Graphic Packaging unveils fully recyclable paperboard punnet for fruit and vegetables

21 Apr 2021 --- Fiber-based packaging company Graphic Packaging International is launching ProducePack Punnet, a recyclable paperboard alternative to plastic punnet trays for fresh fruit and vegetables.

“ProducePack Punnet delivers a 90 percent reduction in plastic when compared to polypropylene or polyester trays, and a 100 percent reduction if a barrier coating is not necessary for the application,” highlights Elodie Bugnicourt, sustainability manager at Graphic Packaging International.

“It is expected to provide carbon footprint reduction versus standard fossil plastic trays; and a much greater circularity with an average paperboard recycling rate of more than double that of plastics, on average, in most countries.”

Food safety demands rise
As a result of the pandemic, consumers now place significantly more value on food safety and hygiene and see sustainability as increasingly important as industry emerges from the crisis, says the company.

“The interest we received in ProducePack was extraordinary following its launch earlier this year. ProducePack Punnet now extends the range to new applications such as berries, enabling our customers to reap the environmental benefits of paperboard packaging in a wider variety of fresh produce applications,” Bugnicourt notes.

Designed with optimum operational efficiency in mind, ProducePack Punnet can be top-sealed at speeds equivalent to traditional plastic punnets.

ProducePack Punnet delivers a 90 percent reduction in plastic when compared to polypropylene or polyester trays.The sustainable solution works with existing machinery and tooling for plastic trays, meaning that minimal investment is required for packers looking to make the switch to paperboard.

Shelf-life equal to plastic
For brands and retailers, the pack has been proven to offer equivalent shelf-life to plastic for certain produce items while reducing the potential for food waste.

A range of board and barrier options is available, which have all been selected to ensure the package remains robust in cold storage and throughout the supply chain. ProducePack Punnet can be supplied formed or flat, the latter offering CO2 reductions in transit due to higher punnet tray volume per truckload.

In line with Graphic Packaging’s Design for the Environment (DfE) approach, its features can be customized to suit various markets and potential applications.

From tomatoes to berries and more, the solution ensures sustainability is at the forefront at each stage of the manufacturing process.

ProducePack Punnet can also be graphically printed to maximize branding opportunities without the need for additional labeling.

“As growers and producers look to move toward recyclable fiber-based solutions, they can count on our expertise to deliver value-added innovation as well as like-for-like functionality versus traditional plastic trays,” says Ricardo De Genova, Graphic Packaging’s senior vice president, global innovation and new business development.

“Aligned with our Vision 2025 and DfE methodology, this launch is another example of how we can partner with customers to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy.”

Eco punnets NPD
Previously, UK supermarket Asda launched its first fully recyclable blueberry punnet and film lid, equating to an estimated 5.5 million recyclable packs annually.

In the same space, Mondi is collaborating with organic Bavarian farm BIOhof Kirchweidach to design eco-friendly packaging for organic tomatoes sold by Penny supermarkets (REWE Group) in Germany. The 100 percent recyclable Coral Tray mitigates food waste and includes a lid made of recycled corrugated board.

Also, Smurfit Kappa launched its paper-based punnet portfolio Safe&Green in Europe, where “consumers are ready to compromise for more sustainable packaging solutions for their fresh produce.”

Edited by Kristiana Lalou

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