How to find the best packaging for your product?

Recently, the decree in force since 2006 regarding packaging labeling has been amended. Since the end of September 2020, Italian manufacturers face penalties for missing or deficient packaging marking. This measure has created quite a few difficulties for the manufacturing and printing sectors, which will have to adapt quickly to the newly imposed regulatory updates. Specifically, the amendment to the decree was implemented following the European directive on the circular economy issued in 2018. Consequently, Legislative Decree No. 116 of September 3, 2020, was promulgated in Italy, coming into force on September 26. What does the new regulation provide for? The main advantage of the new regulation lies in the fact that it should facilitate separate collection, recycling, and recovery, as well as offer consumers clear information on final destinations. However, on a practical level, the new decree establishes that the lack of packaging marking is to be attributed to the manufacturer, and the measure is intended to take immediate effect. This aspect puts packaging manufacturers in a difficult position, as they have not had sufficient time to comply with the regulation and, simultaneously, have not had the time to deplete their stocks and review with their clients how to redesign the packaging. With Legislative Decree No. 116 of September 3, 2020, published in the Official Gazette No. 226 of September 11, 2020, and effective from September 26, 2020, monetary fines were also established for the missing or incomplete transmission of information data. This legislation stems from the need to align with the decisions of the European Parliament and Council to move toward a circular economy. In this way, member states can take action to preserve resources that can be recovered, setting targets to be achieved by 2025, with the recovery of at least over half of municipal waste, while for packaging it is necessary to reach at least the 65% threshold. What are the main changes compared to the past? Compared to past legislation, an amendment has been made to Article 219, which concerns the guiding criteria for the management of packaging waste related to Legislative Decree No. 152 of April 3, 2006. In particular, some words in paragraph 5 have been modified, which in the previous version expressed the following concept: "All packaging must be appropriately labeled in accordance with the procedures established by decree of the Minister of the Environment and Territorial Protection in agreement with the Minister of Productive Activities in compliance with the determinations adopted by the Commission of the European Union, to facilitate the collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling of packaging, as well as to provide correct information to consumers on the final destinations of the packaging. The aforementioned decree shall also prescribe the obligation to indicate, for the purposes of identification and classification of the packaging by the industry concerned, the nature of the packaging materials used, based on Commission Decision 97/129/EC." Subsequently, an implementing decree was never issued that should have specified the times and methods of the new procedures. Since 2006, in fact, reference has always been made to some indications on how packaging should be marked, without ever putting any measure into effect in this regard that could standardize the entire market. Legislative Decree No. 116 of September 3, 2020, now provides that the implementing decree is replaced by the applicable UNI technical standards, in addition to specifying that: “Manufacturers also have the obligation to indicate, for the purposes of identification and classification of the packaging, the nature of the packaging materials used, based on Commission Decision 97/129/EC.” What are the problems resulting from the changes? In the absence of the implementing decree, reference must be made to the applicable UNI technical standards and the obligation to state packaging information to manufacturers, with immediate effect. With the definition of this obligation, administrative sanctions were also introduced for manufacturers violating the rule. All this, however, brings confusion to the packaging world, introducing above all a series of issues to which the government is called to respond more effectively. Indeed, the regulation, as imposed, puts manufacturers in a difficult position who: Have not had the time to deplete their stocks. Have not had the time to modify their systems for this purpose, a task that takes 3-4 weeks, particularly for remaking and approving printing plates and printing the labels themselves. Without the necessary exemptions, would have to remake the packaging for products that require a seasoning period once packaged (e.g., wine and cheeses). Lack a clear and explanatory legend indicating the application symbols. Lack precise indications regarding the size and space requirements of the symbols on the packaging. The reference regulation (EC) 97/129 appears incomplete because it only includes some materials but not all. Lack the time frames to rethink packaging designs already in progress. In this sense, also on Confindustria's initiative, corrective measures have been requested from the Ministry of the Environment to offer printers the opportunity to deplete stocks and adapt printing plants. Negotiations have just begun, with the feedback collected by Confindustria in a document sent on October 14, 2020, through which they want to shed light on the difficulties and critical issues within the sector. Surely, a solution is desirable that allows for a reasonable compromise, leading companies to adapt following certain and defined rules both regarding the production of cardboard packaging and other types. Meanwhile, to obviate the issues explained, Conai has made available a series of guidelines and an operational tool, viewable at e-tichetta.org, with the aim of providing indications for packaging marking. Although made available by a nationally recognized body, the tools proposed by Conai are not yet officially validated by the Ministry. In this regard, the email address epack@conai.org has been set up to offer users the possibility to send their reports and express their doubts. If these tools are used, it is important to inform your customers of their provisional nature. This advice is recommended from the moment the Ministry could request any adjustments and provide new indications, which would require a new adaptation of the printing systems and new costs to be borne.

