"US: "Corrugated cardboard reduces costs and increases sales at supermarkets"

The results of two case studies has recently become known. In America, a study showed that tomatoes travelling from Mexico to Houston wrapped in corrugated cardboard is 25% more cost-effective than in plastic crates. Higher truck and handling costs, mainly caused by return transport and washing costs of plastic crates made the difference. Both growers and retailers save money when using corrugated cardboard. Costs were 17% higher for growers and 12% more expensive for retailers with using plastic crates. 

In Spain (Madrid and Barcelona) tests were carried out on the shop floor at supermarkets. Here, plastic crates were replaced by corrugated boxes with beautiful prints. These provided additional information about the product and (brand) experience with consumers. The result was remarkable: sales increased by 5%. It appears that the increasingly environmentally conscious consumers prefer recyclable packaging made from renewable raw materials.

In the Netherlands, discounter Lidl is an example of how a corrugated cardboard packaging contributes to success. This retailer recently came out on top in the fruit and vegetable segment for the 4th time.

The associations for corrugated cardboard in Belgium and the Netherlands believe it is important that retailers are properly informed about the potential of corrugated packaging in their pursuit of sustainable business. Specific expertise by an expert in the field of retail packaging is now possible.