DS Smith and Priméale, a subsidiary of agricultural and food processing cooperative group Agrial, are collaborating to create a plastic-free punnet for the brand’s Priméale Vegetable Kit range.
The new punnets for fresh fruit and vegetables are designed to protect the produce during transportation and on the supermarket shelf. As a fully recyclable design, the solution is comprised of a fibre-based corrugated cardboard tray and a cellulose hydrate lid.
DS Smith explained the lid is transparent to boost visibility during display for consumers and the punnets are equipped with a moisture barrier within the corrugated cardboard tray to support direct wet food contact. They are also designed to be tightly and securely sealed while keeping food content moist and at the correct temperatures.
The punnets can be assembled into small or large-sized components and made bespoke for a variety of customer requirements, while the corrugated cardboard exterior allows for a variety of graphic design and brand promotion options.
Benjamin Chedal, sales, marketing & innovation director, DS Smith, said, “This breakthrough is part of DS Smith’s overall strategy to support its customers in their transition to sustainable and circular packaging solutions while maintaining the essential functionalities of product protection and presentation for these fresh food products.”
Christophe Charvieux, sales and marketing director, Priméale (France), added, “We’re delighted to launch our new Vegetable Kit range. This product combines practicality and quality, while being packaged in a fully recyclable alternative to existing plastic trays. This new tray, which stands out for its strength, resistance, and transparency, is the result of the joint efforts of our Priméale teams and our supplier, DS Smith. We are convinced that this innovation will meet our consumers’ expectations in terms of functionality and recyclability.”
