With years of experience in the packaging industry, the Van Heugten family launched their family business, PulpVision, in the Netherlands in 2019. "There was a noticeable market demand for a plastic packaging alternative," begins Roy van Heugten.
In that year, in collaboration with the German company Kiefel GmbH, they began developing a new machine to produce pulp packaging. "We didn't think the market had the right machines to make high-quality, sustainable packaging suitable for the volumes and speeds at which fresh produce packers work. That's why we developed a machine ourselves."
Developing that machine was challenging, but the first one became operational in 2021. "It took about a year to iron out all the teething problems, but from mid-2022, we went into full production. Thanks to a newly developed production technique, our products' quality is as good as plastic packaging," says Roy.
"They have smooth surfaces, so the products can be processed automatically. Another advantage is that our products save space during storage and transport because of their thin sides, but still protect the products well against possible damage."
"Initially, we mainly focused on producing flower pots for the horticulture industry, but we saw many opportunities in fresh produce packaging. Thus, we took a step towards that sector. Our products are made from recycled paper and produced in the Netherlands. They are, therefore, fully recyclable within the waste paper stream and 100% compostable," explains Roy.
According to Van Heugten, the cost of pulp packaging is "slightly higher" than that of plastic. "How much varies per product. But all supermarkets have said they want to get rid of plastic. Pulp offers a sustainable alternative. If supermarkets can make this sustainable choice, we believe things could move quickly with these new pulp packages."
Currently, PulpVision supplies items like a 500g top-seal tray. "You can use these for a wide range of products. Our current customer uses them for avocados, but they're also perfectly suitable for products such as grapes, strawberries, and blueberries," Roy continues. "We also make special items, like a tray for two avocados or a slightly larger package, especially for mangoes. But we want to expand the range further."
"For now, we're focusing on the Dutch market, but we'd like to supply foreign fresh produce packers with our pulp packaging, too. We have three machines with which we can already serve a nice part of the market. But if there's market demand, we'll happily scale up. I dream of having ten machines in a few years to serve clients," Roy concludes.
For more information:
Roy van Heugten
PulpVision
11 ’t Zwarte land
3925 CK, Scherpenzeel, NL
Mob. +31 641 780 094
[email protected]
www.pulpvision.nl