Sustainable solid board tray for poultry, meat and fish

The new, innovative solid board machine-erected tray from Smart Packaging Solutions is made from recycled paper and supports responsibly produced packaging. It complies with the new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and offers significant logistical cost savings compared to corrugated board or plastic crates.

The machine-erected tray is made of solid board, providing high strength even under humid conditions. This makes it ideal for the safe storage and transport of fresh, fragile, and frozen products. Its robust construction helps preserve product quality and ensures food safety throughout the supply chain. All packaging complies with BRC standards for food contact materials.

Logistics benefits

Compared to corrugated board or plastic crates, this new packaging offers substantial logistical advantages. There are no return shipments of empty crates, no cleaning costs, and reduced risk of damage. Eliminating reverse logistics simplifies administrative processes. Compared to corrugated alternatives, the tray offers greater internal volume and allows products to continue cooling while in the tray.

Designed specifically for the fish, meat and poultry sectors, the tray has been extensively tested. Thanks to its clever construction, the machine-erected tray is stackable and allows up to 1,000 kg of product to be transported per pallet.

To further reduce operational complexity, Smart Packaging Solutions can deliver just-in-time. With a broad warehousing network, customers can call off inventory as needed.

Machine-erected tray: key benefits

• No additional investment in crates
• No crate cleaning costs
• Optimised internal space in the tray
• Continued cooling within the tray
• Lower transport costs, no return shipments
• Simplified administrative handling
• Reduced warehouse space requirements – just-in-time delivery
• Fully customisable
• Recyclable

"Sustainable solid board packaging for transport and retail"

In addition to the machine-erected tray, Smart Packaging Solutions offers a wide range of 4-point boxes. For added strength, the 4-point design can be enhanced with reinforced corners or double walls. The standard 4-point box is well suited to humid and chilled environments. It is ideal for packing products up to 30 kg and is available in various size configurations, including 30×20 cm, 40×30 cm, 60×40 cm, or any custom dimension. Packaging is tailored to the product and optimised for pallet efficiency.

Easy handling

Base-lid boxes are delivered flat. Thanks to an intelligent folding design, they are quick and easy to set up into sturdy bases and lids. Solid board offers high strength with minimal thickness, making for an efficient logistics process with fast handling, storage and distribution.

Faster freezing time

One of the major advantages of solid board packaging is its superior freezing speed. On average, solid board reaches -3°C (from approx. 5°C) around 35% faster than corrugated board. Unlike corrugated material, solid board lacks insulating properties, allowing for quicker and more efficient chilling — saving both time and energy.

Flexo and offset printing

The 4-point box can be printed in any colour combination, from simple logos in flexo print to photo-realistic offset prints. This makes it an excellent option for eye-catching retail packaging.

4-point packaging: key benefits

• Strong and compact
• Rapid freezing – no insulation layer
• Recyclable
• Moisture-resistant and rigid
• Food-safe
• High-quality print finish

About Smart Packaging Solutions

Smart Packaging Solutions is a leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions. The company continuously invests in its production facilities to expand the quality and capabilities of solid board packaging. Solid board is now a sustainable alternative for a growing number of applications.

Smart Packaging Solutions is a business unit of VPK Group, a global expert in innovative packaging made from recycled paper. VPK Group is organised into several divisions and brands that together produce a wide portfolio of custom sustainable solutions, including corrugated and solid board packaging, cardboard tubes, and edge protectors. Founded in 1935 as a family business, VPK Group has grown into a strong multinational with 71 production sites and 7,000 employees in 21 countries.

Sustainability is at the heart of the group’s strategy, alongside close cooperation with clients and employees and a focus on high-quality service. In the past year alone, the company used 1.4 million tonnes of recycled paper and board for new packaging and reduced its CO₂ emissions by 13%. Today, 36% of its energy consumption comes from renewable sources.

www.smart-packaging-solutions.com