Smurfit Kappa reports more interest in sustainable packaging

Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa reports that it has seen increased interest in the number of companies seeking sustainable packaging alternatives for fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Smurfit Kappa has been working on a portfolio of products designed to replace less sustainable packaging as many brands come under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, the company reports in a news release. The packaging company released a survey recently about sustainable packaging, and 75 percent of consumers indicated a preference for paper-based packaging against less sustainable alternatives.

According to a news release from Smurfit Kappa, the company is working with companies in the agricultural sector to develop more sustainable, paper-based packaging. The company has a new packaging solution it produced for Portuguese grape producer Pomares do Sol that is an easy-to-assemble corrugated container on which high-quality color and graphics can be printed to attract consumer attention. It’s also fully recyclable and designed to ensure that the condition and quality of the fruit in the packaging remains in perfect condition from farm to consumer.

“This was the result of a collaborative process with Pomares do Sol during which we analyzed all aspects of the supply chain and the product requirements,” says Raul Andre, general manager of Smurfit Kappa Celapack. “Raising the profile of the brand was a key consideration and we also created a packaging solution that has a lifespan which matches the lifespan of the product inside which is very important.” 

In addition, Smurfit Kappa has a Better Planet Packaging initiative that was released last year that seeks to reduce packaging waste and address the challenges of waste that ends up in the oceans and landfill.