Supermarket chain Waitrose is trialling the Pro-Produce pack linerless solution for Fresh Gold Kiwis, created from a collaboration between ProPrint Group and Primafruit.
If the eight-week trial is successful, the Pro-Produce pack could roll out further within the Waitrose fruit range. For Gold Kiwis alone, this linerless packaging format can save 1.2 tonnes of plastic.
‘We are delighted to be testing this new technology on our Gold Kiwi product range. The trial is designed to help us understand the packaging function within our supply chain as well as the customer appetite for 100% kerbside recyclable card packaging where the fruit is not fully visible at the time of purchase. The data will give us a clear understanding of the supply chain adaptations required if rolling out more widely, as well as insight on how receptive our customers are to this type of packaging solution.’ Lisa Meade, Waitrose.
The Pro-Produce Pack is a solution which uses Ravenwood’s linerless labelling technology to apply a paper lid to a carton-board nested tray.
Packing speeds are higher than other potential carton-board solutions, with the Waitrose Gold Kiwis packed at speeds of 45p/min. The packing process also offers inline date coding, making the pack an efficient and practical solution for pack houses.
This linerless packaging format is available using a range of tray sizes. Customers can tailor lids using shapes and apertures to suit the product.
The Ravenwood applicator can also connect to weigh price labeller for catch weight, fixed weight or average weight labelling.
The reality is that tonnes of plastic film and punnets go to landfill today due to inconvenience, lack of consumer knowledge or inadequate flexible film recycling infrastructure.
The Pro-Produce pack linerless solution could help close the packaging loop.The pack is composed completely of renewably sourced board and paper, and both lid and tray are fully recyclable in line with OPRL.
