The topic of ecology comes up several times in the text, but the main conclusion is that plastics still hold strong. Lower plastic prices have led to a decline in inquiries about bio-packaging. Eco-friendly boxes appear less frequently due to higher production costs (eco-packaging is 3 to 4 times more expensive than standard packaging). They are more commonly used in combination with organic products—in such cases, a conscious customer may be willing to pay more for a better product and environmentally friendly packaging. Outside of these exceptions, the fruit packaging market remains dominated by plastic materials.
The use of shrink film sealing with tray sealing machines is becoming increasingly important. More and more retail chains are choosing fruit packed this way. What’s driving this trend? For retailers, a package sealed with a film layer ensures product safety, extends shelf life (less food waste), and improves presentation on store shelves. Topseal technology is rapidly growing in Germany and the UK, and other European countries are following suit. An increasing number of companies now own their own tray sealing machines. The main products sealed with topseal include: blueberries, fresh raspberries, strawberries, and tomatoes. In the future, vegetables sealed with film layers may also appear on the market.
Another trend is the “lightweighting” of packaging—using materials that contain as little plastic as possible while maintaining functionality. The previously mentioned topseal technology plays a significant role here, allowing for a reduction in the total weight of the package by approximately 20–30% thanks to the use of a film layer instead of a traditional lid.
In an effort to protect the environment, the European Union aims not only to reduce plastic packaging but to limit packaging overall. As a result, over the next few years we can expect to see increasing popularity of larger blueberry pack sizes: 400 g, 500 g, 750 g, and even 1000 g. This trend is already visible in countries like France and Germany.
In Poland, smaller pack sizes still dominate and have remained consistently popular for years. Supermarkets and discount stores adjust their packaging size preferences during the season, guided by consumer tastes, pricing, and fruit availability. Packaging manufacturers note that retailers engaged in price wars during the season often switch from larger to smaller formats (e.g., from 400 g to 300 g) because fewer berries mean a lower price that can be advertised in flyers or apps.
Retailers are placing increasing demands on packaging variety. As a result, the same product in the same weight may come in several different packaging types, varying in shape or the number of fruits inside, for example. Sellers view different packaging options as a way to differentiate their offer, especially when it comes to premium products.
Packaging manufacturers and fruit retailers are placing increasing importance on ensuring that packaging is recyclable. In this context, boxes made from monomaterials, such as entirely from PET or PP, perform well because they are suitable for reuse. Materials contaminated with other substances are not eligible for recycling. Subsequent “generations” of plastics do not require the addition of virgin materials, unlike paper-based packaging, which needs fresh cellulose to be added during the recycling process.
Retail chains—and increasingly consumers themselves—are becoming more aware of the importance of packaging. While plastics are often blamed for contributing to the climate crisis, in the fruit and vegetable packaging industry they offer many benefits and help significantly reduce losses caused by damaged products, which would be unavoidable if delicate berries were sold loose. Plastic is transparent, allowing customers to check the contents of a package before adding it to their cart. In comparison, cardboard or pulp packaging falls short, as it doesn’t provide full visibility of what’s inside.
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