After being approached by Portuguese grape producer Pomares do Sol, Smurfit Kappa developed a new solution for the packaging of grapes.
According to the Irish-based corrugated packager, Pomares do Sol was looking for a solution that would meet its sustainability requirements, increase the profile of its brand, and have the capacity to withstand the journey through the supply chain.
Smurfit Kappa further developed its SoFru pack for berries to come up with the new, easy-to-assemble corrugated punnet, which is fully recyclable.
In addition, the punnet is made to ensure the quality and condition of the grapes is protected in a pack that is easily designable with high-quality colour and graphic prints.
“This was the result of a collaborative process with Pomares do Sol during which we analysed all aspects of the supply chain and the product requirements,” Raul Andre, general manager of Smurfit Kappa Celapack, said.
“Raising the profile of the brand was a key consideration and we also created a packaging solution that has a lifespan which matches the lifespan of the product inside which is very important.”
Better Planet Packaging
The move is just the latest in a long line of sustainability-driven initiatives by SKG to fall under its Better Planet Packaging initiative.
The initiative, which it launched last year, seeks to reduce packaging waste and ultimately address the challenges of waste and litter that ends up in oceans and landfill.
The group said that it has been working on a portfolio of products designed to replace less sustainable packaging as many brands come under increasing pressure to become more sustainable.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
