Dutch cooperative Harvest House has revolutionized the packaging of its Amorena tomatoes, ensuring that they not only taste exquisite but are beautifully presented as well. Recognizing the importance of sustainable packaging, Harvest House opted for a cardboard tray instead of plastic. Collaborating with packaging specialist Quality Pack, they developed a tray that seamlessly fits into existing machinery, eliminating the need for costly adjustments.
The honeycomb pattern on the tray not only adds a touch of nostalgia but also provides a visually appealing arrangement for the tomatoes. This innovative packaging solution has quickly gained popularity in the market due to its premium feel and excellent sustainability credentials. The cardboard tray can be easily recycled with waste paper, while the thin PET film used for sealing is also recyclable with plastic.
With the European Football Championship approaching, Quality Pack has introduced a UEFA version of the trays with standard prints for the Dutch and German-speaking markets. This expansion allows snack vegetables and soft fruit suppliers to benefit from the economies of scale without the risk of running out of stock. Quality Pack aims to produce approximately one million trays to meet the growing market demand.
The French market, in particular, has shown great interest in cardboard packaging alternatives due to the country’s plastic ban. Quality Pack is currently testing the use of a cellulose net for top-sealing the trays, which could potentially eliminate the use of plastic entirely. However, further testing is required to determine if the net reduces air circulation and affects the shelf life of the products.
The packaging industry, although under pressure to develop more sustainable solutions, plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption during cultivation, storage, and transport. Packaging not only protects the products but also prevents unnecessary waste in supermarkets. Quality Pack emphasizes the importance of making all packaging materials recyclable and promoting effective recycling practices.
In response to customer demands, Quality Pack has also introduced a cardboard tray with a cellulose flow pack for grapes and avocados, providing a completely plastic-free solution. While this option proves successful, the company continues to work on cellulose top sealing, aiming to complete the necessary certifications.
In a world where sustainability is key, Harvest House and Quality Pack have demonstrated that premium products can be marketed effectively through eco-friendly packaging. Their dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship sets a positive example for the entire industry.
Jargon or Key Terms:
1. Sustainable packaging: Packaging materials and practices that have a reduced impact on the environment, promoting resource conservation and minimizing waste.
2. Cardboard tray: A packaging solution made of cardboard material used to hold and present products, such as tomatoes, in a visually appealing manner.
3. Honeycomb pattern: A geometric pattern resembling a honeycomb, often used in packaging design to enhance aesthetics and structural integrity.
4. PET film: A type of plastic material called polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used for sealing and protecting packaged products.
5. Snack vegetables: Small, ready-to-eat vegetables that are often consumed as snacks.
6. Economies of scale: The cost advantages that arise when a company produces more units of a product, allowing for lower per-unit costs.
7. Plastic ban: The prohibition or restriction on the use and distribution of plastic materials due to their negative environmental impact.
8. Cellulose net: A net-like material made from cellulose fibers, which may be used as an alternative to plastic for sealing and protecting packaged products.
9. CO2 emissions: Carbon dioxide emissions, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and global warming.
FAQ (Based on the article):
Q: What packaging material did Harvest House opt for instead of plastic for its tomatoes?
A: Harvest House chose a cardboard tray instead of plastic packaging for its tomatoes.
Q: Who did Harvest House collaborate with to develop the cardboard tray?
A: Harvest House collaborated with packaging specialist Quality Pack to develop the cardboard tray.
Q: What does the honeycomb pattern on the tray provide?
A: The honeycomb pattern on the tray adds a touch of nostalgia and visually appealing arrangement for the tomatoes.
Q: What are the sustainability credentials of the innovative packaging solution?
A: The cardboard tray can be easily recycled with waste paper, while the thin PET film used for sealing is also recyclable with plastic.
Q: What is the UEFA version of the trays for?
A: The UEFA version of the trays with standard prints is introduced for the Dutch and German-speaking markets in anticipation of the European Football Championship.
Q: What is Quality Pack testing for the French market?
A: Quality Pack is currently testing the use of a cellulose net for top-sealing the trays as an alternative to using plastic.
Q: What role does the packaging industry play in reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption?
A: The packaging industry plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption during cultivation, storage, and transport.
Q: What is the importance emphasized by Quality Pack regarding packaging materials?
A: Quality Pack emphasizes the importance of making all packaging materials recyclable and promoting effective recycling practices.
Q: What plastic-free solution did Quality Pack introduce for grapes and avocados?
A: Quality Pack introduced a cardboard tray with a cellulose flow pack as a completely plastic-free solution for grapes and avocados.
Q: What positive example do Harvest House and Quality Pack set for the industry?
A: Harvest House and Quality Pack demonstrate that premium products can be marketed effectively through eco-friendly packaging, setting a positive example for the entire industry.