"Belgium: "Fresh produce sector increasingly distinguishes itself in packaging"

Smart Packaging Solutions (SPS) is a business unit of VPK Packaging Group NV. The company specializes in the manufacture and supply of solid cardboard. Smart Packaging Solutions provides packaging for meat, poultry, fruit and vegetables, fish and flowers. This year, the Smart Packaging Solutions brand has been an active market participant for five years. VPK Packaging started with the production of cardboard in 1989, as part of the growth trajectory of the group. In 2008, after the acquisition of the insolvent R&F Folding Boxes, a second plant was erected. From that time on the solid cardboard division of VPK Packaging wanted to further conquer the market with its own brand name, resulting in the now familiar Smart Packaging Solutions. Today, the two branches combined produce 75,000 tons of solid cardboard packaging, with a total of 240 employees.

Johan de Neef: "Over the years we have grown tremendously in solid cardboard. The acquisition of R&F Folding Boxes in 2008 was a nice addition. It allowed us to expand our markets, especially in the vegetable and flower industry. The fresh produce trade has grown enormously in recent years. Countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Costa Rica deliver directly to Europe, and the products are usually packed locally. To cope with these trends, we increasingly offer our products internationally.”

"We are committed to provide our customers with the optimum solution, building standing partnerships in the process. Often a customer will come to us with a problem in the field of refrigeration or palletizing, prompting us to think outside the box. So SPS is not just a box factory, but provides total solutions. This view is also reflected in our company name. During the packaging we find the most cost-effective results. Another aspect highly appreciated by our customers is the continuous optimization of the logistics chain. We are able to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances. We also have our own design department. So a special custom-made design can be realized within a few hours. We can deliver a package within 8 hours."

In recent years, SPS invested in various things. "In 2009 we invested in additional space to support logistics. In 2011 and 2012 we updated the machines: in 2011, we invested in a new Offset printing machine, 5 colours + varnish. And as I said earlier, we continue to explore foreign markets, also outside the EU. As it is a saturated market, we keep distinguishing ourselves with innovations, like glossy print and so on. The fruit and vegetable sector will increasingly distinguish itself in packaging. It's getting more and more eye-catching," Johan concludes.

For more information:
Johan de Neef
Smart Packaging Solutions
Locatie Meer
Europastraat 28
2321 Meer
tel : + 32 3 315 04 24
fax : + 32 3 315 04 49
mail: [email protected]
website: www.smartpaso.com

Locatie Oudegem
Oude Baan , 120
9200 Dendermonde
tel : + 32 52 26 19 26
fax : + 32 52 22 55 13