“Since September 2017, we have seen a significant increase in demand,” explains Anne Baumuller, manager of Naturalvi, the world's leading specialist in paper packaging for fruits and vegetables. Why? “Many important players on the fruit and vegetable market may have anticipated what is happening now with the stronger legislation.”
According to Anne, although the trend is to go green, more and more governments impose sanctions if recycling is not applied. Opting for paper packaging is therefore more economical than plastic packaging because the paper industry is much better organized in terms of recycling, with much lower costs than the plastic industry. Besides, some packages like the 30x40 do not cost more than their plastic counterparts.
“In the last quarter of 2018 for example, the demand increased considerably in Germany because of the new tax imposed on plastic waste, as of January 1st, 2019. In Belgium, this tax has been existing for years. As for France, despite a generally upward trend, the country accounts for only 20% of Naturalvi’s sales.” The European Union’s war on single-use plastics is bound to drive France to strengthen its legislation on the issue.
Use paper packaging: extend the expiration date!
The recyclable, compostable and biodegradable kraft paper packagings are not just an eco-responsible recycling solution. They also present other qualities. Indeed, Anne explains that “the raw material itself is ecological and biological, but a fruit placed directly on paper is also able to breathe. In other words, even if the fruit is to transpire, the ventilation and moisture can go through the paper, which delays the ageing of the fruit and ultimately increases its expiration date. Plastic, on the other hand, does not allow the fruit to transpire. It then stays in water and rots faster. Preserving fruits and vegetables in paper packagings therefore presents real benefits.” This way, paper would also bring an interesting answer to the fight against food waste.
The marketing aspect is also an important argument offered by paper packaging. Anne explains: “We can offer trays unique to the client or use specific colors. We therefore have an interesting marketing impact on the shelves, which is not possible with plastic or molded cellulose packagings. So, as we often say: ‘make a difference, pack outside the box’!”
