In the case of relocation, transfers, or simply sending a gift from Italy abroad, it is always necessary to equip yourself adequately and follow a few simple tips. How to ship household appliances: suitable packaging. Do you need to ship a small or large household appliance but don't know where to start? Well, then it's time to learn how to distinguish between the various products and understand the different packaging methods, provided they are always safe, resistant, and of high quality. Let's find out all the details in this article. Read also: “How to pack a television and special objects for a move” Small or large household appliances The world of household appliances is truly vast. Therefore, it is first necessary to distinguish between small and large household appliances. Depending on the specific classification, the shipping method, process logistics, and, of course, the packaging system will change as well. Shipping small appliances If you need to ship one or more small appliances, you must always remember that the more delicate they are, the more adequate filler material you will need to use to avoid potential impacts and damage to the item. In this case, the best advice is to use corrugated cardboard boxes (American type), especially triple-wall ones. Generally, fillers are employed to protect and fully safeguard the item being shipped from vibrations, impacts, and jolts that normally occur during transport by vehicles. Bubble wrap, for instance, is among the best-known filler materials—a polyethylene sheet featuring air bubbles. Furthermore, since these are small and lightweight appliances, they may be shipped via standard couriers along with other types of goods. In the latter case, the important thing is to adequately protect each appliance using reliable packaging materials, for example by wrapping it in bubble wrap and then completely lining it with polystyrene sheets 2-3 cm thick. Complete the operation by placing everything inside a highly resistant cardboard box, leaving no empty spaces between the inner wrapping and the box. Let's now discover the best packaging according to the small appliance to be shipped: electronic equipment, such as computers and monitors, hairdryers, microwave ovens, and kitchen tools: double-wall box, which is not particularly heavy or bulky; small electronic devices, such as cables, phones, intercoms, small emergency or alarm devices: die-cut boxes with reinforced closure, which are secure, sturdy, and reusable. Shipping large appliances If, on the other hand, you need to ship appliances with large dimensions and significant weight, such as washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, dryers, vacuum cleaners, and so on, you must opt for triple-wall boxes and pallets (wooden platforms) that allow heavy packages to be handled with specific loading and unloading equipment (such as forklifts). The pallet, therefore, is a wooden platform on which the goods to be transported are placed and secured; the best on the market, safe and approved under European law, is the EURO and EPAL pallet. For greater security and to better immobilize the corner guards, wrap your appliance in bubble wrap, but also use organic packing peanuts or paper void filler before loading it onto the wooden platform. If there are fragile parts (such as glass shelves in refrigerators), it is preferable to remove and pack them separately with sheets of bubble wrap, to be then inserted into a cardboard box and placed inside the appliance itself or on the pallet. Next, you will need to arrange the appliance inside the triple-wall box, such as semi-ready triple-wall boxes, featuring staples on the sides to provide greater support and resistance up to 500 kg, with a maximum size reaching 120 x 80 x 80 cm. In addition, you can also decide to use polystyrene profiles or corner protectors to shield the corners, which are the most delicate parts of your package. To find out more: “GIFCO Conference 2022: corrugated cardboard figures in Italy in 2021” If you need valuable packaging with high-quality products and cutting-edge technologies, choose CART-ONE. Discover all our products and ensure the best performance. Contact us to receive all the information you want.

Firstly, we want to inform you of the purchase of Industries San Cayetano in the north east of Spain. This company is specialized in single high value packaging made of corrugated board or solid board. Innovative and customized packaging is one of their best strengths. Their products are well known in the fishing and frozen sector, in which they continue to be the market leader. This incorporation will allow us to improve our temperature controlled packaging, especially for the meat, food-processing, wine, fish and frozen sector. This added to the recent launch of the “single pass” digital printer, we are undoubtedly able to satisfy all our customer’s demands and needs. Secondly, the Hinojosa Group, at the end of July, closed the purchase of the paper manufacturing plant, Torrespapel in the north east of Spain. Our goal is to incorporate this as soon as possible in order to make it part of our supply chain of raw materials. To achieve this we will be investing in 40 new jobs. These two incorporations reinforce our strategic plan of a better customer focus as well as an improved integration of our supply chain. As a result, Hinojosa and its eleven plants in Spain is consolidated and is one of the fastest growing companies in Spain. This also reinforces the BBP’s presence in the Spanish territory which allows better service for its customers and at the same time strengthens the relationship with the partners of the alliance. Rubén MartínezManaging Partner of BBP, President of the Hinojosa Group

One year after the European experience at the Blue Paper papermill in Strasbourg, Cart-One hosted the Blue Box Partners Innovation Day 2016 at the Antonio Sada & Figli plant in Pontecagnano, from April 27th to 29th! 30 technicians from all over Europe joined together for three days to share knowledge and information regarding the research and development of new packaging solutions. See you next year for Innovation Day 2017!

