Client : Ferme d'Hiver
In market : 2023
Objectives of the initiative
At Fraise d'hiver, innovation translates to a commitment to more sustainable local agriculture through the adoption of environmentally sound growing methods such as rainwater recirculation, energy optimization and waste reduction at the source. That’s why the packaging for our Fraise d’hiver winter strawberries had to reflect the values of the agricultural model we are seeking to establish, as well as meet market needs and address the realities of the distribution chain. In an effort to preserve our ecosystem and provide delicious local strawberries, we tackled technical and logistical challenges to create unique packaging that extends the strawberries’ shelf life in grocery stores.
Our approach was guided by specific objectives: guaranteeing optimal product preservation, facilitating product marketing, complying with stringent logistical constraints, ensuring recyclability and not hindering picking operations.
Challenges
To attain these objectives, we first tested several non-plastic materials that, unfortunately, dried out the strawberries much more than plastic. And so, after more than a year of tests, we reexplored polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, making sure we selected the best possible option. We worked with local suppliers and sought to use as much post-consumer recycled plastic as possible. Despite the difficulties we encountered in our search for alternative materials, we were able to design a 100% recyclable sturdy and stackable container that is manufactured locally. We also sought advice from independent experts to confirm our choices and avoid being stuck with a bad idea that seemed good at the time. This was especially true for the paper lid: we considered making it resealable but ended up choosing a non-resealable option to preserve the material’s recyclability, in keeping with our values.
Benefits
By growing our strawberries in indoor farms that are not affected by climate variations, we are reducing waste at the source. Moreover, our packaging limits losses across the distribution chain. We were focused on enhancing the strawberries’ shelf life and handling and improving the packaging’s recyclability.
By designing packaging that meets our needs and the market’s, we increased the number of grams of product per unit and reduced the weight of the primary packaging. In addition, the secondary packaging box, which is essential to integrate the strawberries into the supply chain, contains two more containers than anticipated, thus reducing our annual packaging needs.
The ecodesign initiative also strengthened our brand image by substantiating our commitment to innovation, sustainability and quality. The Fraise d'hiver winter strawberries now come in distinctive packaging that stands out from imported options and is in line with our environmental values.