Sharpak, a forefront innovator in food and drink packaging solutions, has partnered with WB Chambers, a distinguished UK berry grower, to introduce Sharpak’s pioneering and award-winning padless technology designed specifically for delicate berries. This collaboration effectively reduces packaging weight by 17% and delivers a fully recyclable solution through kerbside collection. This initiative not only marks a significant milestone but also exemplifies how partnerships can enhance sustainability throughout the fresh produce supply chain.
WB Chambers’ dedication to sustainable practices aligns seamlessly with Sharpak’s mission to develop food and drink sustainable packaging solutions that are environmentally responsible and foster a circular economy. Sharpak’s membership in organizations such as WRAP, RECOUP, and OPRL underscores its commitment to aligning product development with the sustainability strategies and guidance provided across the value chain.
The SharpTek Technology stands as a testament to this commitment, culminating from years of thorough development and testing by Sharpak to create a packaging solution for delicate berries that eliminates the need for glued absorbent pads. This advancement signifies a considerable leap in sustainability, removing hundreds of tonnes of packaging waste from the supply chain, while leveraging the industry expertise of Sharpak and Groupe Guillin to minimize environmental impact. Recently, this innovation was honored with two bronze awards at The Grocer New Product & Packaging Awards 2024.
Innovative Design and Development
The primary technical challenge involved designing a soft base from highly recyclable mono-material PET—a material typically characterized by rigidity—that would replace absorbent pads. Achieving a consistent and cushioning base to protect delicate berries required groundbreaking innovations in tooling design and tray production processes. As a result, this technology is now employed in delicate berry trays, meeting all functional and recyclable requirements while producing a packaging solution that is 17% lighter than traditional trays equipped with absorbent pads.
Collaborating for a Greener Future
The robust partnership between Sharpak and WB Chambers has been crucial in bringing SharpTek to market. This collaboration highlights how diverse stakeholders within the value chain can unite to push boundaries and meet environmental challenges while developing packaging solutions beneficial to both the environment and consumers.
In remarks about the partnership, Ben Norman, Commercial Manager at WB Chambers, stated: “We’re thrilled to be involved in the launch of SharpTek. Working with Sharpak to bring their innovation to market has been a fantastic experience and allows us to provide a solution to retailers that reduces packaging weight and offers a fully recyclable product that aligns with both retailer and our own goals.”
As with any new product launch, comprehensive trials were essential to ensure that the mono-material berry tray featuring SharpTek technology performed as expected and operated consistently on customer production lines, without necessitating costly modifications or speed reductions.
Ben further elaborates, “As a grower, our production efficiency is key, and any downtime or reduced throughput in our packing operations can have a serious impact. This is why it was crucial to conduct extensive trials, and we are delighted with the results. We understand the importance of reducing our environmental footprint, and SharpTek aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals, without compromising the quality and freshness of our fruit.”
Enhanced Product Quality and Sustainability
The innovative design of SharpTek ensures that juices are kept away from the berries, preserving product quality while contributing to reduced food waste. This strategy aligns with UK retailers’ objectives to minimize packaging without compromising product integrity and shelf life. Berry punnets featuring SharpTek technology are now available in major retailers, offering consumers an easy-to-recycle pack that can be collected curbside without additional steps, such as removing glued pads, thus simplifying the recycling process.
With SharpTek, Sharpak is setting a new standard for the circular economy in fresh produce packaging. This solution integrates seamlessly into existing supply chains, providing retailers with a more sustainable packaging option.
SharpTek is developed and produced at Sharpak’s Aylesham manufacturing site, which boasts the esteemed BRCGS AA+ rating, assessed through unannounced audits, emphasizing the company’s ongoing commitment to manufacturing excellence and product safety.