Cart-One was pleased to host the annual Sales and Board Meeting of Blue Box Partners in Parma. 28 participants shared a unique goal: to grow in Europe and to increasingly become the point of reference for innovation, quality, and service for our clients.

Among the consequences of Coronavirus stands out the emergency of reorganizing professional environments in total safety and in full compliance with current regulations. The Green Spacer cardboard protective barriers have been specially designed to cope with this situation, with total respect for the environment. They have the same protective functions as plexiglass separators and advantageous prices. Green Spacer Protective Barriers: features and benefits Green Spacer screened safety devices are equipped of a PET window which guarantees: Perfect visibility and total sanitation; Product recyclability and disposal, with minimal impact on the environment Other features: Lightness and manageability: which do not in the least affect the stability of the product; Personalization: you can have your company or business logo printed; Sound absorption: no rebounding of the sound, an inevitable event with plexiglass barriers. Working in often crowded and noisy open space environments, sound insulation is essential for the proper conduct of activities. Green Spacer is also excellent for use in the school environment. This for two fundamental aspects: Cardboard safety: unlike an extremely heavy and fragile Plexiglass barrier, which at the first fall could turn into a potential danger for students, thanks to its lightness and flexibility, cardboard is totally safe. Feeling of tranquility: populating classes with colored protective barriers, in a period of uncertainty and fear, will transmit to the pupils feelings of security and tranquility. Green Spacer cardboard protective panels: how the project was born The project was born from the intelligence of SPG Design, an innovative company that capitalizes on the knowledge and experience of Sandra S.p.a. The Design line originates from the collaboration, focused on the production of sustainable packaging: aesthetically beautiful, colored, sustainable and functional cardboard objects and articles. In this context Green Spacer was born: cardboard protective barriers, eco-friendly and at advantageous prices.

Sandra (Cart-One Parma) has been producing corrugated cardboard packaging for over 60 years for customers specializing in multiple sectors. Always distinguished by its innovative ability that leads it to adopt new sustainable and cutting edge solutions, Sandra in 2010 installed in its production area an HS corrugator with 3.35 meters width (the largest model available on the market) and in 2017 a single-pass inkjet printer, which leads the company to progressively expand its product portfolio, with proposals for packaging, displays and materials destined for the point of sale, which are increasingly personalized and avant-garde. Joint ventures and national and international alliances Despite its large turnover that only exceeded 180 million euros in 2018, the company remains a family-owned company led by Fausto Ferretti, son of the founder. In order to be able to effectively serve whole Italy from a logistical point of view, Cart-One joint venture with the 'Antonio Sada & Figli' of Salerno was born. Thanks to this successful collaboration, the two companies join - in 2014 - the alliance with Blue Box Partners: the members are all family-run businesses, specialized in the production of packaging, displays and paper. The precious exchange of ideas, skills and opinions among the owners of the Partnership leads the members to make important collective decisions regarding the introduction of new technological solutions aimed at optimizing the workflow: this has led the BBP members to hold the largest European base of single-pass inkjet printing machines. Thanks to the adoption of digital printing, in the last two years Sandra has created a department entirely dedicated to this type of product. For smaller customers, the company also offers a turnkey service that deals with both structural design and identity of the products (POP displays, fruit and vegetable trays, bag-in-boxes and shelf ready packaging). Adopting digital printing to stand out from the competition The digital production approach aims to stand out from the competition and adopt techniques and processes that are difficult to replicate from Italian competitors. To do this - explains Daniele Plazzi - he invested time and money traveling between North America and Japan, to understand in advance the progress that technology would have made in the near future. The target? Reducing dependence on external suppliers for pre-press work and printing plant construction Ensure faster responses to customers to shorten the time of launch of new products on the market. Sandra carefully observes the first installations of reel-fed pre-print inkjet technologies and concludes that the most suitable choice is a post-print solution. "If the purchasing decisions of consumers are also influenced by the appearance of boxes and displays, our goal was to offer a brighter and more glossy print, capable of capturing more attention," says Plazzi. So, in 2010 Sandra factory in Casale di Mezzani welcomes to Nasikajet, the digital printing line based on Barberan's inkjet technology, which Sandra has customized and renamed. The research and development of the company towards new medium-term goals never stops. The Company is constantly looking towards new horizons with the aim of being always updated on the new types of products available on the market, especially on machines with larger print size and new types of inks. Sustainable development projects Sandra's commitments and ambitions do not end there. Its development projects fully include the progressive replacement of plastic from disposable plastic packaging used in canteens and fast food outlets. The Mission? Offer alternative and eco-sustainable solutions, capable of guaranteeing the same performance. Would you like to know more? To learn more, download the article published on Italia Publisher English-Italia-PublisherDownload

