Packaging technology has made some great strides in recent years with lots of new packaging options continuing to hit the market. However, what are consumers looking for in packaging nowadays? "We all still buy with our eyes and consumers are very keen to have a clear view of the produce they are purchasing," says Cem Yildirim with Multivac. "This is especially true when it comes to commodities like berries, tomatoes, leafy greens, and herbs. "High clarity is considered quite important, but ease of opening and re-closing the packaging has also become a priority." Convenient use of packaging is increasingly demanded by consumers who are on-the-go. In fact, the ability to re-close a package to preserve the quality of produce has now become a standard expectation of consumers.
© Multivac, Inc.Different packaging options from Multivac.
Paperboard and moulded fiber
In addition to clarity and the ability to re-close the packaging, consumers highly value sustainability. As a result, the packaging industry has been shifting away from plastics and instead, trays made of paperboard and moulded fiber have increasingly entered the market in recent years. "With the introduction of these cellulose-based materials, the bulk of the package by weight is compostable and/or recyclable, even if plastic coating is required for moisture/humidity or gas-barrier," said Yildirim. The latest flow packing technology significantly reduces the use of plastic by weight. In addition to packaging, Multivac also offers a label-closure technology with reduced or completely plastic-free packaging for products like kiwi fruit, apples, mushrooms, and other similar sized items.
© Multivac, Inc.
Versatility in technologies
Multivac offers solutions across the fruit and vegetable packing industry and with a wide variety of technologies, the company's equipment is suitable for most produce packaging requirements. Examples include bag-sealing vacuum chamber machines, thermoforming packaging machines for high-volume efficiency and lowest cost of goods, pre-formed tray sealing machines, self-adhesive label closure technology and most recently, flow-packing. "We have the appropriate equipment for most requirements of produce packaging and are uniquely positioned to offer both the hardware and the consumables required for packaging," shared Yildirim.
In the case of self-adhesive label closure techniques like TopWRAP and TopCLOSE, the suitability of the material is directly related to the performance of the packaging in shipping, distribution, merchandising, and within the consumer's home. "Multivac's turn-key approach of supplying the equipment as well as validated self-adhesive labels reduces the packaging operation risks and assures optimal performance of the package through every stage of the value chain."
© Multivac, Inc.TopCLOSE packaging.
Wide range of produce items
With a deep portfolio of packaging technologies, Multivac equipment is suited for a wide range of fruit and vegetable packaging solutions, both for the foodservice as well as the food retail segment. "From partially cooked potatoes to sliced/diced onions and tomatoes, olives, dates, leafy greens, herbs, blueberries and mushrooms, our equipment is used to package scores of fresh fruits and vegetables and processed, ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruits and vegetables."
"Agriculture and food are primary concerns for everyone in the world and it has never been more important to protect and preserve the quality of fruits and vegetables. "It's our goal to contribute to a reduction of food loss and food waste by offering the most suitable packaging solutions," Yildirim commented.
© Multivac, Inc.Multivac traysealer, TX-7-series for heat-sealing flexible lidding on pre-made trays.
Global representation
Multivac was originally founded out of a garage in Germany in the 1960s. Now, the company is proud to serve over 160 markets in the world with a network of 85 sales and service subsidiary companies in countries on six continents. "We differentiate by bringing a wide variety of packaging technology and materials to address the varying needs of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. In addition, we also provide ancillary up-and-down stream equipment and automation to supply full primary-through-secondary packaging lines." The capacity to install and support end-to-end packaging systems ensures mechanical, safety and communication integration, resulting in production efficiency and quality.
For more information:
Cem Yildirim
Multivac
Tel: (+1) 816-665-2823
Cem.yildirim@multivac.com
www.multivac.com