Paper and cardboard packaging for fruit and vegetables

France is leading the way: it will in future no longer be possible to retail fruit and vegetables in plastic packs. In the case of more perishable products such as tomatoes, grapes and beans, the law will apply from the middle of 2023, while for products such as sprouts and berries, the law will come in from the middle of 2026. Multivac, one of the world’s leading suppliers of packaging solution, is therefore placing particular emphasis on its sustainable packaging concepts on the occasion of Fruit Logistica, which will be held in Berlin from 8 to 10 February 2023.

Multivac will be presenting sustainable packaging solutions for a wide range of fresh products over more than 250 sqm of exhibition space. The company is expecting a high level of interest from visitors, particularly in regard to the Multivac PaperBoard range, as well as for the company's other packaging concepts, which have a high level of material efficiency and recyclability, while still providing extended shelf life for the food products.

The exhibits on the trade fair stand will include the T 305 traysealer and TX 710 traysealer. The compact T 305 is the ideal choice as an entry-level model into fully automatic tray packing, as well as for those companies that need to pack smaller batches. The TX 710 on the other hand is designed for large batches, and it is very impressive in its innovative machine technology, comprehensive sensor system, intelligent controls and high degree of process reliability. This traysealer sets the benchmark when it comes to pack quality and consistently high cycle output. The tray made of cellulose is biologically degradable, and this also contributes to the sustainability of the packaging solution.

A Baseline labeller of the L 301 series is also integrated into the line. This cost-effective labelling solution applies labels with variable data, such as for example a best-before date, to the top of the trays. The integration of the labeller controls enables many tasks to be automated, such as for example the loading of a print layout, or the parameter settings of the labeller. This data can be saved directly in the product recipes of the TX traysealer. The L 301 is therefore controlled efficiently and reliably via the control terminal of the traysealer.

The flexible L 310 Top Wrap conveyor belt labeller shows how Multivac is meeting the new trend for packs made of paper and cardboard that can be recycled separately. These packs are gradually replacing not only the previous plastic trays, but also the cardboard sleeves, which may be recyclable but are very material-intensive.

The high level of flexibility in terms of the material thickness and shape of the self-adhesive labels offers a wide range of possibilities for product presentation. It is possible for example to have cut-outs in the label, as well as adhesive-free zones, so that contact with the product is prevented. Some of the most important benefits of this conveyor belt labeller include its automatic and highly efficient labelling, its rapid batch change, and last but not least its attractive packaging and branding concept, which is always well received by consumers.

Visitors of Fruit Logistica in Berlin can observe these and other solutions presented by Multivac.