The summer of 2023 turned out to be one of the hottest ever recorded, resulting in significant impacts on the environment. This is why it is essential to provide innovative solutions that meet both corporate requirements and planet preservation needs. Climate change and environmental impact: summer 2023 the hottest in history. The aim of this article is to understand how the scorching summer of 2023 influenced the packaging sector, focusing on the essential role of corrugated cardboard. Read also: “Packaging cardboards: what materials are they made of?” Increasingly extreme climate records The summer of 2023 set a global heat record, with an average temperature of 16.77°C, over half a degree above the seasonal average. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) released this news, highlighting that it was the hottest ever recorded. At the European level, the average summer temperature was 19.63°C, making it the fifth hottest with an increase of 0.83°C compared to the average. During the June-July-August 2023 period, above-average rainfall occurred in various regions, causing floods in several areas, including parts of Northern, Western, and Northeastern America, Asia, Chile, Brazil, Northwestern Australia, Western Europe, and Turkey. In August, the global ocean recorded both its hottest daily sea surface temperature on record and its hottest month overall. Scientific evidence clearly indicates that humanity will continue to face new climate records and more intense, frequent extreme weather events until greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. Climate change and more sustainable packaging Corrugated cardboard packaging is well-known for its eco-sustainability and, thanks to its lightweight yet resistant structure, proves to be an even more advantageous choice under extreme weather conditions. The material maintains its integrity, ensuring that the products inside are safe from damage caused by excessive heat. At a time when sustainability is at the heart of global concerns, manufacturing this material requires fewer resources compared to less sustainable alternatives, thus contributing to the reduction of the overall carbon footprint. Furthermore, the recyclability of corrugated cardboard translates into a more responsible waste management. The Cart-One research and development team is at the forefront of implementing innovations to further improve the performance of corrugated cardboard packaging through the circular economy, utilizing the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model, actions that result in the use of clean and innovative technologies. This represents an eco-design intended as packaging development that pays the utmost attention to saving raw materials and preventing waste, along with continuous improvement of production processes aimed at decreasing impacts on water, air, and soil. Cart-One demonstrates how the packaging sector can proactively adapt to climate change by leveraging the intrinsic features of corrugated cardboard. With a steadfast commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company is proving that it is possible to tackle climate challenges without compromising the integrity of packaging solutions. Investing in our products means investing in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. Contact us for further information or to get a customized quote for your company or business. You might also be interested in: “The right packaging to best preserve fruit and vegetables”

The Suez Canal, one of the most crucial waterways in the world, is currently at the center of a crisis that is significantly affecting global trade. Suez Canal crisis: the agri-food sector also pays the consequences. Military actions by the Yemeni Houthis have caused damage to commercial vessels and are jeopardizing international trade routes. In particular, the agri-food sector is among the hardest hit, with repercussions extending all the way to Italy. Read also: “Climate change and environmental impact: summer 2023 the hottest in history” The current situation in the Suez Canal The Yemeni armed group Houthi has entered the conflict between Israel and Palestine, attacking commercial vessels in the Suez Canal. While the Israeli defense system repelled Yemeni missiles during the conflict, commercial ships have sustained severe damage. Shipping giants like BP and MSC have suspended navigation in the area, causing a significant drop in the number of vessels crossing the canal. Impact on the Italian and global economy Tensions in the Suez Canal can have major implications for the Italian economy. The Suez Canal handles over 12% of world trade and over 40% of Italian maritime trade. In 2022, this value stood at 82.8 billion euros, with the transit being vital for Italian exports to Japan, China, India, and the Middle East. Risks for the fruit and vegetable sector The consequences of the crisis are also reflected in the Italian fruit and vegetable sector. Fruit exports to the Far and Middle East have suffered significant delays, with transit times increasing and transport costs rising. The Italian agri-food industry, which exported over 217 million kilograms of fruit last year, risks facing substantial losses. Future outlook and trade adaptations Trade operators are considering a revision of transport routes, anticipating