Sorma Group, a leading technical partner for fruit and vegetable post- harvest processing, has unveiled a significant innovation in net packaging at the 32nd edition of Fruit Logistica. This new system combines sustainability, durability, recyclability, and operational effi- ciency in a single solution. Sorma Group showcased the Sorma Clipless: a packaging made entirely of plastic mono-material at the Berlin Trade Fair. Its key innovation lies in the elimination of metal clippings as well as a greater durability compared to the more expensive and heavier plastic alter- natives currently available on the market.
The mono-material structure (meaning both net and label are composed of the same HDPE2 poly- mer) simplifies both end-of-life waste management and packaging operations. Regarding environ- mental and social impact, Sorma Clipless encourages responsible consumer behaviour. Thus, al- lowing the entire pack to be disposed of in plastic recycling without the need to separate different materials, thereby improving the actual circularity of the packaging.
In parallel, this innovation delivers significant operational advantages during the packaging phase. The absence of metal closures or other accessory materials relieves operators of the need to man- age and replace consumables, allowing the packaging machine to achieve higher productivity reach- ing speeds of up to 30 packs per minute. This results in greater continuity in the packaging process and superior ease of use for the machinery.
Furthermore, the solution is extremely versatile and durable, making it suitable for packaging vari- ous types of fruit and vegetables. Formats range from 500g up to 3kg, a higher weight capacity than currently available on the market, while maintaining the same ease of handling and high-quality presentation found in traditional packaging.Finally, Sorma Clipless offers more space for branding: the label’s graphic area is extended to a length of 160mm, which can be customized to boost brand and product visibility on the shelf. The netting is also available in various colours, ensuring a polished look consistent with the client’s es- tablished branding.
“This innovation was developed for the European market, where the growing focus on environmen- tal sustainability and the simplification of the packaging processes are key competitive factors,” says Mario Mercadini, Marketing Manager at the company. “However, the technical and functional characteristics of the packaging do not limit its application to this region; they make it potentially suitable for international markets that share similar requirements for efficiency, recyclability, and reduced environmental impact.”
