Amerplast and PerfoTec cooperate in bringing leading packaging innovation to the fresh produce market

(Tampere, Finland, 28.1.2015) Amerplast is to offer the European fresh produce industry a world leading technology that advances the shelf life of fresh produce, thereby reducing waste and cost, following the signing of a cooperation agreement with PerfoTec BV.

Based in The Netherlands, PerfoTec supplies specialized equipment that measures the respiration rates of fresh produce like fresh cut salads, fruits and vegetables. Its unique software calculates the required film permeability for allowing optimal respiration of the produce for achieving longer life cycle once it is packaged. PerfoTec's patented Laser Perforation System then uses this information to adapt the film permeability through precise micro perforation. An integrated camera inspects each micro perforation diameter and shape.

By measuring the respiration of fresh fruits and vegetables and adjusting the packaging with the exact amount of microperforations, PerfoTec managed to reduce waste at UK retailer Marks & Spencer by 50 %. On top of the important reduction in waste it also lead to a reduction in cost and an increase in sales. Based on these results M&S decided to switch to the PerfoTec system together with all its soft fruit suppliers.

Amerplast will market PerfoTec's unique technology and equipment as an integrated system along with its high performing flexible packaging film. With a heritage in high performance fresh produce packaging, Amerplast offers a high level of expertise in the sector.

“The alliance with PerfoTec is another step in developing Amerplast into a leading pan-European packaging company, in tune with consumer and market trends”, says Børge Kvamme, CEO of Amerplast. “Fresh food products are a key to our strategy as we can leverage superior packaging systems, film quality and seal integrity, advanced co-extrusion processes and superior printing and converting capabilities”, Mr Kvamme notes. ''The unique PerfoTec respiration and micro perforation technology will allow us to expand our current product offering and to provide our customers with a sustainable innovative alternative to their current packaging systems for fresh produce”.

“The partnership with Amerplast is a great opportunity for us to join forces with a high performing packaging company dedicated to providing innovative solutions that enhance quality and convenience of high value food products”, says PerfoTec's CEO Bas Groeneweg. “This new alliance will allow Amerplast to expand their current film offering and provide support to customers through delivery of the respiration meters and laser perforation units and software, and have responsibility for film supply and ongoing product support”.

PerfoTec CEO Bas Groeneweg and Amerplast CEO Børge Kvamme, together with their sales and technical representatives, will present the new partnership at this year`s Fruit Logistica show at Messe Berlin in Germany on February 4th to 6th. The fresh produce industry trade show is expected to be attended by 62 000 of the world's leading produce representatives.

For more information:

Amerplast: Børge Kvamme, Tel: +358 50 567 9545

Perfotec: Bas Groeneweg, Tel: +31 651 31 3819

About Amerplast

Amerplast, founded in 1952, is one of Europe's largest flexo printers and bag converters and a leader in innovative packaging solutions, manufacturing high-performance flexible packaging for fast moving consumer goods for both food and non-food categories. The company plays a key role in consumer goods categories such as retail bags, bakery, fresh and frozen food, consumer tissue and personal care, providing optimal logistics and packaging solutions that efficiently support customer business. With manufacturing plants in Finland and Poland and sales offices in Sweden and Russia, Amerplast employs around 420 people and sells to customers in more than twenty countries. Amerplast plants producing food and hygiene packaging are BRC certified (British Retail Consortium) and the company is an officially certified HD quality printing house. www.amerplast.com 

About PerfoTec

Founded in 2004 and based in the Netherlands, PerfoTec has developed the new standard in Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Fresh(-cut) Produce in the world. PerfoTec gives packers and processors the tools and the knowledge to manage the protective atmosphere in the packages by themselves. The current users of the PerfoTec System have identified that having full control over the atmosphere in the packages is a Critical Control Point for the quality of their products. www.perfotec.com