longer journeys and increased costs. The closure of the Suez Canal has already caused a traffic reduction in the Red Sea, with potential negative effects on Italian ports such as Gioia Tauro, Taranto, Brindisi, Trieste, and Genoa. Operation Prosperity Guardian and operator doubts The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure the safety of commercial vessels, but over 130 ships have preferred to circumnavigate Africa instead. Shipping lines, such as Maersk, MSC, and Hapag-Lloyd, are applying surcharges due to the additional costs resulting from route diversions. Economic impacts of the 2021 Suez Canal blockage The blockage of the Suez Canal in 2021, caused by the grounding of the ship Ever Given, demonstrated the significant impacts on world trade. Estimated economic losses during the six days of the blockage amounted to billions of dollars, highlighting the vulnerability of key trade routes. In conclusion, the crisis in the Suez Canal is already causing notable repercussions across various sectors, particularly on the Italian agri-food industry. As the world seeks solutions to this situation, it is crucial to closely monitor developments and adapt to the new challenges of international trade. See also: “Sustainability: recycling and reuse for a second life of materials”

The Italian agricultural sector is facing significant challenges in adopting ecological and economically sustainable practices, while grappling with farmer unrest, the urgency of the climate transition, and complex management at the European level. The Farmers' Crisis in Italy: Economic and Industrial Repercussions. Farmers' protests have spread across several European countries, from France to Italy, driven by reasons including the reduction of EU subsidies and the perception of excessive restrictions. Let's explore all the details in the rest of the article. Read also: “Suez Canal Crisis: The Agri-Food Sector Also Pays the Consequences” What is Happening to Agriculture in Italy Between 2005 and 2020, 5.3 million farms disappeared in Europe, nearly 600,000 of which were Italian. The pandemic, the war in Ukraine, inflation, and climate events have further complicated the situation, with a 25% increase in the prices of agricultural goods and services in 2022. Dissent in the agri-food sector stemmed from measures to make food production "greener," criticism of the European Union's restrictive agricultural policies, and rules requiring land to be left fallow to preserve biodiversity. In Italy, the Comitato Agricoltori Traditi (Betrayed Farmers Committee) led the protest against restrictive EU agricultural policies and the stance of traditional sector organizations. Farmers complain about declining incomes, taxes on inactive vehicles, and demand an urgent dialogue with Parliament. An Unsustainable and Inadequate Agricultural Model The #CambiamoAgricoltura Coalition (a coalition formed in 2017 to demand a CAP reform that protects all farmers, citizens, and the environment) also criticizes national and EU agricultural policies, arguing that they have created an unsustainable and unjust agricultural model. The interests of industrial supply chains have prevailed at the expense of agricultural workers, human and environmental health, and animal welfare. Farmers and consumers are considered the weakest links in the chain, while powerful industrial actors have increased their profits and political influence. Agricultural protests are directed at the European Green Deal due to its environmental implications and alleged negative consequences on the sustainability and prosperity of the agricultural sector. Indeed, the European Green Deal is blamed for causing the crisis in the primary sector. Derogations from environmental commitments, such as reducing pesticide use and nature conservation, compromise the goals of the "Farm to Fork" and "Biodiversity 2030" strategies. Climate change is identified as a serious threat to agriculture, with direct and indirect impacts on production, the environment, and food security. The Coalition further maintains that farmers' hardship is caused by multiple factors, including unfair distribution of aid, lack of support for changing the production model, and conflicts of interest in the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. It highlights the need for subsidies geared toward economic sustainability and the numerical growth of farms, encouraging the ecological transition. Is the Consequence an Agroecological Transition? The majority of farmers, oppressed by the dominant actors in the supply chain, express growing discomfort and distrust in the agri-food system. Agricultural protests, initially focused on environmental protection, are the result of multiple reasons, including structural problems within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Despite the agro-environmental rules introduced with little success, the unfair distribution of aid persists, rewarding large corporations at the expense of small ones. Agricultural corporations, by defending a payment system based on historical entitlements, favor large landowners over small and medium-sized farmers, leading to the closure of many businesses. The rhetoric of the farmer as the custodian of the environment has not helped in understanding the necessary evolution of agriculture's social and environmental role. Thus, the need for an agroecological transition is proposed, supported by public subsidies geared toward economic sustainability and the numerical growth of farms. Agroecological practices, as demonstrated by the 2023 agricultural year, can guarantee both environmental protection and farmers' income. The #CambiamoAgricoltura Coalition urges key stakeholders to avoid weakening CAP rules, pointing