The increase in organic fruit sales has contributed to swift developments in the packaging markets, says Adam Sikorski, sales manager of Polish packaging company SoFruPak: "From my perspective, as a manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging made from cardboard, the packaging market is developing very rapidly. This is due to several factors: the increase in sales of organic fruit and the search for sustainable packaging for these products, growing consumer awareness and the desire to reduce plastic in the environment, as well as the need for fruit producers to stand out on the store shelf."
© SoFruPak
Sikorski sees a significant shift in the approach of supermarkets, in particular, towards cardboard packaging. "Three, or even just two, years ago, there was a high prevalence of packaging with cut-out holes in the lid and on the sides. Our buyers aimed to achieve low prices in order to minimise the cost difference compared to plastic alternatives. This led to the appearance of packaging made from low-quality cardboard, often recycled paperboard. That started to damage the market for us, as the feedback was overwhelmingly negative: poor product visibility and inadequate protection for the fruit. The packaging would deform and wasn't resistant to cold chain conditions. As a result, fruit sales in stores packaged this way declined compared to plastic equivalents. Supermarkets and fruit producers found themselves in a kind of dead end and began looking for a way out."
According to Sikorski, this is when SoFruPak introduced alternative solutions: "Suitable alternatives were our packages with cellulose film windows, made from high-quality cardboard, kraft paper on both sides of the corrugated board, while featuring large windows in the lid and on the sides. This provided excellent visibility of the fruit inside. Additionally, numerous ventilation holes make air circulation and cooling easier throughout the logistics cycle."
© SoFruPak
Overall, the business for cardboard packaging has been booming over the past few years. Sikorski feels that SoFruPak has been able to add real value with their packaging, even contributing to faster sales for soft fruit. "Since 2022, we've seen a significant year-over-year increase in sales of our packaging, now also extending beyond the EU. The key to our success has been a focus on high-quality raw materials, excellent product visibility within the packaging, and securing design protections for our packaging models within the EU. We've been educating fruit sellers that the small price difference between cardboard and plastic packaging doesn't matter in the long run. Berry fruits need to sell quickly, and SoFruPak packaging helps make that happen, often at a more attractive price point."
The packaging company hasn't held back in terms of investing, as demand grew and they've had to step up to meet said demand, Sikorski explains: "We've invested in additional machinery to meet the growing demand for our packaging and to reduce production lead times, now down to as little as two weeks. We've also registered the SoFruPak logo in the U.S. and are expanding the design protections for our packaging in that market, with plans to do the same in Australia soon. In addition, we're preparing for further investments to support the development of our next series of innovative packaging solutions."
© SoFruPak
As regulations have been subject to change in the European market, Sikorski they are constantly trying to innovate with their packaging solutions: "We are actively preparing for the upcoming EU regulations aimed at reducing plastic use, specifically the PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation), not only by expanding our production capacity, but also by developing new solutions. We're currently developing innovative packaging solutions with permanent closures as a sustainable alternative to the existing 'top seal' models."
"Additionally, together with our new business partner from the IT sector, we are working on smart packaging solutions that incorporate NFC chip technology. In the second half of the year, we will begin testing packaging equipped with a Digital Product Passport (DPP). This feature will allow consumers to use their smartphones to track the entire logistics cycle of the fruit, from the plantation address, through cold storage and logistics centres, all the way to the store shelf."
"As a result, consumers will be better informed, enabling them to make more conscious purchasing decisions, support better recycling practices, and increase transparency around environmental impact. They'll also be empowered to demand more sustainable and eco-friendly products from producers and supermarkets."
"At the same time, supermarkets will gain a powerful tool to monitor every stage of the supply chain, from harvest to shelf, which will improve resource management and reduce losses. Moreover, the IT system behind our smart packaging will be able to calculate the CO₂ footprint, which will soon become a mandatory requirement for supermarkets and their fruit suppliers. The packaging industry is on the brink of major changes, changes that only a few fully recognise at this point. But as you can see, SoFruPak is ready for what's coming," Sikorski concludes.
For more information:
Adam Sikorski
Sofrupak
Tel: +48 725 591 457
Email: sofrupak@sofrupak.com
www.sofrupak.com