DS Smith is supplying a closed tray packaging format for the transport of kiwifruit and other fresh fruit and vegetables to growers in Greece.
The tray is intended for transatlantic shipments lasting more than 45 days.
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It is designed to support product condition during transport and uses lightweight materials to allow greater loading capacity while protecting produce through the supply chain to its destination.
The format can be adjusted for different needs and is offered in 10kg trays comprising a body, base and top lid. The lid is built into the structure while die-cut side openings provide ventilation.
The trays are made from fibre-based material using virgin paper selected for strength and durability and are presented as an alternative to plastic packaging for fresh fruit shipments.
The structure is also intended to help maintain the condition of fruit inside the pack.
Before export, producers can insert their own atmosphere-management and temperature-control bags into the sealed trays in order to manage travel conditions for the goods.
To limit material use under DS Smith’s Circular Design Principles analysis, the design and implementation team applied its Circular Design Metrics tools.
These were used to assess and compare the circularity of the packaging design across eight measures, including supply chain efficiency, recyclability, material use, carbon footprint and renewable source.
According to the company, the tray’s simple structure supports a more efficient packing process and can be assembled on automatic forming machines with either faster or reduced packing time. The outer surface can also be used for different printing methods and branding.
DS Smith Hellas Greek cluster packaging division managing director Giorgos Filippoglou said: “At DS Smith, sustainability and innovation are at the core of every packaging solution we design, and especially for critical sectors such as agri-food, where product safety, freshness, and quality are paramount.
“We used our Circular Design Metrics tools to ensure that this packaging solution is fully recyclable and created for easy collection, processing, and reintegration into the supply chain as raw material. Its focus is on performance optimisation, durability, and functionality, and it is lightweight to meet the demands of these international supply chains.”
Last month, SOMFY and DS Smith introduced a recyclable corrugated cardboard packaging system for roller shutter motors, replacing polystyrene inserts used in transport.
