A new study conducted by Finland-based paper company Metsa Board has revealed that Finnish customers find paperboard to be a more responsible choice to pack cherry tomatoes than plastic packaging.

The study revealed paperboard cartons preserve cherry tomatoes for longer than plastic.

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Metsa Board has partnered with Finnish vegetable co-operative Närpes Grönsaker for the study to compare cherry tomatoes cartons made of paperboard with plastic boxes.

Research was carried out in Finland through an external company, Sense N Insight, with a focus on consumer perceptions, food waste aspects and climate impact.

According to the study, most participants agreed that they prefer paperboard for its recyclability, however, they wanted the product to be better.

The study identified that customers are willing to pay more for the paperboard carton compared to the plastic box.

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“The study identified that customers are willing to pay more for the paperboard carton compared to the plastic box.”

The Natural Resources Institute of Finland has conducted research to explore the shelf-life and climate effect of growing cherry tomatoes by packaging them in Metsä Board paperboard cartons, as well as plastic boxes made of recycled PET.

It was also estimated that the climate effect of a recycled PET container was six times higher than the average value of the paperboard cartons.

Climate effect was measured based on production and transportation data, as well as additional paperboard production information supplied by Metsä Board.

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