MT. The decline in the index appears to be slowing and seems close to hitting a price bottom. However, it is still possible that there may be a further decline in the price of raw…

"PEF enables gentle processing without loss of quality and with lower water and energy use"

On November 16 and 17, Elea Technology Ltd hosted the now annual PEF Advantage Days at its headquarters in Quakenbrück, Lower Saxony. At the same time, the innovative company celebrated its 10th anniversary this year. In a wide-ranging supporting program full of technical presentations, machine demos and…

New Gaudí-style Serena orange box

The new Spanish orange season has started at Frukar. Thinking ahead to the future, this Dutch company has developed a new strong cardboard box for Serena oranges. It is in the style of Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. "It's really up to what buyers prefer, packaging-wise. We have something for everyone. We…

“A pallet-based system to extend berry shelf-life”

Bas Groeneweg (CEO of PerfoTec) was one of the experts who spoke at the Global Berry Congress 2022. This congress – organized by Fruitnet - was held at the World Trade Centre in Rotterdam on Tuesday, November 15th. During the Global Berry Congress, many experts spoke about new opportunities, new…

Pineapple, chocolate and coffee part of special holiday gift boxes from Hawaii

The global fresh produce leader Dole is offering pineapple, chocolate and coffee as part of special gift boxes all grown on its estate in Hawaii.  People can order Dole's Ohana or Aloha gift boxes from the Dole Hawaii website for us delivery in time for Christmas. At a cost of $60, customers will have it delivered…

Quality label for products from Troodos mountain

A project led by the Cyprus Institute is taking shape, with the introduction of the first fruit and vegetables bearing the quality label “Mountain Agriculture Troodos.” The products available at the new Mikropolis supermarkets in Cyprus are distinguished by their high quality and are manufactured solely…

EastPack announces $30 million notes issue to meet growth In kiwifruit demand

EastPack, a post-harvest operator in the New Zealand kiwifruit industry announced that it intends to raise $30 million via an issue of five-year subordinated Notes to New…

Veggie waste offers green solution to single-use packaging

Australia’s mounting packaging stockpile could soon shrink with a little help from greener packaging made from vegetable waste. With an Australian Government target (external link) for all packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, Victoria University (VU) researchers have been looking…

Angus Soft Fruits now importing berries using reduced-plastic, cushioning punnet to improve quality and recyclability.

Angus Soft Fruits is now importing berries using a new reduced-plastic punnet that cushions the berries to improve quality and recyclability. Photo: angussoftfruits.co.uk  The company used the SPA Airlite punnet, designed by Sharpak Aylesham, for strawberries during their 2022-23 import season, starting with…

Brazil: Products must have labels from January 2, 2023

Fruits, vegetables and various packaged foods must have  labels as established by law , as of January 2, 2023. The measure will be mandatory for products sold at the São Paulo Warehouse Terminal, owned by Ceagesp (Companhia de Entrepostos e Armazéns Gerais de São Paulo), in Vila Leopoldina, in the west of…

Dubai, a new frontier for the packaging sector

More than two hundred Italian companies are attending the Gulfood Manufacturing trade fair in Dubai from 8 to 10 November 2022, and almost all of them are from the packaging or fruit sorting technology sectors. The entrance to the fair (Photo by Omar Papi) Among these companies, those strictly involved in…

Potatoes packed without plastic

From October 1, in France, fresh vegetables and fruit weighing less than 1.5 kg cannot be packed in plastic. This is the result of the French law on the circular economy (fr. Loi AGEC). According to Loi AGEC, in addition to potatoes, leeks, eggplants, tomatoes, apples, bananas, oranges, pineapples and mangoes must also be…

Veteran's Day promotion with dedicated packaging for grapes and mandarins

Pacific Trellis Fruit, a year-round grower, shipper and marketer of premium fresh fruit, is partnering with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for a Veteran’s Day promotion. The company debuts eye-catching co-branded packaging for grapes and mandarins with a percentage of every bag sold being donated to the…

A hydrophobic thin film coating from buffalo fat

Scientists from the National Research Center in Cairo, Egypt, have reported the development of a hydrophobic thin film coating for harvested fruit preservation. Their findings appear in the journal Scientific Reports. Ensuring the Quality of Fresh Fruit and VegetablesFresh fruit and vegetables are an…

“Our packaging is a recyclable product. It’s nature friendly as it is non-toxic, printable and washable”

As some companies move away from plastic, one Turkish packaging manufacturer feels it can be much more sustainable than cardboard boxes. The fact that PP plastic boxes are waterproof also helps reduce waste, as damaged packaging can easily lead to damaged produce. Using PP plastic boxes has a real…

Agriplast launches new products in plastic film, packaging and TNT

Staying up to date with the latest technical innovations in the agricultural sector is fundamental for this very important sector's development; to that end, trade fairs have always played a key role, and as of this year, they have been resuming their ordinary activities after the pandemic-related…

CKF acquires Canadian thermoformed rPET firm

Scotia Investments Limited (SIL), together with CKF, Inc. (CKF), have reached an agreement to acquire Packright Manufacturing Ltd. (Packright). Packright will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of CKF. Given the recognized legacy of innovation, quality, and customer service that has been built around the…

