UK’s evolutionS one of 10 finalists for Fruit Logistica Innovation Award

Ten finalists are in contention to win this year’s FRUIT LOGISTICA Innovation Award for innovation in the fresh produce business. Chosen by a pan-industry panel of experts, each nominee stands out as an example of the ideas and ingenuity that are abundant in the global fruit and vegetable business. During the first two days of […]

Produce packaging gets more environmentally friendly while preventing food waste grows

Times are changing for consumer packaging in the produce industry. But even though plastic packaging is under closer scrutiny, that doesn’t mean that it is on the way out. Grand View research recently forecasted the global food packaging market will reach $562.3 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. The […]

Boldly British recyclable packaging on vine tomatoes hits the mark for M&S

M&S has given its British Collection vine tomato packaging a beautiful and more sustainable upgrade, switching from plastic sleeves to a recyclable cardboard format. The new covers feature an open look at the tomatoes on top, with a much smaller film footprint, while the rest of the package is wrapped in the sustainable material and […]

Hoogstraten takes sustainability to next level with LCA packaging tool

Belgian fresh cooperative Hoogstraten announced it has invested in a new life-cycle analysis (LCA) tool to measure the environmental impact of packaging from factory to shelf. Hoogstraten is hoping to not only better understand its impact but also how it fits with sustainability credentials. The too can assess several factors, including materials, source, production method, […]

Tesco turns to Apeel to help keep fruit fresh longer

Cranfield University develops new technique for measuring avocado ripeness

Can new plant-based technology really keep fruits and vegetable fresh for twice as long? Tesco is trialling Apeel, a solution that creates a peel on produce to slow down water loss and oxidation, in some of its stores to help maintain stocks, reduce packaging and avoid food from being thrown away. “Tackling food waste is […]

Packaging in a visual society: Transparency, sustainability and social stances matter

Packaging is playing a larger role in produce retailing, and technical advances, sustainability and the use of more advanced graphics, along with ongoing consumer concerns for hygiene and food safety are driving development. Consumer trends, including the increasing use of curbside pickup and home delivery, will be the touchstone of effective packaging development and deployment. […]

Morrisons first supermarket to ban plastic packaging from bananas

Morrisons has become the first UK supermarket to ban plastic packaging from all bananas sold in its stores. The supermarket giant – one of the ‘Big Four’ in Great Britain – announced a pledge to replace plastic bags with paper bands on some of its bananas – which is the second most bought item in stores. […]

Waitrose testing linerless packaging for gold kiwifruit

Waitrose this summer is trialing the Pro-Produce pack linerless solution for its Fresh Gold Kiwis. ProPrint Group collaborated with Primafruit and the retailer to launch the eight-week trial. If successful, the Pro-Produce pack could roll out further within the Waitrose fruit range. For Gold Kiwis alone, the linerless packaging format can save 1.2 tonnes of […]