With the ProducePack Punnet, Graphic Packaging International offers a recyclable cardboard tray designed to replace plastic cups for fresh produce such as berries, grapes or tomatoes.
Graphic Packaging International has introduced the ProducePack Punnet - a top-sealed tray made from FSC-certified cardboard. It was developed as a high-performance alternative to conventional plastic punnets for delicate fresh produce such as berries, grapes, cherry tomatoes and mushrooms.
Thanks to the use of regenerated cellulose films and water-based coatings, the tray can be categorised as plastic-free, according to the company. This means that it fulfils the requirements of current legal regulations such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive and the French AGEC law.
Food shelf life and resource conservation
Tests by Washington State University have shown that the ProducePack Punnet improves the shelf life of food: Under refrigerated conditions, mould growth was reduced by 61 % compared to plastic punnets, and at room temperature by as much as 320 %, according to Graphic Packaging.
A life cycle analysis carried out jointly with the University of Ghent also showed that the cardboard tray - provided that food loss remains controlled - has a lower impact on the climate than plastic packaging.
Simple integration into existing processes
One practical advantage of the new tray solution is that the ProducePack Punnet can be processed on existing packaging and sealing machines. This allows companies to switch flexibly between plastic and cardboard packaging without having to invest in new machine technology.
Source: Graphic Packaging
