Solidus Solutions’ CCO Simon Roda predicts key packaging trends for the seafood industry in 2023.
Grocery stores will move from frozen to fresh fish
Innovations in packaging are allowing small and medium sized grocery stores to increase their offering of fresh seafood. The packaging OEM reports that this rise in seafood presence can be found at designated fresh counters, in frozen aisles, amongst canned goods, and in emerging grocery grab-and-go sections – all of which have seen increased traffic over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Having the right packaging to both deliver and store fresh fish products is crucial in the success of grocery stores and suppliers. To meet the demand for fresh fish and support suppliers, Solidus offers solid board packaging, an ideal material to package fresh fish, round fish and salmon. The solid board is made from the Packline board line, a fibre-based board which is moisture resistant, environmentally friendly and compact. Even more, it’s fully recyclable and made from renewable resources.
Moving towards sustainable packaging and away from plastics
With tighter regulations and increased consumer demand for less packaging and packaging waste, businesses will be under even more pressure to deliver on eco-friendly options and reduce their carbon footprint.
In the EU, plastic packaging will need be recycled or reused by 2030 whilst two policy measures – the EU Single-Use Plastics Directiveand Plastics Levy, will impart further considerations for packaging.
For some businesses, the movement to sustainable solutions can be a challenge. We have a wealth of experience as a business and cross-functional team, but prioritising innovation is key.
Solidus solid board is recyclable and made from renewable resources, but a big focus for us over the next year and beyond is working with customers and partners to create circular value chains. We know moving to circular products is a significant step for businesses, so we work to design for high functionality to provide viable sustainable solutions.
The sustainable packaging market is continuing to outgrow the consumer packaging market. Estimated to reach US$255 billion by 2026, the global sustainable packaging market will need to show considerable innovation to meet sustainability goals, tap into the end user’s need for cost effective, sustainable solutions and thrive.
Solidus is constantly innovating to meet these emerging trends through a range of new innovations. The business has developed a range of new fibre-based retail packaging concepts that include skin and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technologies.
MAP is a long-established method to extend the shelf-life of fresh food like fresh or processed fish. A long-established method to extend the shelf life of fresh food like fresh or processed fish. The technology substitutes the air inside a package with a protective gas mix.
Made from sustainable fibres, skin packaging combines long shelf-life with an attractive presentation and sustainable use of fibre-based materials. After taking out the product, the thin transparent layer is easily removed from the solid board to allow for separate disposal and recycling.
The deep vacuum method extends the product’s shelf life in store. The skin packaging system has benefits for the brand owner, retailer and consumer as it improves the presentation of the product by using sustainable and recycled materials.
Solidus Solutions CEO Dieter Bergner adds: “CEOs and packaging buyers are under increasing pressure to deliver not just on profitability but sustainability goals and innovation, more so than ever before. As a result, we’ve focused on noteworthy, forward-facing developments in sustainability, customisation, and cost. This is about helping our customers, and the industry, thrive.”
Alongside working with customers to address their specific needs, understanding overall trends will help the industry stay ahead; and support customers in establishing and maintaining circular value chains through sustainable offerings.
About Solidus Solutions
With a history dating back more than 150 years, Solidus Solutions is a leading European sustainable fibre-based packaging provider for food and beverage, consumer goods and industrial applications.