“Our packaging is 100% biodegradable within 24 weeks, making it the most ecological on the market”

Ecological packaging is becoming more important for both importers and consumers. Adam Sikorski, sales manager of Polish packaging company SoFruPak, states the company is very happy with their new packaging: “This year, we have improved our main series of SoFruMiniPak EV+ packaging by enlarging the…

Food packaging innovations are revolutionizing the food, beverage and retail industries

At this point in time, food packaging innovations are transforming beyond basic containers to elements that are revolutionizing the food, beverage, and related retail…

"The future of the nut market does not lie with traditional re-packers, but with packaging service providers"

The nut and dried fruit market is currently under strong pressure due to falling raw material prices. This drop in prices is having a marked  impact on the European market. Globally, yields have been quite abundant and so the availability of goods has increased, says Mario Ebel, nut expert and managing director…

UAE fresh produce brand unveils new biodegradable packaging for entire range of products

Barakat, the prominent UAE produce brand, has launched its bio-degradable packaging across its entire product range, taking a big step into the world of sustainability. Although recycling has recently become a more familiar aspect of our daily lives, the problem still lies in the fact that fewer than 10%…

PCA reports third quarter net income of $262 million

Packaging Corporation of America has reported a third quarter 2022 net income of $262 million, or $2.80 per share, and net income of $266 million, or $2.83 per share,…

EU ban on Russian plastics aggravates food inflation

Inflation in the EU hit a record high of 10.9% in September. Food inflation is largely the result of two factors: rising prices for fuel and rising prices for plastic used to…

Packaging company hits the big 60

Fox Packaging™ is celebrating its 60th anniversary serving the produce industry this year. In 1962, Kenneth Fox moved his family to South Texas where he began Fox Packaging…

Harmonised EU legislation key to fresh produce packaging sustainability success

Amid mounting operational complexity and costs, leading fresh produce sustainability experts gathered online on Friday 21 October for Freshfel Europe’s Webinar on ‘National…

CPMA releases design guidelines for produce plastic packaging

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is pleased to release nine design rules for plastic packaging tailored specifically for the fresh produce sector. Industry…

Guillin Group ready to participate in PMA in the United States

All is set for the Guillin Group's participation in PMA in Orlando, Florida, represented by the Guillin Fresh Produce Division team of the four companies Dynaplast, Nespak, Sharpak and Veripack, at booth 789. The fair runs from 26 to 29 October 2022. "Our Group," explained Gian Giacomo Gamberini, export sales…

A colourful new look for Europe’s brightest new vegetable

In a sea of green, among Europe’s vegetable aisles, Bimi® broccoli has an informative, colourful new look, designed to deliver standout, appeal, and likelihood to purchase against competitors. The new-look design will roll-out across all Bimi packaging formats starting from October in all retailers who…

More Zero Residue vegetables available year round

"It is more laborious, and it needs a lot of attention and investment, but we are certain Zero Residue represents a guarantee for the environment and for product quality," explains Emile Fellini, from the company located in Gambettola (Forlì-Cesena). Some of the Zero Residue products "We can supply Zero…

France: New marketing strategy for Perle du Nord

The endive specialist Perle du Nord was present at Fruit Attraction this year to present its new visual identity. “We undertook a re-evaluation of our marketing strategy 4 years ago to make sure that our offer was still in line with the market expectations,” explains Caroline Basset, the group’s…

Portion-packed nuts for Italian consumers

"We have recently taken part in a fund-raising television program together with one of our partners, a well-known Italian discount store, which is also the promoter of the initiative. We are pleased, not only because of the success of the program, but also because we were able to make a nice contribution…

PPC Flexible Packaging, LLC announces acquisition of Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC

PPC Flexible Packaging LLC, a provider of custom flexible packaging, announces the acquisition of Kansas City, KS-based Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC (PPT).  PPC, headquartered…

Apple grower-shipper focuses on thinking outside the box

Meeting the needs of both retailers and consumers requires flexibility and innovation. As a grower, packer, shipper and developer of premium apples, Honeybear® Brands is keeping a finger on the pulse of the market to ensure it is anticipating the changing shopping habits of consumers and providing…

BaFru AG

"We want to counteract the fact that the labels ultimately end up as environmentally harmful microplastics"

Zurich-based fruit trading company Bananen+Frucht AG has recently started using compostable labels for its entire range of Ecuadorian bananas. "Conventional stickers on bananas usually end up in the compost and ultimately end up in the soil as environmentally harmful microplastics. We want to counteract…

Packaging that supports the triple bottom line

“As a business we came to the realization early on that unless we were able to look differently at our products and fully incorporate the key principles of sustainability into how and what we produce and supply to our customers, we will run the risk of remaining part of the problem rather than a provider…

Future-proofing produce packaging with fibre-based alternative to plastic

Sustainability is a key megatrend that is changing the face of produce packaging, influenced by three intertwined market drivers. Today’s shoppers are increasingly concerned about the environment. Mintel’s 2022 Sustainability Barometer found that periods of prolonged extreme weather across Europe have…

