Smurfit Kappa's sustainable fruit packaging led to 50% sales increase

Smurfit Kappa’s sustainable packaging is having a transformative effect on the European fresh produce sector, with one customer reporting a sales increase of 50%.

Smurfit Kappa was approached by a fresh fruit provider in Poland who wanted a more sustainable and hygienic alternative to the wooden crates and punnets it was using for strawberries. A team of specialists analysed the packaging and all aspects of the supply chain and identified key factors that were contributing to damage during transit.

The insights from the testing and analysis were used to create the SofruPak and SofruBox designs which provided the best logistic performance by reducing the storage space by 70%. In addition, an attractive branded design that created maximum impact in store led to a 50% increase in product sales.

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A growing number of retailers and food producers in Europe are recognising the benefits of paper-based packaging. Smurfit Kappa’s packaging solutions are adaptable, recyclable and break down completely within months, a key requisite for the thriving organic food sector.

Packaging and how it breaks down is increasingly influencing shoppers’ purchase decisions.

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.”

Smurfit Kappa will be exhibiting an array of packaging solutions for the fresh produce sector and using virtual reality technology to showcase its unique packaging approach to driving sales at the 26th annual Fruit Logistica event next month. To find out more, click here.