The Dutch company Argos Packaging held NoW-Paper Test days for a week. From December 2 to December 9, it introduced its business partners to this new plastic-free packaging. "This is the perfect time to familiarize interested parties with this 100% plastic-free NoW-Paper," begin the company's Martijn Dammers (Marketing Manager) and Roy van den Heuvel (Product Specialist AGF).
"They could also see the paper in action on a packaging machine and could test its shelf life." Interested customers considering switching to paper were eager to see and experience this.
During the test days, Martin and Roy shared the ins and outs of their company's new packaging solution, and, most importantly, guests could see how the NoW flow pack could work for their products. "This plastic-free NoW flow pack packaging is completely recyclable and can go into the paper waste stream," explains Roy.
"It's a high-quality material, which can be recycled and serve as a new raw material for producing new paper products. It has a whole life ahead of it, making it a sustainable, circular solution. This packaging meets the demand and desire for mono packaging, which is produced from a single type of raw material, simplifying the recycling process."
Also, the two men assure, NoW packaging benefits fresh products' shelf life. "Paper is a natural product, and the packaging's permeability promotes a microclimate within. That ensures that in the case of tomatoes, for example, there's less stem rot or that, say, potatoes are less likely to sprout and discolor," says Roy.
"Independent testing shows that storability is significantly improved. You can use this packaging for both vertical and horizontal flow packs."
"That makes it suitable for virtually all fruit and vegetable products. And, with a few simple modifications, it fits seamlessly into companies' existing machines," Roy continues.
During the test days, Argos installed a vertical and horizontal machine for the occasion so clients could experiment with their products.
At the same time, the importance of partnerships was emphasized. For instance, some two years ago, Argos entered into a partnership with the Italian InKarta for the NoW Flowpack packaging. And they are hoping these test days will bring 'new' collaborations. "We consider these true collaborations," Martijn adds. "Customers can feel the material, package products themselves, and test those. We like getting feedback about their experiences with the packaging."
Martijn has, however, noticed that people are still quite unfamiliar with paper packaging solutions. "For many, it's a new thing, and it's a switch not everyone's ready for yet," he admits.
"Still, sustainability is a vital aspect of our business, and we think that switch will eventually be inevitable. Just look at the regulations in France. And in England, they're becoming stricter with plastic use too."
"If fully switching to paper is eventually made permanent, we'll be ready to meet that demand," says Martijn. Those present seem to be eagerly on board. Several potato product packers, large grower organizations, and well-known trading houses came to the test days.
"The decision is still mainly left to suppliers, especially at, for example, retailers. However, we see that consumers are ready for it. Our clients were also very positive during the test week. Plus, it's a great way to communicate with shoppers, to convey a story of how to best store, prepare, and eat a product. Or how the packaging should be recycled. We firmly believe in this packaging solution's success and that the rest of the chain will soon follow," Martijn concludes.
For more information:
Roy van den Heuvel
Martijn Dammers
Argos Packaging & Protection
10 Nieuweweg
2675 BC, Honselersdijk, NL
Tel: +31 (0) 174 630 011
Email: agri@argos.nu
Website: www.argos.nu