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Here you can find important information about our products, basics about fruit characteristics, production, and packaging materials.

Process for New Packaging Component Design

Cardboard vs IFCO EPS comparison

EU packaging materials regulation basics

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PROCESS FOR NEW PACKAGING COMPONENT DESIGN

On initial assessment the following must be identified

Key points

  • Does this change affect Fyffes branded artwork or retailer only artwork?
  • Changes to Fyffes branded artwork must go through Fyffes Marketing Department

Reason for the request to change

  • Identify additional costs or savings
  • Sustainability
  • Performance improvements
  • Retailer request to change their artwork design (on retailer platform)
  • How will the change affect other packaging material
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Cardboard vs IFCO EPS comparison

Cardboard

Procurement and logistics

Local purchase in production countries.

Variable volume deliveries possible per farm

 

Farm distribution and warehouse management

Supplier delivers to each group/farm.

Short lead time from PO to delivery for active products (2weeks).

Constant influx of product and manageable volume deliveries for farms.

Packing process and quality impact

Standard packing materials for all suppliers.

Flexible material that allows fruit placement.

Declared net weight of up to 18.14 kg per box.

Regulatory information printed in box.

Standard box stacks 54 per pallet or 60 on slipsheet.

Standard dimensions 50cmX40cmX24cm


Export and market distribution

Standard packaging used across all markets.

Potential recycling fees depending on market.

Sustainability impact

Fully recyclable

 

IFCO - EPS

Procurement and logistics​

Delivered in UK

Shipped with Maersk to source countries.

Shipment in full container loads of 7.5K trays per shipment.

Farm distribution and warehouse management

Each fruit supplier in charge of import process.

Issues with logistics can some time lead supply delays and double arrivals.

 

Packing process and quality impact

Rigid frame box can lead to increase the risk of broken necks, impacts leading to premature ripening, tip damage, cuts to fingers, and an overall degradation in the quality of our product.

No tolerance for high pack Fruit needs a safe headspace above top line.

Declared net weight of up to 17 kg per box.

Requires additional label per box with basic product and regulatory information.

Stacks 55 per pallet or 60 on slipsheet.

Standard dimensions 60cmX40cmX19cm

Export and market distribution

Requires IFCO registration & account number

Administrative process of de-hiring crates to receiver.

Sustainability impact

Reusable crate

Lower carbon footprint than single use cardboard

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The EU – Packaging Laws

What does it mean for us?

  • Mandatory declaration of compliance
  • Educate customers and suppliers – Get the support from our Packaging team or legal team to answer questions or to support training
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EU Framework (III)

What does it mean for us?

  • Business as usual with the requirements on 1&2
  • Prepare for the new PPWR: Ban on bags, stickers and perhaps the push for more reusable packaging (e.g. IFCO)
  • Educate customers and suppliers as compliance letters will be required.

EU Framework/PPWR

PPWR – Compromise text PPWR: Impact on fresh produce sector

Single use packaging defined as “packaging which is not reusable packaging” (Art. 3(9))

Mandatory compostability for sticky labels attached to fresh fruit/vegetables (Art. 9)

ØApplicable as from 36 months after entry into force

ØCovers both promotional and functional sticky labels

ØCompostability can meet industrial or home compostability standards

Ban on single-use plastic packaging for unprocessed fruits and vegetables below 1.5 kg (e.g., single-use plastic nets, bags, trays and containers) (Art. 25 and Annex V, point 2)

ØApplicable as from 1 January 2030

ØEU MS empowered to adopt exemptions on food safety/quality grounds and risk of commingling organic produce with non-organic

ØCompostable single use plastic packaging also covered by the ban

ØCommission guidelines (by 2027?) on details & possible exemptions from ban

Reference to the need to reduce food waste in accordance with the Circular Economy Action Plan (Recital 5)

EU Framework/PPWR

PPWR – Compromise text PPWR: Impact on fresh produce sector

Reuse targets for transport packaging or sales packaging within the EU

Øby Jan 2030: 40% reusability (Art. 29(1))

ØExemption for Cardboard boxes used as transport packaging or sales packaging (Art. 29(4)(d))

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