Smurfit Kappa ushers in a new era in sustainable packaging

By: Trademagazin editor Date: 2024. 05. 01. 10:48

The Smurfit Kappa Group, the global leader in paper-based packaging, showcased several new innovations at this year’s Fruit Logistica trade fair in Berlin, where 66,000 visitors from 145 countries had the opportunity to see Smurfit Kappa’s 100% renewable, recyclable and sustainable solutions.

“Thanks to major investments in Štúrovo over the past three years, we could expand our selection of progressive and sustainable packaging solutions”,

says Julius Mazan, innovation manager at Smurfit Kappa.

PunNET®, the safe, environmentally friendly mesh fruit basket

Smurfit Kappa has created a sustainable, 100% recyclable mesh solution with a lid, to replace plastic boxes in the packaging of agricultural products. The paper baskets are made from corrugated or plain cardboard, renewable and fully recyclable. They are produced with up to 50% lower CO2 emissions than plastic alternatives. If not recycled, they degrade in less than 6 months. The baskets are suitable for both automatic and manual packaging.

AgroLife® extends shelf life

Agrolife®, a revolutionary new solution from Smurfit Kappa, is tailored to the needs of the agricultural sector to extend the shelf life of climate- and ethylene-sensitive products, improving product quality throughout the supply chain. Agrolife® makes it possible for growers to harvest their produce at the most appropriate stage of maturity, preserving its maximum quality and taste. “By absorbing ethylene, AgroLife® prevents the fruit from ripening and spoiling, keeping it in an optimal condition longer. The AgroLife® treatment is applied to corrugated board, it is certified for direct contact with fruit and vegetables, and can be used throughout the entire logistics chain”, explains Smurfit Kappa’s innovation manager.

Aquastop™ system for product safety

AquaStop™ forms part of Smurfit Kappa’s new TechniPaper® portfolio, a family of papers designed to serve complex supply chains. AquaStop paper is water-resistant, thanks to a special coating added during the manufacturing process. Unlike many other coatings, this doesn’t compromise the recyclability of the product – it can be recycled in the same way as traditional paper-based packaging.

“Because it is designed to resist exposure to water without damage, it is ideal for e-commerce packaging and for packaging products such as flowers, detergents, fruit and vegetables, where temporary protection from water is required. It is also particularly suitable for use in humid conditions, e.g. for transporting and storing refrigerated products, where the box is exposed to condensation”,

says Julius Mazan. (x)