Sirane sets out a new fruit packaging solution

Edited by the Processingtalk editorial team Jan 29, 2008

The UK's premier packaging solutions company, Sirane, is set to make major inroads growing value-added markets for fruits with its compostable packaging

Simon Balderson, director, explains that 'Soft fruit has always been a big business, and with the trend to healthy eating and lifestyle, the market is rapidly growing.

Retailers are looking for the highest value possible, therefore many new varieties of fruit are being grown and many new style of packs are now being marketed.

Yesterday's packaging solutions such as bubble wrap and loose paper and board packaging have all but disappeared from this sector, mainly because of the unsustainable losses through product damage and degradation.

New packaging solutions such as our Resolve absorbent cushioning fruit pad - fully compostable and competitive with alternative materials - are helping suppliers to extend shelf life and also guard against damage, discolouration and decay'.

The Sirane Resolve fruit pad is targeted mainly on the berry and soft fruit sector - raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and so forth - and offers an exceptional absorbent presentation surface.

The compostable Sirane pad cushions the fruit, absorbing excess moisture or juice, therefore decreasing pack and product waste.

Included in the benefits are:.

* soft and spongy protection for fruit.

* reduced sweating, bruising and damage of fruit.

* absorbency and cushioning - ranging from 800cc/sq m to 5000cc/sq m.

'There is nothing else like this on the market today - no other supplier offers a compostable solution,' says Balderson, 'and since we can also colour the pad material to match any supplier and retailer specification, we expect market demand to steadily grow through the year'.

The new Sirane pad is fully compliant with the new compostable standard EN 13432 and is made using a proprietary process without adhesives or bonding materials.

Sirane, has also obtained the international DIN CERTCO standard - issued by the Composting Association - for its entire Drifresh Resolve Range of compostable packaging.

Waiting in the wings is a version of the Sirane much trialled Resolve Pac - which will offer a complete new cushioning and protection system for the stone fruit market - individual peaches, nectarines, plums as well as apples and pears.

'When the retailer sells high quality soft fruit, the product has to be guaranteed as expectional - and without blemish or degradation,' says Balderson: 'Our new pack will do just that for the product and is fully compostable after use.

We're very excited about the potential in the market and the uptake later this year'.

As part of its commitment to the market, Sirane will be travelling to the international fruit exhibition in Berlin this February.

Fruit Logistica takes place from February 7-9.

Since its foundation in 2003, the Sirane turnover has more than doubled through every year and the trend is set to continue through 2008.