Sustainable fruit packaging helps drive sales boom

SMURFIT Kappa has claimed its sustainable packaging has helped a Polish fresh fruit provider increase sales by 50%.

The packaging specialist was approached by the Polish company, who wanted a “more sustainable and hygienic alternative” to the wooden crates and punnets it was using for strawberries.

Analysis from Smurfit Kappa’s team identified factors that were contributing to damage during transit. That led to the creation of the SofruPak and SofruBox designs, which significantly reduced storage space. In addition, Smurfit Kappa said an “attractive branded design”  created maximum impact in store, which led to a huge rise in sales.

Edwin Goffard, chief operating officer, Corrugated Europe said, “Corrugated packaging lends itself well to high-spec branding which is an important differentiator. Printed, instantly recognisable packaging has a distinct in-store advantage when it comes to that first moment of truth for consumers.

“We are also seeing a growing number of retailers and growers seeking to use a more sustainable type of packaging that is 100% biodegradable and does not harm the planet.”