Packaging producer Paranova has joined forces with fresh produce specialist AMFresh to introduce around one million packs of its BOOMBITES grape variety in recyclable, fibre-based punnets. The launch reflects wider food and beverage industry trends, including growing demand for food and drink sustainability and lower-impact food and drink packaging.
The packs use Paranova’s FibreFresh HeatSeal technology and are being supplied to leading UK retailers nationwide, including M&S, Tesco, and Ocado. The format gives growers and retailers a practical alternative to conventional single-use plastic, helping them meet plastic-reduction objectives while preserving product life and maintaining the strength required throughout the supply chain. It also aligns with evolving food and drink regulations, food distribution trends, and food and drink consumer trends.
Paranova has developed the paper-based punnet with specialist systems that manage respiration and moisture transfer, helping grapes remain fresh during transportation and retail presentation. For packers and suppliers, the design can operate on existing production lines, supporting efficient, reliable packing with limited equipment changes. This combination of food processing technology and production compatibility supports wider food manufacturing trends across the fresh produce sector.
FibreFresh HeatSeal had previously been used for tomatoes, but the BOOMBITES programme represents its first major commercial application for grapes. The rollout demonstrates the punnet’s adaptability across different produce categories and highlights the role of food and drink industry innovation in advancing more sustainable packaging solutions. It also gives retailers a strong platform for food and drink marketing focused on quality, convenience, and environmental responsibility.
“Producing nearly one million FibreFresh HeatSeal Punnets for the BOOMBITES grape launch is a significant milestone for Paranova and demonstrates how quickly our FibreFresh range is gaining momentum across the fresh produce sector,” said Michael Conway, chief commercial officer at Paranova. “This project showcases the versatility of the FibreFresh HeatSeal Punnet and how it can be successfully adapted for new produce categories while delivering the quality, performance, and shelf appeal expected by both retailers and consumers. It’s another example of how we’re helping customers make the transition to fibre-based packaging at scale.”