Visy is making it easier for supermarkets to ditch soft plastic, thanks to its new bespoke automated labelling system for locally made cardboard Enviropunnet™ for fresh produce.
Visy’s proprietary Enviropunnet™ overclose labelling system secures produce inside the punnet with cardboard flaps and a paper label, removing the need for plastic film or wrap. It gives growers, supermarkets and retailers a way to sell apples, pears, stone fruit and tomatoes without single-use plastic.
Reducing single-use plastic is a priority for Visy and growers, says Chris Van Der Merwe, Group General Manager Corrugated Packaging.
"Thanks to our new labelling system, our Enviropunnets™ can now be plastic film and wrap free, while still protecting fresh fruit and veg. Even better, they’re kerbside recyclable after use so that we can turn them into new cardboard packaging.
“Growers and supermarkets can rely on our secure, local supply chain, with the Enviropunnet™ produced through our Australian network of operations, using board made in Wodonga and assembled in Shepparton.”
Designed to fit within existing packing lines, the Enviropunnet™ labelling system creates a simple transition from flow wrapping to labelling without additional conveyors. It uses food-safe adhesives, can include adhesive-free areas to prevent contact with exposed produce, optional date coding and custom printing.
The labelling system can be used with a range of sizes, with these the most popular:
- 1kg Enviropunnet™ for apples, pears, stone fruits, tomatoes
- 750 gram Enviropunnet™ for pears, stone fruits, tomatoes
- 500 gram to 1kg tray pack for premium apples.
