With the European top fruit season approaching, these are plastic pallet crate manufacturer Capp-Plast's busiest months. Growers are preparing for the new crop, which always includes a quick once-over of their crates' condition. "Now is, therefore, the time to invest. Plastic crates prices are currently favorable, too," says Gerald Langerak of Capp-Plast.
The company, originally Italian, has a factory in Helmond, the Netherlands, from where it serves the Northern European market. Gerald sees those countries are increasingly choosing plastic crates. "Quite a few businesses still use wood, but they're increasingly switching."
"I no longer have to convince growers of plastic versus wood's advantages. That battle seems to be over. People, however, obviously don't buy new boxes if the old ones are still usable. So for many, it's only a question of when to invest in new crates," Gerald explains.
What are the advantages? "There are plenty. I think the most important one is the sustainability aspect. Contrary to what many might suspect, plastic is far more durable than wood. It lasts longer and is entirely recyclable. Plus, there's a far lower chance of contamination because they're easier to clean."
"No germs linger in the old boxes. Finally, they're available in multiple colors, and one always knows their exact dimensions and weight. People love that they can be sure of exactly how much the crates can hold. Be it top or soft fruit or open field vegetables," says Langerak.
Now is the time to buy, he says. "Oil prices fell during the pandemic, which indirectly reduced prices of our raw material, plastic granulates. We, thus, adjusted our customers' quotes. If it costs less for us to manufacture the crates at our Dutch factory, we think our clients should benefit as well."
"After that, however, the energy crisis caused costs to shoot up. But prices are now very attractive again. Don't ask me how things will stand next year, so we, too, are buying now. That shows how volatile prices can be, but also that you must strike while the iron's hot," Gerald concludes.
For more information:
Gerald Langerak
Capp-Plast Nederland
Mob: 06-5191 4888
[email protected]