out that such actions will hinder the transition toward a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. It also invites an open debate on the true causes of the economic crisis in the primary sector, pointing to an unfair agri-food system that favors large corporations over small producers and consumers. Economic and Industrial Implications of the Agricultural Crisis Unemployment: The agricultural crisis has a direct impact on employment in rural areas, where many families depend directly on the agricultural sector. The loss of jobs has significant consequences for the social and economic fabric of local communities; Decline in National Production: This has knock-on implications for the domestic food supply, increasing reliance on imports and affecting the country's food self-sufficiency; Reduction in Agricultural GDP: The agricultural crisis contributes to a decrease in the agricultural sector's contribution to Italy's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), negatively impacting the economy as a whole; Impact on the Agri-Food Supply Chain: The farmers' crisis has significant consequences along the agri-food supply chain, involving producers, processors, and distributors. The fragility of the chain can undermine the security and diversity of the food supply. The farmers' crisis in Italy is not just a challenge for the agricultural sector, but an issue that impacts the entire national economy. Addressing this crisis requires collaboration among government, industry, and local communities to implement sustainable solutions and promote the revival of a strong and resilient agricultural sector. Only through a joint commitment can we preserve the agricultural and industrial wealth that has characterized Italy for generations. See also: “Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Summer 2023 the Hottest in History”

Italy shines once again on the European recycling stage, setting a new record in 2023 with a recycling rate for paper and cardboard packaging exceeding 90%. An extraordinary achievement that not only widely surpasses the 85% target set by the European Union for 2030, but also places our country at the forefront of the transition toward a circular and sustainable economy. Italy leader in recycling: 9 out of 10 paper and cardboard packages are recycled. This success, resulting from citizens' commitment to separate waste collection and the efficiency of the national paper supply chain, demonstrates that the circular economy is a concrete reality in our country. But what are the numbers behind this success? What are the future challenges and the role of packaging companies in this context? Let's find out together in this in-depth analysis. Read also: “Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material” The numbers behind success: an in-depth analysis Reaching this milestone, as highlighted by Alberto Marchi, former president of Comieco (National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Cellulosic Packaging), has allowed for the diversion of over 4.7 million tons of paper and cardboard from landfills. A massive amount of material that, thanks to the Italian paper supply chain, is transformed into new raw material, reducing pressure on natural resources and contributing to the fight against climate change. The excellence of the Italian paper industry, capable of recycling 12 tons of waste paper per minute, translates into equivalent CO2 emissions savings, proving how the circular economy can be a driver of sustainable development. Separate waste collection: the engine of recycling Behind this success lies the commitment of Italian citizens, who, with over 3.6 million tons of paper and cardboard collected annually, demonstrate a high level of environmental awareness and active participation in the recycling process. Separate waste collection represents the first, fundamental step to ensure that recyclable materials are correctly sent for recovery, preventing them from ending up in landfills or the environment. Challenges and future prospects: a South to be empowered Despite these excellent results, Italy cannot rest on its laurels. There is still room for improvement, particularly in certain areas of the South, where separate waste collection and recycling infrastructures still face some critical issues. To address this challenge, Comieco has implemented a specific Action Plan for the South, which provides targeted investments and support to municipalities to boost separate collection and improve waste management. The goal is to bridge the gap between North and South, ensuring all citizens have the same opportunities to contribute to recycling and environmental protection. Packaging companies: protagonists of change In this context, packaging companies have a crucial role to play. Choosing recyclable materials, designing eco-sustainable packaging, and promoting separate waste collection are concrete actions that can make a difference. Companies can also invest in research and development to find innovative solutions that reduce the environmental impact of packaging, such as using biodegradable or compostable materials, or designing reusable packaging. Italy as a model of Circular Economy Italy, through its commitment to paper and cardboard recycling, stands as a reference model for the circular economy. A model that, starting from waste reduction and material reuse, aims to create a more sustainable and resilient economic system. The success of paper and cardboard packaging recycling demonstrates that it is possible to combine economic development and environmental protection, creating a greener and more prosperous future for all. To learn more: “Sustainability: recycling and reuse for a second life of materials”

