Amerplast, PerfoTec to provide innovative packaging for fresh produce

AMERPLAST and PerfoTec BV have recently signed a cooperation agreement to offer the European fresh produce industry a breakthrough packaging technology that extends the shelf life of fresh produce and reduces wastes and costs.

Amerplast, one of Europe’s largest flexo printers and bag converters and a leader in innovative packaging solutions, will market PerfoTec’s respiration and microperforation technology and equipment as an integrated system along with its high performing flexible packaging film.

The Netherlands-based PerfoTec supplies specialised equipment for measuring the respiration rates of fresh produce such as cut salads, fruits, and vegetables. The company’s unique software calculates the required film permeability to allow optimal respiration of the produce and achieve longer life span even after packaging. The data enables the patented Laser Perforation System to adapt the film permeability through precise microperforation. An integrated camera inspects each microperforation diameter and shape.

Perforation system  showing laser and camera (Perfortec)

The waste and cost reductions, and sales increase resulting from the use of PerfoTec’s technology prompted UK retailer Marks & Spencer to switch to the PerfoTec system together with all its soft fruit suppliers. PerfoTec used this technology for measuring fresh fruit and vegetable respiration and adjusting the packaging with the exact amount of microperforations to reduce waste at M&S by as much as 50%. The technology also managed to cut costs whilst boosting sales.

According to Amerplast CEO Borge Kvamme, the partnership with PerfoTec is another step in developing  Amerplast into a leading pan-European packaging company that is in tune with consumer and market trends.

Amerplast CEO Borge Kvamme

“Fresh food products are key to our strategy as we can leverage superior packaging systems, film quality and seal integrity, advanced co-extrusion processes, and superior printing and converting capabilities. The unique PerfoTec respiration and microperforation technology will allow us to expand our current product offering and to provide our customers with a sustainable innovative alternative to their current packaging systems for fresh produce,” added Mr Kvamme.

Founded in 1952, Amerplast offers high-performance flexible packaging for fast-moving consumer goods for both food and nonfood categories. The officially certified HD quality printing house has manufacturing plants in Finland and Poland for food and hygiene packaging that comply with British Retail Consortium (BRC) requirements, and sales offices in Sweden and Russia. The company is a leading provider of optimal logistics and packaging solutions in consumer goods categories such as retail bags, bakery, fresh and frozen food, consumer tissue, and personal care.

PerfoTec CEO Bas Groeneweg said, “The partnership with Amerplast is a great opportunity for us to join forces with a high performing packaging company dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance quality and convenience of high-value food products.”

Mr Groeneweg added that the new alliance will allow Amerplast to broaden its current film offering and provide support to customers through the delivery of respiration metres and laser perforation units and software, and responsibility for film supply and ongoing product support.

PerfoTec, which was established in 2004, has developed the world’s new standard in Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Fresh(-cut) Produce. Current users of the company’s PerfoTec System acknowledge that full control over the atmosphere in packages is a Critical Control Point for product quality.

The new partnership was presented at the Fruit Logistica fresh produce industry trade show held from 4 to 6 February at Messe Berlin, Germany.