Smurfit Kappa optimizes Irish herb grower’s cardboard produce trays with UK-made waterproof coating

04 Dec 2023 --- Smurfit Kappa is supplying Irish herb and leaf grower McCormack Family Farms with a waterproof coating for cardboard-based produce trays. The collaboration addresses a number of environmental concerns including reducing the carbon footprint of imported packaging materials.

The McCormack family sought an alternate solution to replace imported wax-lined produce trays and PET coatings, making the current packaging recyclable and reducing the farm’s reliance on imported materials.

Smurfit Kappa’s Markham Vale, UK, site engineered a resilient, corrugated cardboard produce tray capable of withstanding moisture while preserving the contents by applying a waterproof coating, blending environmental responsibility with functionality. 

The coating is biodegradable and enhances the packaging’s durability, reducing the need for additional materials like plastic bags and wrappers.

“Our partnership with Smurfit Kappa Markham Vale has revolutionized our packaging approach. Their remarkably robust water-resistant paper packaging solution stands as a testament to innovation that upholds our commitment to sustainability,” says McCormack Family Farms.

Optimizing transportation costs
The move has elevated the farm’s brand image and reputation, details Smurfit Kappa. 

Packaging Insights recently spoke to Robert Hughes, CEO at Scalize, regarding the impact of product transportation on the environment and economy, aspects which he said had “largely been overlooked until recently.” 

By eliminating the need for imports from Spain, McCormack Family Farms has reduced transport costs and decreased its carbon footprint. 

“The collaboration between Markham Vale and McCormack Family Farms serves as a beacon for other businesses, highlighting that recyclable, waterproof coatings are achievable for all kinds of coated packaging needs,” Smurfit Kappa shares. 

“The partnership also offers compelling proof that, with the appropriate strategy, businesses can simultaneously ensure product safety, champion sustainability and elevate their brand image.”

Edited by Radhika Sikaria