Natural branding is being used more and more in the organic sector. Primarliy used for ecological reasons, it is now also being used for economic reasons in the conventional sector.
The reduction of plastic packaging is steadily progressing. Packaging organic produce or putting stickers on it to distinguish it from conventional produce was originally for environmental reasons. Although the percentage of organically produced fruits and vegetables is significantly lower than that of conventional, many growers and consumers alike wonder about this paradoxical use of packaging and stickers.
Different branding possibilities on the apples
Natural branding is an innovative solution to counteract this. Fruits and vegetables are marked with a laser, allowing for distinctiveness as well as traceability. Previously, organic fruits were marked with a natural light label to replace unnecessary plastic packaging and stickers.
Double premiere in Poland: first NB machine for conventional sector and for apples
Since this year, an EcoMark NB 6003 Professional has been in operation in Poland at the ZELSAD company. The family business of the Zelek family produces apples the conventional way. ZELSAD thus achieved a double first: they are the first growers to use Natural Branding technology on a large scale for conventional apples and to rely on this sustainable method.
The labeling of apples has always been considered one of the most difficult, the supreme discipline. The challenge was to achieve good visibility of the labeling without additives and without reducing the shelf life. After extensive testing, we succeeded in finding a solution for labeling the "Golden" and "Red Jonaprince" apple varieties in Poland for the international market.
Natural Branding Machine
"We want to reduce the use of plastic stickers. Especially for ecological reasons, but also for economic reasons, we decided to use Natural Branding," says Michal Zelek, Managing Director of ZELSAD.
Through Natural Branding, an economical, cost-effective and sustainable marking solution could be achieved with the help of progressive developments and innovations in the laser and automation process.
EcoMark currently offers the most productive Natural Branding machines. Depending on the fruit and marking, EcoMark machines can mark up to 100,000 fruits/hour. This enables labeling costs below the production costs of stickers. Thus, Natural Branding no longer needs to shy away from comparison with stickers and especially with banderoles.
"Our machines are characterized by their advanced flexibility and productivity. This now makes it possible to step up to conventional products with larger quantities," says the person responsible for the food sector at EcoMark, Julius Knopp.
For more information:
Julius Knopp
EcoMark GmbH
Telefon: +49 (0)2631 / 8244 104
Mobil: +49 (0) 151 46257460
Fax: +49 (0)2631 / 8244 29
Mail: [email protected]
Web: www.eco-mark.de