In the Netherlands, several types of new packaging have been developed by Verstappen Advanced Packaging, Bakker Barendrecht, and their vegetable growers. The focus is on sustainability. This new packaging uses 50% less material. Supermarket chain Albert Heijn uses this packaging. So, it will use 235,000kg less plastic annually. The new packaging fits perfectly into the available crates too. That will result in a more efficient logistic process.
Transporting more vegetables and less air
Snack fruit and vegetables familiar round buckets will be replaced. They will now be packaged in square containers. These need to be moved less during logistics. "With this packaging, the space in the crate is fully used. That means less air and more vegetables can be transported," says Mieke Verstappen. The lids have also been replaced with a top seal film. This saves a lot of unnecessary packaging material. It still protects the vegetables as well. "We're increasingly advising companies that want to switch from lids to top seals."
The packaging design specifically considers the logistics process and the crates growers used. Verstappen Advanced Packaging developed new packaging for cherry tomatoes. "This packaging fits perfectly in the crates. We've also increased product visibility by not using ribs in the packaging. It shows the product off a little. The products, therefore, display well in the supermarket," adds Mieke.
Recycled plastic
Both the snack vegetable and cherry tomato packaging are manufactured from used soft drink bottles. The packaging is the result of Verstappen's growing ambition to optimize plastic packaging recycling. Part of this is that Verstappen is a member of the Plastic Pact NL. In this Pact, more than 110 leading Dutch businesses have made agreements on recycling plastic. They have also joined forces to tackle the plastic problem.
For more information:
Mieke Verstappen
Verstappen Advanced Packaging
Tel: +31 (0) 773 984 776 Email:m.verstappen@verstappenpackaging.com
Website: www.verstappenpackaging.com