The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is set to launch a Common Footprint Quality (CFQ) standard for the UK fresh produce industry.
CPI aim is to ensure safe and high performance corrugated packaging for fruit and vegetables.
Revealing the initiative at the London Produce Show at the Grosvenor House Hotel, CPI’s director of packaging affairs, Andy Barnetson, said the move will further improve the efficiency of the fresh produce supply chain by allowing common footprint trays from different suppliers to be stacked safely and quickly, maximising space in both storage and shipping.
CPI, who shared a platform with the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO) at the event for the fresh fruit, vegetable and flower industries on 8-10 June, says it is collaborating with its European counterpart during the process for establishing its own CFQ with a view to introducing the standard later this year.
Speaking to an audience of fresh produce suppliers and growers at the show, Barnetson explained: “The CFQ standard is another initiative by the industry aimed at retaining corrugated’s position as the packaging material of choice in the 21st Century. The mark will be an assurance that fruit and veg are suitably protected through the supply chain.
“Corrugated packaging’s ability to adapt to all shapes and sizes, its greater protective qualities and how it has evolved from a conventional brown box into a marketing tool thanks to the development of attractive shelf ready packaging (SRP), gives growers improved saleability for their products.”
Fresh produce needs packaging that provides cushioning, ventilation, strength, moisture resistance and protection. The CPI believes corrugated packaging combines all of these attributes as well as being sustainable.
Barnetson concluded: “Corrugated is the perfect fit for fresh produce. Nothing beats it for strength, space efficiency and stacking. Rolling out the CFQ standard is further proof that the industry is not resting on its laurels and is determined to ensure the best packaging solutions for all fresh produce companies.”