Lidding films for every crate size

You cannot go wrong with a nicely printed lidding film on a crate of premier potatoes or fresh asparagus. Not only does it look good, but it also offers protection and provides a bit of publicity and information. That could benefit many vegetables, from chicory to spinach to tomatoes and radishes, but also fruits like apples and pears. Belgian company Alpagro Packaging supplies many packaging solutions for the fruit and vegetable sector, including lidding films.

Full color
Most fresh produce requires transparent lidding films. Film for potatoes and chicory, though, is black on the inside, making it lightproof. The customer's logo, brand, and other information are printed on the outside. A lidding sheet presents well, and you can trace the products and improve the logistics process. "Our two eight-color printing presses guarantee full-color printing. We can also print a specific color for your logo or brand. We're happy to present a design to clients, but companies often supply a digital file," says director Laurenz Vincke.

The press gets fired up from around 25,000 pieces, and Alpagro has an ample stock of unprinted lidding films. "Companies can, thus, start with a standard sheet, and once they've built up a direct sales channel, they can switch to sheets printed with their logo and further information. These sheets are available for every crate size and every corner shape, including wooden boxes. And for the fruit and vegetables that need to breathe, the lids are perforated when delivered."

Laurenz applauds society's awareness regarding plastic. "In recent years, we've become more realistic about it. There was, for example, a whole series of paper packaging options that were meant to mimic plastic properties by adding a coating. That obviously misses the actual environmental mark. I, however, won't deny that plenty of great initiatives have been started," he says.

In that context, most plastic solutions focus on thinner films. "That's noticeable in the fruit and vegetable sector too. Laminated materials are slowly being phased out and replaced by mono-film, preferably as thin as possible. Our lidding films, conical salad bags, vegetable bags, and lettuce wraps are all mono-film. Lettuce and certain vegetables being offered in plastic packaging are also environmentally beneficial."

"I like visiting different supermarkets' fresh produce aisles, and when I see loose, unpackaged lettuce in a crate, there are invariably leaves lying everywhere. That's not aesthetically pleasing or hygienic. It undoubtedly sells less well, which ultimately leads to food waste. And that's what's bad for the environment," Laurenz concludes.

For more information:
Laurenz Vincke
Alpagro Packaging
Tel: +32 11 60 91 30
info@alpagro.be
www.alpagro.be