Net packaging, an alternative way to sell fruit without harming the environment

Net packaging is one of the most sustainable options that can be found among consumer products and, in particular, among food products. The unparalleled breathability and visibility of net packaging not only ensures that the fruit or vegetable contained in it retains its natural properties and is displayed to the consumer in the most attractive way, but it is also extremely lightweight. GIRO's current net packaging weighs between 1.8 g and 10 g for 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of contents; a much lower ratio than that found in most packaging in the food industry and other FMCG sectors. EcoGiró is the brand through which Giró expresses its commitment to the environment and sustainable development. It proposes three alternatives that meet the different market trends and comply with the new legislations mentioned above according to the territories. On the one hand, the 100% plastic range, is widely known throughout the world, secondly, the 100 compostable range, and finally, the novelty of 2022 is the presentation of the third option of 100% cellulose. Currently, Giró has one of the most complete ranges of packaging in the market, always based on knitted netting as a fundamental pillar and differential value, proposing three major solutions depending on the material used: 100% plastic solutions, 100% compostable solutions, and 100% cellulose solutions. 100% PLASTIC solutionsAll Giró standard range packaging is 100% recyclable and complies with ISO 18604, Packaging and Environment certification. In many countries, these packages can be deposited in light or plastic containers for further sorting. Giró tips to make your packaging as sustainable as possible: 1. Reduce excess plastic used in packaging (e.g. woven mesh instead of extruded, narrower films, reduced thickness, etc...).2. Make single-product packaging so as not to mix different types of plastic in the packaging itself, thus facilitating its recycling. 3. Eliminate possible problematic elements from the packaging whenever possible (i.e. metal clips). 4. Communicate clear messages in the packaging design to help consumers dispose of the packaging in the correct container after its use. WG less / C2C lessWithin the plastic solutions, Giró offers a new package without the metal clip; 100% recyclable polyethylene and welded with ultrasonic technology.    - Thanks to the shape of the label, no metal clips are required.    - 100% PE packaging.    - From 500g (1 lb) to 2kg (4.4 lbs).     - Use of Ribbon for printing.     - Wineglass or Clip2Clip. 100% ORGANIC solutionsOn the other hand, Giró also has a range of ECOGIRÓ COMPOSTABLE packaging, which uses 100% COMPOSTABLE certified materials. This range consists of the Girsac and Ultrabag thermo-welded packaging with compostable film and netting. The compostability of these materials allows them to be transformed back into organic matter (compost), thus promoting a circular model. Previously, Giró also had compostable labels but has created a more efficient and economical solution for customers that will be presented in the following section. 100% CELLULOSIC solutionsGiró is launching a third offering within the EcoGiró range during 2022; the new 100% cellulose bag. This product line is based on cellulose as a 100% recyclable material that can be used to produce thermobonded (Girsac and Ultrabag) or stapled (WG and C2C) packaging. Cellulose packaging is made from 100% cellulose materials consisting of a paper film with Gircel netting for hotmelt, or paper labels with Gircel netting for stapled packaging. The model of this new line is based on cellulose which, once used, must be recycled in the paper and cardboard container for a new use. Clipped packagingThis package is the first 100% plastic and PLA-free clipped bag. They have a maximum strength of 2 kg (4.4 lbs) for both WG and C2C and can be made with any of our existing staplers CA-9, CA-10 and GH-20. The output of this package remains the same as for the plastic labels of 40 bags per minute (for 1 kg; 2 lb packages). Thermoglued packagingThe Girsac and Ultrabag cellulose packages are made of paper film and Gircel netting. The paper film has glue on its inner side that allows joining the two sides with the netting on the inside as a sandwich. The maximum weights for these containers are 2 kg (4.4 lbs) for the Girsac and 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) for the Ultrabag. The output, because of being a more delicate material, is slightly lower and is up to 30 bags per minute for 1 kg (2.2 lb) bags. It is important to note the need to install a kit on the GirBagger to be able to process CELLULOSE GIRSAC and ULTRABAG. Once the kit is installed, the packaging machine will be able to work with plastic or cellulose materials by simply changing the parameters on the screen. For the manufacture of both packages, both the Gircel netting and the Giró film or labels are cellulose materials with FSC Certification (AEN-COC-000401). Some conclusionsAlthough it has become a focus of attention in recent years, plastics cannot be replaced in many applications. The use of massive quantities of alternative biodegradable and compostable materials from natural resources is not possible, as it could cause dangerous imbalances in the population’s food chain. At Giró, we strongly believe in packaging optimization and thanks to the fact that all our packaging is composed of netting, this allows for less material and is more efficient while providing breathability and lightness to the packaging. The world is changing, and it no longer only matters where the materials come from, but the end of their useful life is given new importance. Giró tries to help answer the question “where do I throw this package away?” The answer is by creating three different offerings that allow you to choose whether you need plastic, organic, or paper re-cycling packaging. Giró always promotes the intelligent and responsible use, management, and reuse of materials and proposes a solution to lighten packaging, reduce plastic waste to more reasonable levels, and recycle them to make enter the model identified as Circular Economy. As a society, we must move towards intelligent waste management and optimization. Our recommendation is in line with the European Commission’s strategy to go for: “A smart, innovative and sustainable plastics sector where design and production fully respect the needs for reuse, repair, and recycling”.