ILIP RETURNS TO MACFRUT: A FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION IN FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PACKAGING

The Bologna-based company will exhibit its range of innovative packaging solutions in Rimini, highlighting sustainability through a commitment to the circular economy, eco-design principles, and tailored offerings that revitalise the sector.

Bologna (27 March 2024) – The next edition of Macfrut, the international trade fair dedicated to the fruit and vegetable sector, scheduled to take place from 8 to 10 May in Rimini, is just around the corner, and this year ILIP will once again be participating with its innovative packaging solutions dedicated to the sector.

With an area of 64 square metres, located in Hall B3 at stand 115, ILIP will be drawing the attention of visitors with an impactful communication aimed at conveying the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The Closed Loop R-PET projects, through which the company advances a circular packaging economy by integrating approximately 60,000 tonnes of post-consumer PET per year within a closed system , will be represented. Additionally, the EcoDesign Reduce initiative, in which the company commits to reducing plastic usage through downgauging without compromising performance, will also be featured. “Reduce” is in fact one of ILIP’s 3 Rs in its approach to environmental awareness along with “Recycle” – as in the case of PET – and “Renewable Resources”, with the use of bioplastics as an alternative to fossil polymers. The R-PET used by ILIP, thanks to the T2T R-PET® strategy, is entirely traceable and the product of a virtuous process. This process not only recycles post-consumer bottles but also reuses trays to create new food trays, effectively closing the tray-to-tray cycle.

But there’s more: the stand will showcase a range of SPRINT products, ILIP’s division dedicated to developing bespoke packaging solutions. These are tailored to meet specific customer requirements and are prepared within a swift six-week timeframe from approval. These are innovative packages, strategically developed to address precise market demands, boasting unique design, functionality, and storage performance attributes that set them apart from standard offerings. The result of this innovation and research and development work is EzySplit, the first hybrid fruit and vegetable basket composed of a weight-reduced R-PET basket and an external cardboard structure that provides greater strength and allows for a wide range of customisation options both internally and externally. Further enhancing the product range is the B40 Air Wave, in 100% recyclable R-PET, with a bottom that has been engineered to absorb shocks during transportation and at the point of sale, eliminating the need for insulating microbubble or cellulose inserts. This product, previously introduced in the last edition, returns in an upgraded version with an improved bottom for increased cushioning efficacy.

Additionally, ILIP, renowned for its innovative packaging solutions tailored to table grapes, assumes the role of Gold Sponsor for the Table Grape Symposium, dedicated to the table grape sector. This symposium, scheduled for 8 May at the Expo Center, aims to provide industry specialists with insights into genetic programmes, cultivation techniques, post-harvest solutions, packaging innovations, and market trends.

Join us from 8 to 10 May in Hall B3 – Stand 115 of the Rimini Expo Centre to explore ILIP’s array of solutions and innovations for packaging fruit and vegetable, fresh cut, and ready-to-eat products.