Fresh and appealing products in protective modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) that improves shelf-life, ease of use, and handles the rigours of the supply chain should now be more top-of-mind than ever says Ezette de Scally, head of Tremfresh, the speciality division within Trempak that focuses on active and passive shelf-life extension applications.

With the correct packaging applications and carefully specified materials and perforating patterns, shelf-life can be extended and optimised to reduce food waste, which results in fewer deliveries to stores and lower carbon emissions during product distribution. Collectively these factors should contribute to lower overall supply chain costs, resulting in consumer savings and reduced environmental impacts.

Boosting local buying power

The pandemic has boosted support and interest from consumers to spend within their communities, and this dovetails into the increasing concern to reduce our carbon footprint. This growing movement to support local farmers and suppliers encourages smaller players to enter the market. The barriers to market entry are lowered even further by the technical and creative support that Tremfresh offers, together with the lower investment cost of digital printing. This ‘local is lekker’ approach should also be adopted when brands buy print and packaging from proudly South African companies.

Preservation and engagement

Although it goes without saying that freshness pertaining to food quality is paramount, packaging needs to be lively and interesting and offer more value than just product preservation. Packaging has the power to delight, challenge, educate and energise a brand’s target audience, keeping them coming back for more. Beyond the technical expertise to ensure packaging functions optimally, the Tremfresh crew offers the creative know-how and talent to recharge brands with fresh ideas and designs.

Environmental responsibility

‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ is the catch phrase when it comes to packaging. Trempak takes a holistic approach to acting environmentally responsibly. The company installed solar power more than 10 years ago in an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint. Its three carbon neutral digital printing presses help to reduce the amount of set-up required and result in less waste to landfill.

Trempak also has on-site waste sorting and recycling initiatives and has contracted Pandae, a waste recycling company, to be on-site permanently to sort and direct any waste into the relevant channels for recycling. The company has also registered as a member with Polyco to administer its Extended Producer Responsibility scheme.

Additionally, Trempak has initiated projects with retailers to reduce the thickness of packaging where applicable. It has pioneered many firsts in terms of fully printed recyclable pouches, such as printed top seal for grapes, which uses considerably less plastic than traditional clamshells.

Tremfresh division

Several years ago, Trempak created the Tremfresh division to focus on fresh produce and hone its skills and expertise in all aspects of MAP.

Trempak has been the exclusive South African agent for Bolloré shrink-film for over 20 years. Bolloré films are also an environmentally friendly alternative to PVC stretch and shrink. Together with Italian shrink-wrapping machinery, Smipack, also in the Trempak stable, a complete shrink-wrapping solution is covered.

Trempak’s offering includes printed (flexo and digital) and unprinted film, bags, resealable pouches, MAP tech support with state-of-the-art micro and macro perforation capability and a vast array of specialised laminates, with recyclable options. Additionally, expertise in compostable trays and lidding are complemented by the Proseal tray sealing equipment agency.

As reported in PPM in January 2022, Tremfresh has installed a state-of-the art laser perforator, more than tripling its perforating capacity. The laser perforator’s beam compression units are used to produce consistent geometric-shaped holes at very high processing speeds (up to 760m/min). This is the fastest perforating head in the industry. Machine features work in synergy to reduce waste and lower environmental impact.

Tremfresh aims to balance sustainability with product excellence, functionality and visual appeal, while maintaining a keen focus on food waste, costs and overall environmental impact. MAP is a critical part of the journey to heal our planet.

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