Packaging for dried fruits and nuts, pickles and spices has evolved in recent years, and packets today are lighter, tougher and far easier to use. They have generally become increasingly attractive for younger generations, to reflect trends among the new consumers entering the market.
However, if there is one thing that is really revolutionising packaging for dried fruits and nuts, pickles and spices, it is the use of sustainable, environmentally friendly materials. This is not only important for society, but can become a real attraction for consumers, as these products are generally linked to a healthy diet and an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Read on to learn about the exciting new advances in packaging for this type of product, and how SP Group focuses on innovation and development, particularly in the area of sustainability.
PACKAGING FOR DRIED FRUITS AND NUTS, PICKLES AND SPICES: POPULAR FORMATS
The stand-up pouch is still the format of choice. Light, tough, and easy to handle and use, this type of pouch is perfect for all three of these food products. Moreover, with the right printing system there are endless possibilities for customisation, which translate into a high probability of grabbing customers’ attention. The nature of these food products also means that a wide variety of printing techniques can be used with their packaging.
- For example, packaging for pickles needs to withstand pasteurisation and hot-fill processes, and has to remain flexible and watertight. With this in mind, PET HB PE is a great option.
- For dried fruits and nuts, OPP PP is highly popular, as can have a transparent, opaque or gloss finish. It has a high water-vapour and aroma barrier, and can be used for vacuum-packing.
- For spices, MET PP is used to ensure their organoleptic properties are protected.
PACKAGING FOR DRIED FRUITS AND NUTS, PICKLES AND SPICES: THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR
We are used to buying plastic packaging for spices, but if this packaging is made of 100% recycled material or it is easy to recycle, it is much more attractive. The same is true of packaging for dried fruits and nuts.
What advances have been made in packaging for these products? There are currently several different types of packaging used and all of them have a sustainable focus. Let’s take a look at the new materials, which are perfect for packaging dried fruits and nuts, spices and pickles, while conveying a message of environmental awareness and commitment.
- PE HB ECO: To ensure we are producing plastics that help meet the EU targets for 2030, when all plastics must be reusable or recyclable, SP GROUP has developed this high-quality polyethylene that is watertight, with a high aroma, oxygen and water-vapour barrier. This material can be used for stand-up pouches, which are ideal for this kind of food product, and can also be used in pasteurisation and hot-fill processes. Packaging made with this material is recyclable. Some examples include our collaboration with Atkins & Potts, where this material was used with offset printing and solvent-free inks to package additive- and preservative-free saucess.
- PE ECO: Polyethylene is the main component of this recyclable material designed to replace other less-recyclable materials. Like PE HB ECO, it is highly transparent. This sustainable material is used with offset printing with solvent-free inks to create transparent packaging with many options for decoration, while remaining recyclable. Ah! And its sealing temperature is also a lot lower than that of other materials, meaning you save on both energy and costs.
Packaging trends for dried fruits and nuts, pickles and spices today clearly revolve around sustainability, and these trends are applicable to all types of packaging for food and non-food products. With our eyes set on the 2030 deadline, we are continuing our research, innovating and developing environmentally friendly plastics and other materials.
