During the trade fair premiere at expoSE last year, FPS Flexpack Ltd. picked up the coveted innovation award for its PaperStretch wrapping paper, which is used as a plastic-free alternative to conventional film. The Rastatt-based packaging company has set itself the goal of promoting and accompanying the use of sustainable fruit and vegetable packaging, says Managing Director Tobias Kärst.
Due to all products becoming more expensive, investments are being put on hold for the time being at many farms, Kärst observes. Nevertheless, he says, the response in the wake of the fair has been tremendous. "Those who are taking the sustainable route with us are extremely satisfied with the product. The possible uses for PaperStretch are also very diverse: for example, it is taken for protecting, wrapping, and transporting. Especially in the organic and Demeter sector, where great attention is paid to sustainability in product packaging, the solution has already become well established."
Tobias Kärst at expoSE 2023. To his right, the award-winning innovation StretchPaper wrapping paper.
FPS Flexpack GmbH originally comes from the shipping and outer packaging sector. Solutions for the fruit and vegetable sector are, therefore, a relatively new but rapidly growing area of business for the company, he said. In addition to wrapping paper, the company's product range includes labels, crates, and, more recently, organic bags made from potato starch. Kärst: "Also new to the portfolio are our corrugated baskets in neutral print, available from 1 kg up to 2.5 kg. Unlike conventional baskets, our tray is not sharp-edged, which is why there is less fruit damage."
An innovative mushroom tray was also developed a few years ago in close cooperation with a customer. In addition to moisture, the PFAS issue also plays a significant role in edible mushrooms, Kärst describes. "According to researchers, the conventional inner coating of mushroom punnets is possibly carcinogenic. Because of this, we developed a new punnet with a PFAS-free coating. We have also already been able to successfully place this solution in several countries."
The new, fully recyclable corrugated cardboard basket is made of FSC-certified material with an insertable handle.
Comprehensive advice and service
FPS Flexpack will also be exhibiting at expoSE this year and will also be making its first appearance at Fruchtwelt Bodensee. "We not only offer packaging solutions, but also comprehensive advice and service around them. Almost every single pallet is wrapped with film in the fruit and vegetable sector as well. We optimize and advise the companies free of charge and try to optimize the processes. The same applies to labels, where we also assist our customers with comprehensive services."
Images: FPS Flexpack Ltd.
For more information:
Tobias Kärst
FPS Flexpack GmbH
Lochfeldstr. 2
D-76437 Rastatt
Tel.: +49 (0)7222 96780-0
Fax: +49 (0)7222 96780-20
[email protected]
www.flexpack.de