Packaging
Opportunities and challenges for paper suppliers, machine builders, and potato processors
Packaging potatoes in paper: rational environmental or emotional consumer choice? Some supermarkets back it 100%, others are just getting into it, and others still are staying far away: potatoes in paper bags. The retail sector, packaging world, and governments are wrestling with the choice: paper or plastic? Paper seems to have momentum, but will it genuinely dominate the shelves in ten years? Paper suppliers, packaging machine manufacturers, and potato packers discuss this.
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utting right to the chase: seen over its companies see several general downsides entire life cycle, it is not so clear if paper to paper bags. They cost twice as much (or packaging is environmentally friendlier more); there is insufficient raw material than plastic versions. And that environ- available to switch entirely to paper; it is mental aspect should be the driving force not as strong as plastic, and does not run in choosing paper. But who decides? A as smoothly through packaging machines. survey done among packaging companies On the other hand, there are major advanshows that the retail and trade sectors are tages: potatoes have less green discolorpushing for paper. Not because the autho- ation and paper has a substantially higher rities (besides France) are forcing them to, marketing value. or thanks to independent research. Those sectors consider consumer opinion. The Dutch potato and vegetable wholesalPaper is seen to be better for the environ- er, Molenaar Aardapment than plastic. In this article, we will pelen en Groenten not comment on the substance of that Groothandel, has been matter, which is the subject of scientific supplying potatoes in research. However, we will touch on a few paper packaging since points of interest and hear what sector 2016. “We wanted to partners have to say about why (or why innovate, and, at that not) they choose paper and what their time, the world’s call to workplace experiences are. banish plastic was getting louder and louder. Environmental issues aside, packaging There was also con-
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crete demand for it,″ says Felix Molenaar. “So, we decided to switch to all-paper packaging. It was quite something, but demand gradually grew, and we’re quite proud of that. It’s mostly greengrocers that carry our packaged potatoes. They want to distinguish themselves from supermarkets.” “That’s not only due to the packaging but the content too. We fill our bags with tasty, traditional varieties, such as Frieslanders, Bildtstar, Doré, and Nicola. You can find the range on our website. More retailers are also offering our packaging. We began packaging [the regional specialty] Beemster Valéry in October 2021. [Company director], Astrid Francis, created a design for our existing packaging. These paper-bagged potatoes are available at
Small packages from 1 to 2.5 kg from Molenaar
