DS Smith, an International Paper company and a prominent provider of fibre-based packaging solutions, is partnering with Priméale, a subsidiary of Agrial and a cooperative group in agricultural and food processing, to develop a sustainable and plastic-free punnet for the brand’s Priméale Vegetable Kit range.
The newly designed punnets for fresh fruits and vegetables prioritize both protection during transportation and shelf life display. This fully recyclable packaging solution features a fibre-based corrugated cardboard tray with a straightforward cellulose hydrate lid, ensuring environmental sustainability.
Fibre-Based Alternatives for Food and Drink Packaging
The transparent cellulose hydrate lid allows for excellent product visibility, enhancing consumer experience at retail locations. Furthermore, the punnets incorporate a moisture barrier within the corrugated cardboard tray, enabling direct contact with wet foods. These punnets are engineered to be tightly sealed, effectively maintaining food moisture and temperature, thus safeguarding the quality of the fresh produce.
Moreover, the punnets can be tailored to meet various customer specifications, whether in small or large sizes. The corrugated cardboard exterior also permits diverse graphic design options and brand promotion opportunities, ensuring standout visibility at Points of Sale (POS).
Responding to Consumer Preferences for Sustainable Packaging
Recent data from the Kantar Research Bureau, a multi-nation market research firm, indicates that 45% of consumers in France adhere to strict budgets for their weekly grocery shopping. Notably, one in four of these consumers increasingly advocate for reduced plastic use in food and drink packaging for fresh products.*
Benjamin Chedal, Sales, Marketing & Innovation Director, DS Smith:
‘This breakthrough aligns with DS Smith’s overarching strategy to assist our customers in embracing sustainable and circular packaging solutions while preserving the essential functions of product protection and presentation for fresh food items.’
Christophe Charvieux, Sales and Marketing Director, Priméale (France):
‘We are thrilled to unveil our new Vegetable Kit range. This innovation seamlessly combines practicality with quality, utilizing a fully recyclable alternative to conventional plastic trays. The robust, resistant, and transparent new tray is a testament to the collaboration between our Priméale teams and DS Smith. We are confident that this development will meet consumer demands regarding functionality and recyclability.’
DS Smith plays a pivotal role in various sectors, including food and drink packaging, e-commerce, FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods), automotive, and industrial markets. The company adheres to a target-driven Now & Next sustainability strategy under the mission of Redefining Packaging for a Changing World. DS Smith is dedicated to fostering an industry-wide shift towards a circular economy, while providing sustainable packaging solutions globally. In line with this commitment, the focus is on eliminating problematic plastics, reducing carbon footprints in supply chains, offering recycling solutions, driving innovation, and investing significantly in research and development for alternative materials and fibres.
*Source: KANTAR Opinion Questionnaire 2023.
For more information, please visit www.dssmith.com or www.internationalpaper.com.