Packaging Première 2024, the Milanese event dedicated to the world of packaging, has unveiled a series of innovations destined to revolutionize the way brands interact with consumers. Whether you are a jeweler, a clothing retailer, or a food delivery business, the trends that emerged from this event are essential to remain competitive and offer your customers an unforgettable experience. Packaging Première 2024: the trends that are redefining the future of packaging. Imagine opening a box and discovering a treasure. A sparkling piece of jewelry, a haute couture dress, or even a delicious takeaway dish. Packaging is the first impression, the anticipation of an experience. And at Packaging Première 2024 in Milan, we saw how this experience is about to be revolutionized. From sustainability winning consumers' hearts to minimalist design whispering elegance, from personalization creating unique bonds to technology making packaging smart, all the way to innovative food delivery solutions that bring convenience to a new level. Read also: “How to find the best packaging for your product?” 1. Sustainability: much more than a buzzword Sustainability is no longer an option, but a fundamental requirement for any brand wanting to win consumer trust. At Packaging Première 2024, attention to the environment was evident in every aspect: Eco-friendly materials: recycled cardboard, unbleached kraft paper, and biodegradable plastic have become the norm. The biodegradable "disco bio" case, made with compostable materials, is a clear example of how innovation can go hand in hand with sustainability. Reusable packaging: companies are investing in creative solutions to give new life to packaging. Jewelry cases that transform into elegant storage boxes or shopping bags made of durable fabric are just a few examples of how packaging can become a valuable item for the customer while reducing environmental impact. Circular economy: the concept of "reuse" also extends to materials. Many companies are experimenting with packaging made from production waste, such as cosmetics packaging created with dried orange peels. 2. Minimalist design: the art of simplicity Minimalism continues to dominate the world of design, and packaging is no exception. Clean lines, neutral colors (white, beige, light gray), and essential geometric shapes are the key elements of this trend. Jewelry: in the jewelry sector, minimalist design is particularly effective. A simple and elegant case enhances the beauty of the piece of jewelry without distractions, creating an aura of luxury and refinement. Clothing: in the clothing sector too, minimalist packaging is gaining ground. Kraft paper bags with a logo printed in black, white boxes with embossed details: these are solutions that communicate quality and style without needing excesses. Food delivery: takeaway food can also be presented in an elegant and minimalist way. Recycled cardboard containers with a clean design and essential graphics are an ecological and trendy alternative to classic plastic containers. 3. Personalization: the unique touch that makes the difference Personalization is the key to creating a memorable purchasing experience. At Packaging Première 2024, we saw a wide range of solutions to make every single package unique: Digital printing: digital printing allows you to customize each package with names, initials, special messages, or images. Imagine a jewelry case engraved with the recipient's name or a shopping bag with custom graphics for a special event. Labels and ribbons: adhesive labels with personalized messages, colored ribbons with the brand logo, or wax seals with the customer's initials are details that make the difference. Unboxing experience: opening the package has become a crucial moment in the customer experience. Packaging with surprise openings, layers of colored tissue paper, small gifts, or handwritten notes transform unboxing into an event to be shared on social media. 4. Technology: packaging becomes smart The integration of technology into packaging is opening up new possibilities for brands. Rfid and nfc: these technologies allow products to be tracked throughout the entire supply chain, ensuring authenticity and quality. Furthermore, they can be used to provide additional information to customers via smartphone, such as the history of a piece of jewelry or care instructions for a garment. Smart inks: thermochromic and photochromic inks change color based on temperature or light, creating surprising and interactive visual effects. Imagine a box of chocolates that changes color when opened or a wine label that reveals a secret message when exposed to sunlight. Interactive packaging: packaging can become a true communication tool. QR codes linking to videos, augmented reality animating the boxes, interactive games engaging the customer: the possibilities are endless. 5. Food delivery: packaging that wins over the palate The food delivery sector is continuously growing, and packaging plays a fundamental role in ensuring food quality and freshness, as well as offering a pleasant consumption experience. Compostable containers: containers made from sugarcane, bamboo, or PLA (a type of bioplastic derived from renewable sources) are an ecological alternative to plastic containers. They are resistant, suitable for contact with food, and decompose naturally. Functional design: food delivery packaging must be practical and easy to use. Containers with separate compartments to keep foods divided, airtight lids to prevent leaks, compostable cutlery, and recycled paper napkins are details that make the difference. Branding: food delivery packaging can also be an opportunity to strengthen brand identity. Colors, logo, and eye-catching graphics can transform a simple container into an effective communication vehicle. The future of packaging is already here Packaging Première 2024 has shown that packaging is much more than a simple wrapper. It is a powerful marketing tool, a way to communicate your brand values and create an emotional bond with your customers. Don't wait any longer: contact us for a personalized consultation and discover how the latest trends in packaging can transform your business. See also: “The packaging in the eCommerce strategy: the new frontiers”

