For many types of packaging used for agricultural products, like fruits and vegetables, firmness is the most important aspect, seeing as the boxes are stacked high and the ones at the bottom need to be able to carry the weight of the boxes on top. Products from the ornamental industry, on the other hand, have different conditions their packaging must meet. In this article, Smart Packaging Solutions explains what these conditions are and why solid cardboard packaging meets these demands.
Potted plants and cut flowers are transported on Danish trolleys, making the firmness of the boxes less important. The most important thing in this sector is brand recognition, and the packaging plays an important part in that. At the flower auction, the transport packaging almost turns into consumer packaging. The products are appraised by the buyers based on the packaging, which is why the packaging needs to be so recognizable.
Recognizable prints
Because solid cardboard can be printed on better than, say, corrugated cardboard, they are better suited for increasing brand recognition. Printing on corrugated cardboard can lead to the so-called ‘washboard effect’: waves in the print. Solid cardboard is much flatter, which leads to a higher quality offset printing. Smart Packaging Solutions is specialized in printing on solid cardboard. "The amount of different prints for growers is immense. Because we make our own printing plates, we can more easily make precisely what the grower wants. If needed, we can show a test print within ten minutes", they say.
Moisture-resistant flower packaging
Another advantage solid cardboard has when comparing it to corrugated cardboard in terms of what is important to the ornamental industry, is the fact that solid cardboard is resistant to moisture. Flowers and plants are often transported in so-called flower bottles or plastic tubes that provide water to a few flowers during transport. These tubes make it important for the packaging of the flowers to be sufficiently moisture resistant. Solid cardboard has a high density, and because of this is less sensitive to moisture. Especially if the material is coated in a moisture-resistant polyethylene (PE) on both sides. If the tubes are to leak a little, the packaging won’t suffer one bit.
Logistics ornamental packaging
Even in terms of logistics, solid cardboard offers a lot of advantages, especially for growers of flowers and plants. These growers often don’t have much room to collect and package their flowers in, which is why people aren’t able to purchase full truckloads of packaged goods. "Since we can also deliver smaller packaging on demand, we can more precisely help out the growers to meet their packaging needs. We deliver just in time, which is something we are genuinely market leaders in."
For more information:
Smart Packaging Solutions
Oude Baan 120
9200 Oudegem-Dendermonde
www.smart-packaging-solutions.com