Uzbekistan: Qapchugay Mevalari starts exporting table grapes in modern packaging

Uzbek agricultural company Qapchugay Mevalari (Fruits of Kapchugay) from the Altyaryk district of the Fergana region began to sell fresh table grapes in modern convenient…

Ryp Labs: StixFresh stickers are finalists in the Sustainability Awards 2022

Ryp Labs claims to be the first company to extend the shelf-life of fresh produce by simply peeling and applying their StixFresh stickers to the produce or packaging material.…

New campaign highlights the nutritional heroes of produce

If there's one thing consumers have on their minds right now, it's their health. As a result, it's only timely that a produce marketer and grower is introducing a new campaign connecting produce and health for today's shoppers. Michael DuPuis of Divine Flavor. At the upcoming IFPA's Global Produce &…

Zespri Kiwifruit to feature compostable labels in European markets

Zespri has confirmed that all of its kiwifruit in Europe for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere supply season will feature compostable labels, including trialling a home…

NNZ, the 100-year-old family business, wants to revolutionise packaging

NNZ operates 24 subsidiaries in 18 countries, employing 250 people in the global packaging market for the agricultural, industrial and retail sectors. The company celebrates its centenary on 22 October 2022. What makes the story of this northern Netherlands company so special? As an independent…

Zespri implements its 100% cardboard trays in the Spanish market

Three important retailers in the country already sell the conventional and organic Zespri Green and Zespri Sungold varieties in this new 100% cardboard packaging. The…

Live packaging machine demonstrations at global produce show

From October 27 to 29, the very first edition of the Global Produce & Floral Show will take place in Orlando, Florida. JASA is participating and demonstrating two packaging machines in action. On January 1, 2021, PMA and United Fresh merged to form the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). This…

Fifth Season lets the fresh greens speak for themselves in bold new packaging design

Fifth Season – a food system pioneer and the first player in the vertical farming space to launch ready-to-eat salad kits with distribution in 12+ states in over 1,200 locations – is upping the ante again with a bold new package design, as well as a brand new flavor variety. Fifth Season operates a…

Here's a chance to win an Adirondack chair

Bedford Industries will mark the three-year anniversary of its TagBack® program with a chance to win an Adirondack chair made with reclaimed plastic during The Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 27–29 in Orlando, Florida. Bedford manufactures produce identification products including:  produce ties, Bib Ties®,…

"This year's fair brought along new hope after the difficult Covid period"

On September 29, FACHPACK - the European Trade Fair for Packaging, Technology and Processes closed its doors after three days. The balance was so positive: the organizer of the exhibition, NürnbergMesse Ltd, counted a total of 32,000 visitors from 90 countries (2021: 24,000 visitors from 33 countries).…

Groupe Guillin acquires Italy’s Ciesse Paper

France-based food packaging solutions company Groupe Guillin has acquired 90% of the shares of Italy’s Ciesse Paper, a provider of cardboard packaging for the fruit and…

Dole Sunshine company takes poor snacking habits to task with 'malnutrition labels'

Designed to spark conversation and action, Malnutrition Labels: Nutritional Ink, launched today by the Dole Sunshine Company (DSC), calls attention to the low nutritional…

GreenPod Labs sachets for fruit and veg shelf-life extension approved

This past Food Awareness Day, 29 September 2022, GreenPod Labs Sachets got the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) scientific committee’s approval in the…

Post-harvest solutions in the spotlight at Fruit Attraction

Termotécnica is exhibiting at Fruit Attraction 2022 in Madrid, Spain October 4-6 with DaColheita–FarmFresh packaging solutions. This is the fourth edition of the fair in which the company has participated in the Brazil Pavilion, coordinated by Abrafrutas (Brazilian Association of Exporters of Fruit and…

Special type of vegetable box designed by Junagadh University of Agriculture

A foldable plastic box for transporting crops was researched by Junagadh Agricultural University in 2013. The design was submitted to the government of India for the…

Chiquita stickers go pink for breast cancer awareness campaign

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Chiquita is giving its blue sticker a pink makeover to match the Pink Ribbon - an international symbol for breast cancer awareness. For the sixth consecutive year, in partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), Chiquita’s…

"Our anti-fog controlled-atmosphere packaging is dedicated to reducing waste in the production chain"

Affected by the global shortage of shipping capacity and the impact of the pandemic, problems, such as extended shipping times and delayed container clearance, have frequently occurred. How to extend the storage period and shelf-life of products and ensure product quality is the focus of many importers…

The Spanish wood packaging federation launches a new more direct and vindicating campaign in networks

Fedemco has launched a new, more direct and vindicating, communication campaign in networks. Under the slogan "always sustainable", the Spanish wood packaging federation gives…

Cronogard - new technology for the packaging sector

Nice Filler has patented a technology called Cronogard to extend the shelf-life and preserve the quality and freshness of food. It is an innovative system that introduces functional molecules into packaging materials, anchored on inorganic surfaces, to protect food in a controlled way.  Cronogard is an additive…