Food product labeling represents one of the most important tools for ensuring transparency and trust between producers and consumers. The new MIMIT (Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy) guidelines, published on September 18, 2024, introduce significant updates on the quantitative ingredients declaration (QUID).   Food product labeling: what changes with the new MIMIT guidelines. These changes aim to make food ingredient communication clearer and more uniform, an essential aspect for both domestic and international markets. But what are the implications for companies in the food sector? And how can packaging help comply with these regulations? Let's find out.   See also: “Greenwashing: the new regulatory framework and the implications for packaging companies”   What changes with the new guidelines: the focus on QUID The new provisions of MIMIT focus on the mandatory nature of the quantitative ingredient declaration, known as QUID (Quantitative Ingredient Declaration). This element is key to informing consumers about the quantity of the main ingredients of a product and ensuring an informed choice. The QUID declaration is mandatory in three specific cases: When an ingredient is mentioned in the product name: for example, names like “chocolate biscuits” or “orange juice” require a clear indication of the percentage of chocolate or orange used. When an ingredient is highlighted on the label: through images, colors, or text like “with fresh milk” or “with butter”, it is necessary to specify the quantity of the highlighted ingredient. When an ingredient is essential to characterize the product or differentiate it: for instance, “cereal bread” must declare the percentage of cereals it contains. Why QUID matters QUID is not just a regulatory matter, but also an element of transparency that increases consumer trust toward the product and the company. Clear and precise information improves the shopping experience and allows a direct comparison between similar products.   Food categories involved and specific updates The guidelines do not just establish general rules, but introduce specific clarifications for different categories of food products: Prepackaged products: labeling must be legible, complete, and visibly positioned. Milk and fresh pasta filata cheeses: these products require additional information to ensure proper understanding of their characteristics by the consumer. Meats used as ingredients: special attention is dedicated to this category, with the aim of ensuring traceability and a clear distinction between similar products sold in different countries.   The value of the guidelines for the international market The new standards offer a competitive advantage to Italian companies exporting their products. Clear and uniform labeling facilitates sales in foreign markets, where similar regulations often govern the composition and presentation of products.   The role of packaging in food labeling Packaging is a crucial element to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. A label must not only be compliant, but it must integrate harmoniously with the packaging design, maintaining legibility and visual impact. Here is how packaging can support companies: Support for legible and visible labeling: boxes designed by Cart-One offer dedicated spaces for label application, ensuring they are clearly visible and easily readable by consumers. Enhancement of product aesthetics: with well-designed packaging, mandatory information can be presented in an orderly manner, without compromising overall aesthetics. Sustainable materials for green communication: besides complying with regulations, using recyclable or eco-friendly materials communicates the company's sustainability values, which are increasingly appreciated by consumers today.   How to adapt to the new MIMIT guidelines Companies in the food sector must consider these aspects to comply with the new regulations: Label design review: ensure that all mandatory information is present and easily readable. Packaging optimization: choose packaging that enhances the label and supports clear communication. Innovation through customization: integrate creative designs to stand out from the competition, without compromising compliance.   Cart-One as a partner for food labeling Cart-One offers tailor-made packaging solutions for the food industry, combining functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Whether it is packaging for prepackaged products or boxes for milk and cheese, our solutions are designed to meet regulatory requirements and enhance your products.   Packaging as a tool for transparency and value The new MIMIT guidelines represent a step forward in the transparency and quality of food labeling. For companies, packaging is not just a support for labels, but a strategic element to strengthen consumer trust and stand out in the market.   With Cart-One, you can count on innovative, sustainable, and compliant packaging solutions that help you respect regulations and value your products.   Contact us to discover how we can support you on your path toward increasingly effective and competitive packaging.   Read also: “29th Comieco Report: paper and cardboard recycling in Italy, 2023 marks a new historic record”