DS Smith develops fiber-based tray for fresh produce transportation
DS Smith has supplied its fiber-based Closed-Type Tray for the transatlantic freight of kiwis and other fresh produce to the Greek market.
The Closed-Type Tray is designed to optimize product quality and freshness for over 45 days. The solution is produced using lightweight materials that improve loading capacity.
Giorgos Filippoglou, managing director of the Greek Cluster Packaging Division at DS Smith Hellas, says: “Sustainability and innovation are at the core of every packaging solution we design and especially for critical sectors such as agri-food, where product safety, freshness, and quality are paramount.”
Closed-Type Tray weighs 10 kg, inclusive of a body, base, and top lid, and DS Smith says it can be adapted to a different range of requirements. The lid is an integrated part of the design and a die-cut technique used to create holes in the side of the packaging for ventilation.
The tray’s internal structural design features reinforced corners that enhance durability, without the need for additional material reinforcement.
Durability and optimization
The fiber-based tray is created as an alternative to plastic packaging for the transportation of fresh fruit and is made of “high-quality” virgin paper with a specific weight selected for durability.
Prior to export, fresh fruit producers can place their own intelligent atmosphere and temperature-controlled bags inside the sealed trays to manage and optimize the travel conditions for their products.
Filippoglou adds: “We used our Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to ensure that this packaging solution is fully recyclable and created for easy collection, processing, and reintegration into the supply chain as raw material. Its focus is on performance optimization, durability, and functionality, and it is lightweight to meet the demands of these international supply chains.”
DS Smith says it utilized the minimal amount of material for this solution, in line with its Circular Design Principles analysis, and using CDM tools to rate and compare the circularity of a packaging design across eight different indicators, including supply chain optimization, recyclability, materials utilization, carbon footprint, and renewable source.
The tray’s simple structure can further streamline the packing process and is described as easy to assemble on automatic forming machines with a reduced packing time.
According to the company, the exterior of the packaging is versatile and allows for different printing techniques and branding options.
Last month, DS Smith launched a fiber-based box for Absolut Vodka. Previously, it designed cardboard packaging for home fragrance and chassis packaging for the automotive sector.
