Temperature fluctuations during transport remain a structural risk to flower quality, particularly for sensitive varieties. In the Netherlands, Holex Flower has therefore worked with Inter Fresh Concepts to explore new ways of protecting flowers against cold and heat. This resulted in a joint testing programme using paper-based insulation liners, known as climaliners.
"We are continuously working on improvements," says Yuri Hol, Quality Manager at Holex Flower. "We approach this in a project-based way, across different departments. Based on our own objectives, but also in line with DFG requirements, we look at how we can safeguard quality while also making progress in sustainability."
© InterFresh
"Can this problem be solved with liners?"
The starting point for the project was daily practice in flower exports. "Tropical flowers such as Vanda orchids and anthuriums are extremely sensitive to cold," Yuri explains. "During air freight, a pallet is exposed to many different conditions, including refrigerated areas, transport phases, and sometimes extreme cold or heat upon arrival at an airport."
Through Inter Fresh Concepts, which has extensive experience with temperature-related challenges in the flower sector, Holex Flower learned about the paper insulation materials. "Then the three of us sat down together to assess where the problems lie and whether these liners could offer a solution," Yuri says.
Doubling tarmac time
To support this assessment, a testing programme was set up to simulate realistic transport conditions. Holex Flower supplied boxes and flowers, after which various air freight scenarios were tested in a climate chamber at Ranpak.
"We compared our existing solution with the paper insulation liners," Yuri explains. "What stood out was that with these liners, the temperature moved much more slowly towards a critical threshold. That provides extra time, and therefore more certainty, during arrival and handling."
According to Jisk Hoogervorst of Inter Fresh Concepts, the main gain lies in slowing down temperature fluctuations. "We come from the flower industry ourselves and recognise these challenges," he says. "No flower and no transport route is the same. Testing shows where you actually gain time, and that can make the difference between damage and a good arrival. Our solution doubles the critical tarmac time at the destination airport, offering significantly more security during arrival and handling."
A conscious choice based on risk
An additional benefit is the reduced use of plastic materials. "Where foam or plastic pads were often used in the past, we are now switching to paper," says Yuri. "We do not want to add extra packaging material unnecessarily. These liners are only used for shipments where we expect them to genuinely prevent damage."
This targeted approach fits well with Holex Flower's way of working, he adds. "It is not a standard solution for every shipment, but a conscious, risk-based choice."
© InterFresh
Shipping vulnerable flowers to challenging destinations
The additional insulation also makes it possible to ship flowers to more challenging destinations. "We ship to all corners of the world," Yuri says. "Some destinations, such as parts of Canada, experience winter temperatures of minus ten degrees Celsius or lower. With this solution, we can still ship flowers that would otherwise be too vulnerable."
"It's about the right solution for the customer"
According to Jisk, the strength of the project lies in the collaboration. "We work with the customer to determine what works best in a specific situation. It's not about a single product, but about finding the right solution that fits the customer."
For Yuri, the outcome is clear. "Ultimately, it's about quality. When flowers arrive in good condition, you avoid damage, claims and additional work. This collaboration helps us gain better control over that process."
For more information:
Jisk Hoogervorst
Inter Fresh Concepts
Jonckerweg 13
2201 DZ Noordwijk
T: +31 (0)252340687
[email protected]
https://www.interfreshconcepts.com/nl
Yuri Hol
Holex Flower
Tel.: +31 (0)297 381 050
[email protected]
www.holex.com
