From 1 January 2025, PerfoTec will begin a partnership with Master Plastics Group in South Africa. This alliance is a step in their mission to extend the shelf life of fresh produce worldwide and provide innovative solutions for the sea transport and storage of fresh fruit and vegetables in bulk packaging. 
Strategic alliance with Master Plastics Group
PerfoTec is expanding its production to South Africa through a new and extended license agreement with its partner, Master Plastics Group. As a market leader in shelf-life extension solutions, this collaboration will enable both companies to develop innovative solutions for the transport and storage of fresh bulk products using PerfoTec's recyclable and compostable films and crate bags.
This alliance has been accelerated by PerfoTec's ability to offer leasing through its sister company, Paylease BV, which was founded this year. PerfoTec's films and perforation technology, combined with Master Plastics' production, provide the ideal protective atmosphere. This is based on the specific respiration rate of the packaged fresh product and guarantees freshness and quality upon sea freight arrival.
The joint post-harvest and technical experts will collaborate with PerfoTec's customers to offer the best packaging solutions for specific fresh produce. This will help protect freshness during sea transport from South Africa to retailers and consumers worldwide. The application of PerfoTec's technologies promises multiple benefits, including cost reduction, carbon footprint reduction (by eliminating the need for air freight), increased revenue, and reduced waste and weight loss upon sea freight arrival.
Annual exports of fresh fruit and vegetables from South Africa are significant and form a large part of the country's economy. Below is a summary of some key export products, expressed in numbers of boxes and kilograms. It should be noted that figures are approximate and may vary depending on harvesting conditions and market demand.
- Export volume: About 140 million boxes per year.
- Weight: This corresponds to about 2.7 million tons.
Grapes:
- Export volume: About 65 million boxes per year.
- Weight: About 350,000 tons.
Apples and pears:
- Export volume: About 50 million boxes per year.
- Weight: About 500,000 tons.
Avocados:
- Export volume: About 15 million boxes per year.
- Weight: About 90,000 tons.
Blueberries:
- Export volume: About 10 million boxes per year.
- Weight: About 15,000 tons.
South Africa is one of the leading exporters of these fresh produce worldwide.
The country ranks:
- Citrus: Within the top 2 global exporters.
- Grapes: Within the top 10 exporters worldwide.
- Apples and pears: Within the top 10 for apples and top 5 for pears.
- Avocados: An emerging position, mostly within the top 15.
- Blueberries: A rapidly growing sector with annually increasing export volumes
These export figures highlight the importance of South African fruits and vegetables in the global market. Packaging and transport solutions, such as those offered by PerfoTec and Master Plastics, are crucial to ensuring the quality and freshness of these products during transportation to markets in the northern hemisphere.
Outlook
Master Plastics Group's partnership with PerfoTec is expected to drive further growth.
For more information:
PerfoTec
Tel: + 31 (0)297 255 554
[email protected]
www.perfotec.com