Since 2020, Hellagro has been a trading partner for VPZ's Packnatur® nets for Greece and Cyprus. The Greek company HELLAGRO S.A. is active in the market for industrial packaging, food packaging and agricultural applications, offering safe, innovative and cost-effective solutions. It is headquartered in Athens and Thessaloniki; three logistics centers in Aspropyrgos, Thessaloniki and Drama guarantee the best possible service to its customers. Hellagro is continuously expanding its market share.
In 2011, the company was recognized by ICAP as one of the most dynamic firms in Greece and in 2019 Hellagro received the Packaging Innovation Award. Hellagro has strategic partnerships with renowned international companies, its business activities include the Balkans, Cyprus and the Middle East. VPZ spoke to Nassos Valakas, Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Manager at Hellagro about his first experience with the innovative network in the market.
Nassos Valakas, strategic sourcing and supply chain manager at Hellagro. Photo: Hellagro
Nassos, we are pleased that you are now presenting and distributing our Packnatur® cellulose nets and Pick Pack reusable bags in Greece. You are a specialist in industrial and food packaging with a focus on net packaging and a special segment Green Packaging. When we think of Greece, we immediately think of oranges and lemons. What is currently in demand, being packaged by you?
"Exactly, oranges and lemons are dominant agricultural products in Greece, among others of course! Our customers have successfully used Packnatur® cellulose nets for packing oranges and lemons, and we hope to receive requests for other vegetables and fruits in the future."
Do you have feedback from customers yet? What do they like about the innovation?
"Yes, we have. All our customers are very satisfied with the material properties of Packnatur® nets and their behavior during the packing process. It also enables them to open up new export markets because more and more suppliers are turning to sustainable solutions."
How is the market for sustainable packaging developing in Greece in general? What is the role of the consumer, what is the objective of the policy?
"It is encouraging to see that not just large companies, but all Greeks are increasingly concerned with the issue of sustainability. In 2021, we have been able to perceive a significant increase in customer interest in issue-based solutions.
Additionally, the issue is strongly supported by the government as a driver for a sustainable future, which allows companies like Hellagro to flourish and develop packaging solutions that are environmentally friendly and comply with the guidelines of a circular economy. Ultimately, with the VPZ and Packnatur® as the driving force behind it, Hellagro aspires to become a benchmark for sustainable packaging in Greece in the next few years."
For more information:
www.hellagro.gr
www.vpz.at