How can packaging improve sustainability?

ZON is one of the largest grower cooperatives in Europe. Besides supporting its growers in cultivating tasty fruit and vegetables, ZON has another important goal: to make the world a little more sustainable. How does packaging contribute to achieving that objective?

ZON was established in 1915. Now, in 2024, 116 growers are affiliated to the growers' cooperative. They grow a wide range of fruit and vegetables. This produce is sold via the digital platform for daily trade. Customers are also supplied directly. ZON has its headquarters in Venlo (the Netherlands).

ZON is actively working on sustainability. The growers' cooperative has had the CSR Label (ISO 26000) since October 2023, with a focus on People, Planet and Profit. "With this hallmark, we show that we cooperate with growers, customers and our employees in a socially responsible and sustainable way," says Saskia Coenen, Quality Assurance Advisor. "We've had the ambition to obtain this certificate for some time. An increasing number of companies see this certificate as recognition of sustainable entrepreneurship. In addition, it offers a roadmap for further sustainability. We now have the basic certification, but want to progress further towards bronze, silver and gold.”

“Our goal is to halve CO2 emissions," says Coenen. "In 2028, we want to have lowered emissions by 50% when compared to 2019. We've already taken steps towards this. For instance, we have moved to a more sustainable office, which has had solar panels on the roof since last year. We also recently started the Horti Footprint calculation with growers, providing growers insight into the CO2 impact of their business and the opportunities to improve sustainability.”

ZON considers every aspect of sustainability. "We also examined the packaging we use," Coenen says. "This showed that the packaging we use is already very sustainable. We pack rhubarb, fennel and courgettes in solid cardboard packaging from Smart Packaging Solutions. These are made from recycled material and are also recyclable. In fact, the packaging is 100% circular."

Solid board packaging offers a few more specific advantages, says Linda Naus, Senior Project Manager Marketing & Innovation. "For our growers, the functionality, sturdiness and stackability of the packaging are very important. Products must be able to be stacked safely on a pallet so that they are not damaged during transport. Smart Packaging Solutions' packaging is very sturdy. And another advantage: solid board is very resistant to moisture. Even if the product releases moisture, the packaging remains strong."

Products are frequently packed at the grower's premises. However, sweet peppers are also packed and sorted at ZON's logistics centre in Venlo. Naus: "The packaging we use for this is supplied flat-packed by Smart Packaging Solutions. We then fold these boxes ourselves. This is done fully automatically. The advantage of flat packaging is that more packaging can be delivered per load, which means fewer transport movements.”