DS Smith, an International Paper company, has introduced a fibre-based Closed-Type Tray designed for the transportation of kiwifruit and other fresh fruit and vegetable products from Greece to international markets. The packaging solution is intended for transatlantic supply chains where transit times can exceed 45 days.
The tray is designed to help maintain product quality and freshness during long-distance transportation while using lightweight materials to support loading efficiency. Available in a 10kg format, the packaging consists of a body, base and integrated top lid. Die-cut ventilation openings are incorporated into the sidewalls to facilitate airflow, while reinforced internal corner structures provide strength without the need for additional reinforcing materials.
Manufactured from virgin fibre-based paper, the trays are designed as an alternative to plastic packaging for fresh produce exports. The structure allows fruit producers to place atmosphere-control and temperature-management bags inside the sealed packaging before shipment, enabling product-specific transport conditions where required.
According to DS Smith, the packaging was evaluated using the company’s Circular Design Metrics tools, which assess packaging performance across indicators including recyclability, material utilisation, supply chain efficiency, carbon footprint and renewable material sourcing. The tray has been developed to minimise material use while maintaining structural integrity throughout transportation and handling.
Giorgos Filippoglou, Managing Director, Greek Cluster, Packaging Division, DS Smith Hellas, said: “At DS Smith, sustainability and innovation are at the core of every packaging solution we design and especially for critical sectors such as agri-food, where product safety, freshness, and quality are paramount. We used our Circular Design Metrics (CDM) tools to ensure that this packaging solution is fully recyclable and created for easy collection, processing, and reintegration into the supply chain as raw material.”
The packaging is compatible with automatic forming equipment and supports a range of printing and branding options. DS Smith stated that it currently supplies approximately 1.5 million trays annually to customers worldwide.