Plastic baskets, punnets and trays, corrugated cardboard bags, packaging with nets and sustainable packaging represent part of the solutions used as packaging in the fruit and vegetable sector. A complex and articulated world bonded to movements to which fresh fruit and vegetables are subjected. There are numerous needs to be met: from transportation to fruit and vegetable companies to point of sales, whether they are wholesale markets or linked to large-scale modern distribution. Whatever the fate of these products, the primary objective is to ensure that they arrive perfectly packed and intact on the shelves of the reference department. Corrugated cardboard for better storage This type of packaging has now reached a market share of 35% and a production of around 600 million pieces per year. Thanks to its high flexibility, both in terms of storage and transport, it is a solution that is well suited to the fruit and vegetable supply chain. A study conducted by the University of Bologna-Department of Agri-Food Science and Technology found that fruit and vegetables, if stored in corrugated cardboard packaging rather than in other types of packaging, have a 20% higher degree of conservation. Read also: Why (it is important) to recycle corrugated cardboard: the benefits Reusable plastic The plastic packaging department is mainly divided into two macro-areas: Disposable plastic trays Plastic returnable trays The second category is in turn represented by reusable plastic packaging at: Folding sides Fixed sides EURepack (European Reusable Packaging & Reverse Logistics Consortium) Active consortium that promotes the spread of reusable packaging to replace "disposable" packaging, highlights how the use of this type of material reduces negative effects on the environment and lowers the costs of transport, thanks to the compact and less cumbersome structure of the boxes. According to the Consortium, moreover, reusable packaging finds its greatest use precisely in the large-scale distribution of the fruit and vegetable chain where the usage index exceeds 50%. Recyclable wood According to Assoimballaggi, the National Association of Wood, Pallet, Cork and Logistics Services Industries, the companies producing wooden crates for fruit and vegetables amount to around 200 in Italy for an annual turnover of around 200 million euros. In the fruit and vegetable sector, the main products are: Bins: used to transport products to storage centers Wooden boxes: for transportation from storage centers to distribution to the end customer. Light or 'disposable' pallets: material that is not reusable due to its construction and structural characteristics, suitable for a single use. The wooden packaging, especially the boxes used to house fruit and vegetables, can be recycled thanks to the nonprofit Consortium Rilegno, born following the Legislative Decree 22/97 (Ronchi Decree) with the aim of directing a correct management of the waste coming from packaging. Recyclable and reusable packaging for the fruit and vegetables sector Although corrugated cardboard represents the primary choice in terms of packaging for the fruit and vegetable sector, thanks to its flexibility of use and better food preservation, we have been able to note that the other types of packaging, plastic and wood, are also increasingly moving towards recyclable and reusable - and therefore eco-sustainable - materials in order to support the environment and reduce production costs. You may be interested in: Food packaging: how and what to do to win customers over

Food packaging plays a fundamental role in protecting food safety and quality during transport, storage, and sale, but that is not all. Food packaging: 7 tips for choosing the solution best suited for you. Choosing the right type of packaging requires considering various factors, such as the type of food, shelf life, transport requirements, sustainability, product visibility, branding and communication needs, without forgetting regulatory requirements. In this article, we will provide 7 useful tips to help you choose the food packaging solution best suited to your needs, in order to ensure the safety and quality of your product and meet your customers' expectations. Find out more: “Packaging labeling: mandatory since January 1, 2023” The importance of food packaging First and foremost, food packaging aims to preserve food in the best possible way and for as long as possible. But that's not all; food packaging represents a powerful corporate communication tool. Without forgetting, of course, its importance in terms of eco-sustainability and the lowest possible impact on the environment. This is why, when running a professional business, it is essential to choose the food packaging best suited to your needs. Food packaging, in fact, plays a crucial role in protecting food safety and quality throughout the entire production, distribution, and sales process. It protects products from physical damage and contamination, while simultaneously providing information such as expiration dates, nutritional facts, and ingredients used. Furthermore, food packaging can guarantee the product's freshness and taste, preserving it from oxidation and moisture. Food packaging can therefore influence consumers' decisions when purchasing a product and can also be used as a branding tool, promoting your business and products. Here are 7 tips for choosing the solution best suited to your needs. Consider the type of food The type of food you intend to package is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the type of packaging. Some foods, such as fresh meats, require packaging that protects them from air and contact with other foods to ensure food safety. Fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, and meat require packaging that allows them to breathe to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria, while dry foods like pods and biscuits