The biggest development in net packaging in 15 years is making its way into the UK fresh produce sector.

Giro, the world’s market leader in the manufacture of net and net packaging machines has developed the UltraBag system with UK partner PrePack Systems, to offer a new pack that can carry more effective branding and on-pack promotion as well as standing upright for on-shelf display. It also offers space for consumer information, has an integrated handle and is more efficient in production with greater packing speed and improved fruit handling.

“From a packer’s perspective, one key advantage of the new Giro packaging system is flexibility, with equipment able to be easily adapted to cope with changing requirements without unnecessary investment,” said Barry Baldock, PrePack division manager.

The new pack is being used already on Tesco’s Winnie the Pooh citrus line launched last month, but is likely to be rolled out to other supermarkets in the coming months.

The new machine, in its basic format, allows packers to continue to produce their existing packs but with an expected 100 per cent increase in productivity and reduced downtime. The system uses continuous net reels removing the need for the traditional net tube that reduces the distance the fruit falls, consequently avoiding damage.

From the basic unit, three easily fitted kits are available to upgrade the machine enable a wider range of packs to be produced to enable packs with handles, packs with differing widths of film and packs with welded sections front or back.

“However, the real difference the new UltraBag system boasts is seen on-shelf,” said Baldock. “The new system uses registered film which it places precisely on the pack, maximising the use of space and taking away the need for message repeats on the film. With health awareness high on the agenda of consumers, retailers can use registered film to more clearly display nutritional information.”

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