Page 30 - January_2019

PHOTO COURTESY INLINE PLASTICS
fresher for a longer period of time than other forms of packaging while adding visual appeal. “ ey allow retailers to highlight new vari- eties or premium versions by showcasing the cut produce inside the clamshell; as well as provide an option to mix-and-match produce for alter- native buying options,” says Korwek. “Lastly, the clamshell itself provides space to educate and share messaging on organic and specialty items.”
KEEPING FOOD SAFE
One key concern that clamshell packages address is food safety.
“Tamper-evident, tamper-resistant pack- aging is extremely important,” says Korwek. “It provides an added level of assurance for retailers and consumers when making a purchasing decision. It ensures that contents have not been removed — resulting in a lower-quantity over the stated label — or contaminated — causing a potential health risk. In fact, Inline was the rst container manufacturer to introduce
tamper-resistant and tamper-evident clamshells with our Safe-T-Fresh line.”
Monte also notes the importance of tamper-proof clamshell packages.
“When it comes to an individual or fami- ly-size, fresh-cut or ‘ready-to-eat’ product, the package must be tamper proof,” he says. “We are seeing a trend across all categories for more tamper-proof requests in packaging, regardless of whether they are fresh cut or not.”
NEW AND IMPROVED DESIGNS
One reason clamshell packages are making more of an impact these days is because tech- nology has led to more variety in shapes and sizes, and improved quality.
“ e growth of uniquely shaped clam- shells in an assortment of sizes has resulted in an increase as well in the customization of boxes and pallets,” says Korwek. “However, some standard berry containers do still conform to the common footprint.”
Inline’s designs utilize tamper-resistant and improved perimeter-sealing technology, along with o ering new shapes and sizes.
“We pride ourselves on leading the industry in packaging innovations,” she says. “When it comes to the weight of the clam- shells speci cally, Inline, like many manufac- tures, strives to nd the optimal use of material for their packages. is entails how to balance keeping the containers lightweight and easily
recyclable, but also sturdy enough to protect the contents and support shelf stacking.”
THE BEST FRUITS FOR CLAMSHELLS
Shoppers have no doubt noticed that certain speci c fruits and vegetables are found in clamshell packaging. ese include berries, grape tomatoes, and grapes.
“Typically more delicate products are displayed in rigid clamshells,” says Forowycz. “ e packaging protects from bruising. However, rigid clamshells also provide consistent head space for air or other gases as compared to bags, generally resulting in longer shelf life.”
Korwek notes that the bene ts of clam- shells include an added layer of protection for those fruits and veggies that are susceptible to bruising, which means fresher, longer-lasting, and more visually appealing produce.
“ ey allow retailers to highlight new varieties or premium versions by showcasing the cut produce inside the clamshell, as well as provide an option to mix-and-match produce for alternative buying options,” she says. “Lastly, the clamshell itself provides space to educate and share messaging on organic and specialty items.”
It all adds up to packaging that many customers nd appealin. Supermarket produce managers can do themselves a favor by putting a spotlight on foods in clamshell packages. pb
nENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Roman Forowycz, vice president of business development for Sonoco Global Flexibles, Hartsville, SC, notes that not all clamshells confirm to standard footprint boxes and pallets, but that the majority of them do. And advances continue to be made in the design of packaging, including weight. This makes them popular for various reasons, including less- ening their impact on the environment.
“Definitely, most clamshells are lighter than they were 10 years ago,” he says. “This is being driven by sustainability concerns, as well as cost pressures. For example, water and soda bottles were made much lighter over the past decade, and this change resulted in billions of pounds of plastic being saved and reduced impact on the environment.”
Monte also says clamshells are changing to fit modern trends.
“Technology and recycling advances have made the standard sizes more effi-
cient and economical to produce and sell to growers and packers — small and large — without deteriorating the quality,” he says.
And these advances have benefited produce sections.
“Technology and recycling advances have made the standard sizes more effi- cient and economical to produce and sell to growers and packers, small and large, without deteriorating the quality,” says Sarah Korwek, product manager for Inline Plastics, Shelton, CT.
The next step in environmentally friendly clamshell-like packaging could be on its way.
“Over the past 10 years, using recycled content in Thermoformed plastic and/or reducing material weight have become standard practices,” says Sara Lozano, marketing manager for Sambrailo Pack- aging, based in Watsonville, CA.
Lozano says the pros of clamshells
Sambrailo Packaging’s unique non-waxed paperboard packages are 100 percent recyclable and provide for design exibility.
include their availability, the low cost, and their stature as the industry stan- dard. But they also have their downside, including, she says, their impact on the environment. “Plastic is single-use, and recycling is no longer effective,” she says, adding that other cons include their lack of “marketing real estate,” which is limited to the top label.
Sambrailo has an alternative to plastic clamshells with its ReadyCycle packaging, which Lozano says reduces plastic waste. These non-waxed paperboard boxes are 100-percent recyclable and offer design flexibility. Sizes include a 16-ounce option for strawberries, as well as 6-ounce, 12-ounce, and 32-ounce packages. pb
30 / JANUARY 2019 / PRODUCE BUSINESS