require packaging that protects them from moisture and oxidation. Then, ask yourself other questions: what size should the packaging be, what are the customer's needs, whether hot-use or cold-use containers are required, or if the products need to be stored in a specific way. Check transport requirements Food packaging is vital for protecting food during transport, whether it is a short or long journey. Transport requirements can vary based on the type of food, transport distance, and the means of transport used. For example, for delicate or fragile foods like fruit and vegetables that can release water and are subject to significant temperature fluctuations in short periods, it may be necessary to use shock-resistant packaging with treated papers suitable for food contact, in addition to allowing good ventilation to keep the product fresh during transport. Meanwhile, for long-life foods, such as canned or glass products, the packaging should be resistant to pressure, as well as to changes in temperature and humidity, oxidation, and light. Remember that inadequate packaging can cause physical damage or contamination, compromising product safety and customer satisfaction. Reflect on branding needs Food packaging can also be used as a branding tool to promote your business and your product. For this reason, it is important to choose packaging that fits your brand and your corporate image. To choose the right food packaging, it is fundamental first of all to understand who your target audience is, along with their specific consumption habits. Choosing packaging that reflects your mission and your coordinated image allows you to increase the chances of product success and improve the customer experience. Remember that packaging should reflect the brand's positioning and values, such as sustainability and authenticity. For example, if a brand focuses on sustainability, the packaging should be made with ecological and recyclable materials, while if the focus is on healthiness, the packaging should be designed to highlight the product's natural and nutritious ingredients. Examine the sustainability level Sustainability has become an increasingly important factor when choosing the type of food packaging. Sustainable packaging includes options that can be recycled, composted, or reused. Furthermore, sustainable packaging reduces the amount of waste produced and the consumption of natural resources. Cart-One has always been on the side of the environment with its produce-consume-regenerate-recover model: in this way, production waste becomes a reel and then a box again thanks to the use of clean and innovative technologies, together with an ecodesign aimed at saving raw materials and preventing waste. Cart-One, in fact, is committed every day to decreasing impacts on water, air, and soil, ensuring a high-quality, efficient, and eco-sustainable service. Think about product customization Food packaging not only protects the product but can also attract consumers' attention. It is important to choose packaging that allows consumers to see the product and its characteristics, such as color, freshness, and quality. Hence the need for a brand to study and select the color that can best attract the customer. Color is one of the key points in a brand's image, capable of offering a strong visual identity to your company, but also of transmitting emotions. Customized food packaging, also through the logo and labeling with symbols and images, tells a unique story, just as happens with accurate printing. In this way, the brand's message is highlighted, improving what you wish to communicate, while also making the shipping and cataloging of goods simple and functional. Verify regulatory requirements Finally, it is important to verify that the chosen packaging meets regulatory requirements for food. Regulatory requirements are an essential part of food packaging, as they establish the safety and quality standards that must be respected during food production, transport, and sale. There are several international, national, and regional regulations governing food packaging, and food packaging manufacturers must comply with these regulations to ensure product safety and legal compliance. In Italy, since January 1, 2023, mandatory packaging labeling has entered into force, affecting not only producers but also distributors, importers, and product retailers. This involves a specific label on all packaging placed on the Italian market, to facilitate its collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling, providing information on both packaging composition and its correct disposal by the consumer. Choose Cart-One for your food packaging Cart-One plants are equipped with latest-generation systems with very high production capacity. Cart-One proposes itself as a dynamic and flexible partner capable of providing a range of paper-based packaging solutions of proven quality and always constantly updated. Here are its main distinctive characteristics: Innovation: we test latest-generation technologies, innovative raw and complementary materials to create the perfect packaging suitable to protect and guarantee maximum product visibility; Sustainability: we use clean and innovative technologies, an eco-design that pays maximum attention to saving raw materials and preventing waste, and the continuous improvement of production processes aimed at reducing impacts on water, air, and soil; Technology: we can produce every type of single and double wave corrugated cardboard product, also printed in high definition up to 6 colors + varnish. We are equipped with backup on all machinery and customize thanks to the Digital Division; People: we believe in the involvement, motivation, and satisfaction of the resources working with us, helping us to reach higher and higher. Contact us for requests and more information. Read also: “Are cheap cardboard boxes really the ideal solution?”