Corrugated Packaging is protecting Pocket of Retailer, Health of Consumers

A research is performed on impacts of different packaging (corrugated packaging, wooden trays and plastic trays) used in fresh fruit and vegetable sector on carriage and marketing processes with the cooperation of Mondi Tire Kutsan and Department of Horticulture of Faculty of Agriculture of Aegean University. Mature tomatoes packed in corrugated trays, wooden and plastic trays under the scope of research are subjected to test for two weeks in cold storages taking into account hot and cold periods in compliance with original carriage and storage conditions. According to results of research of the Faculty of Agriculture of Aegean University, it is determined that tomatoes in corrugated trays are exposed to least weight loss in both seasons. The impact of packaging on water loss, weight and softening ratio at the end of approximately 10 days of shipment and storage period of tomatoes is found statistically significant.

Longer Freshness with Corrugated Packaging

According to test results carried on tomatoes, it is determined that tomatoes kept in corrugated trays are protecting their firmness longer and exposed to mechanical damage lesser compared to those in wooden and plastic trays. According to the statement of Aegean University, open areas (notches) available on crates other than corrugated ones are causing mechanical damages (crushing, bruises, and punctures) on surfaces on vegetable and fruit put in them while these are causing the product to lose freshness within shorter time periods. Again in another criterion of the research on “Softening Severity”, the percentage of tomatoes softened severely is realized as 3% in wooden cases while this ratio is realized as 12% in plastic cases. The ratio in corrugated trays is determined impressively as 0%.

Annual Gain from Use of Corrugated Trays in Supply Process of Tomatoes Sold in Markets is about 40 million TL for Turkey

According to performed scientific calculations, if approximately 2.6 million tons of tomato sold via market channels in Turkey is carried in corrugated trays instead of plastic crates, annual gain just from reduction of loss of weight is determined to be at about 40 million TL. According to results of the research, in consequence of carriage, storage and displaying on shelves of tomatoes reached to consumers at the end of 10 days of supply chain process are carried in corrugated trays instead of alternative packages, fresh vegetable and fruit sector of Turkey can get rid of approximately 40 million TL of loss. It is estimated that such gain would be far higher when all vegetable and fruit sold via market channel are considered.  

Vegetable and fruits carried in corrugated trays are remaining fresh 3 days longer

FEFCO, The European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers has announced another scientific research performed by one of prestigious universities of Europe, Bologna University, to the public simultaneously with the tests carried by Aegean University. According to the research carried by the University, it is proved that vegetable and fruits kept in corrugated trays are maintaining their freshness 3 days longer. Before placing the products, plastic and corrugated cases are contaminated with Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pseudomonas spp. sterilized peaches are placed into these crates contaminated with bacteria and yeast. When the microorganisms on fruits contaminated by crates are counted, it is determined that the fruits in plastic crates have reached pollution level 48-72 hours before compared to those in corrugated trays. While it is observed that 95% of peaches in plastic cases are contaminated with E.coli bacteria 2 days after packing, this ratio did not exceed 25% in peaches packed in corrugated trays. The results of research are revealed that corrugated trays are more performant in reducing contamination of fruits with organisms causing rottenness compared to plastic crates.

Hakan Tiftik, CEO of Mondi Tire Kutsan, has stated in his assessment: “The results of the research are indicating that corrugated packaging is protecting freshness of vegetable and fruits we are consuming while also limiting loss of weight of the product. Thereby, they are protecting the health of consumers by enabling us to consume more fresh products and the pocket of retailers.” Hakan Tiftik noting that corrugated packaging is a great need to keep fresh fruit and vegetable fresh during long-distance transportation process, has mentioned that there is requirement both good-quality corrugated packaging as well as for high level services in fresh fruit and vegetables sector. He added “Demand for 100% recyclable, economical corrugated solutions providing best transportation options, supporting brand perception with its print is increasing every day in Turkey and in the world. As Mondi Tire Kutsan, we are continuing to provide excellent services on design, production and quality by developing best innovative packaging solutions for more than 40 years.”

Contact

Andrea Richardson, Marketing Manager, Corrugated Packaging
Tel: +43 1 79013 4972
Fax: +43 (0)1 79013 976
Email: andrea.richardson@mondigroup.com

Niki Fraiss, Marketing Communications Manager
Tel: +43 1 79013 4059
Fax: +43 (0)1 79013 948
Email: niki.fraiss@mondigroup.com

About Mondi Corrugated Packaging

Mondi Corrugated Packaging is a business unit of Mondi´s Europe& International division and a leading supplier of corrugated packaging in Europe, with strong focus on Central and South-East Europe. Through a network of 14 plants the company provides innovative design and state-of-the-art printing and gluing technology. The packaging types range from standard transit cases to upscale consumer displays. They are applied as shelf- or retail-ready solutions, or transport cases when shipping FMCG's, perishables, dangerous goods, and other products.

Mondi Tire Kutsan is part of this business segment, operating in Turkey with 4 plants throughout the country - Izmir/ Tire, Izmit, Adana and Karaman. Mondi Tire Kutsan has over 40 years of experience in the production of corrugated packaging and sheets and has very strong paper integration with extensive knowledge transfer. The sites develop creative value solutions and UN-box certifications for dangerous goods packaging are offered through the accredited laboratory at the Izmit plant.

For more information, please visit http://www.mondigroup.com

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