Gamma-Wopla was represented for the first time at Fruit Logistica this year. They had the latest collection of their folding and stacking boxes for the fruit and vegetable sector. For Mikaël Vandewiele, Plant Manager of Gamma-Wopla, sustainability is the top priority for his company and its products.
Mikaël Vandewiele (r.) at the Fruit Logistica stand
Some of the benefits of the Smart Flow crates can already be seen in regard to the harvest of fruits and vegetables: "The boxes can be stacked on top of each other, making them easier to fill. This is easier on the back than crates that are low on the ground In addition, it is difficult at the moment to find manpower for harvesting and a simplified harvest can quickly become a plus for a producer."
Between different stations, the company's special trolleys can be used, which are geared to all sizes of boxes. "We work on individual solutions for our customers, and each box can be customized to meet specific requirements or products, from handle size to color."
The empty transport of reusable crates is often a negative factor in the environmental performance of companies: Empty crates take up a lot of space when they are transported back. "Because our boxes are easy to fit together when they are empty, they take up only half of the space, which makes transportation much more efficient, as it saves space and, ultimately, resources."
Many firms are still using cartons to transport fresh products, but Mikaël Vandewiele would like to change this in the future: "We are a small, flexible family business. Sustainability and environmental protection are very important to us, but we also don't want our customers to be economically disadvantaged. Transporting goods in boxes may be more advantageous at first glance, but in the long term it's worth switching to our system, both in terms of sustainability and price."
When it comes to wear, Vandewiele has come up with yet another strategy for using resources as long as possible. He explains: "The boxes are a commodity and of course things can always break down. We buy back damaged boxes from our customers, using this material in our upcycling process: The raw material can be used for new boxes or reusable pallets. My brother Gregory Vandewiele of Smart Flow is responsible for producing these pallets, so everything remains under one roof." For the production of boxes and pallets, the companies receive 250 tons of recycled material per week, among others from the automotive industry.
For more information:
Gamma-Wopla SA 
www.gamma-wopla.com/
Press contact:
Beate Jahoda
brandworkers GmbH
jahoda@brandworkers.com