UK grower Flavourfresh has adopted FibreFresh paper-based punnets from Paranova for its limited-edition Tomalina tomato line.

The Tomalina range has been introduced for the summer period in Asda stores.

It includes varieties available only in Tomalina packs and uses packaging intended to replace conventional all-plastic formats. 

The launch follows a £500,000 ($659,500) investment in Boix punnet-forming equipment.

It propels Paranova into heat-sealed paper punnet production, expanding on its existing activity in the nested tray segment.

The recyclable FibreFresh punnets were developed for fresh produce and designed to help maintain freshness through respiration and transpiration control.

Paranova said it worked with Flavourfresh throughout the development process, covering creative design, packaging development, testing, print and the retail rollout.

The company also said it is preparing to introduce FastFlex, a tray and lidding system for fresh produce and convenience products.

According to Paranova, the system will provide lidding supply in less than seven days, compared with print cycles of two to four weeks using traditional methods.

The platform is intended to help retailers and growers facing short production windows, promotional launches, seasonal shifts in demand and lower stock levels.

Paranova said FastFlex is being produced on a newly commissioned press built for filmic paper-based tray applications.

According to the company, the launch would make it the UK’s only manufacturer currently offering both paper-based punnet and lidding formats within an integrated rapid-response system for fresh produce packaging.

Paranova chief commercial officer Michael Conway said: “Following our recent investment and development in leading punnet technology, we are proud to have launched this new format for Flavourfresh. Delivering a significant reduction in plastic, it demonstrates how paper-based punnets can offer on-shelf differentiation, operational efficiency, and support sustainability ambitions.”