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Westfalia Fruit has unveiled an innovative initiative that eliminates the need for plastic PLU stickers by introducing laser etching on mangoes.

This project, stemming from the company’s operations in the Netherlands, marks a notable step in reducing plastic waste while enhancing product visibility in retail environments.

The initiative, which has successfully transitioned from extensive testing to market launch, is expected to save an estimated 10 million plastic stickers annually.

Mathijs Benard, head of operations for Central Europe, said: “The introduction of laser etching, which is almost like a tattoo on the mango, not only makes the fruit stand out in-store but also aligns with our commitment to sustainability.”

The etching currently includes essential information such as fruit origin, customer branding and product reference, with potential for further customisation based on consumer desires.

Westfalia is not the first to trial this sustinale method. Back in June, UK supermarket chain Tesco introduced laser-etched avocados and switched to cardboard containers for two of its most popular avocado lines, in a bid to reduce plastic waste.

This approach is a product of collaboration between Westfalia’s teams in the Netherlands and Germany, ensuring that the quality and shelf life of the fruit are maintained throughout the process. Customer feedback has been positive, prompting plans for broader distribution across Europe in the near future.

Wim Destoop, president of Europe, highlighted the strategic restructuring within Westfalia: “Mathijs’ role reflects our refreshed structure, allowing us to leverage the combined strengths of our operations in the Netherlands and Germany, along with the capabilities of the former EuroWest facility”.

Joining the leadership team is Marcel van der Linden, the new head of commercial, who brings over 30 years of experience in fresh produce. Van der Linden commented on the exciting developments at Westfalia: “Our state-of-the-art packing lines, equipped with robotic technology, enable us to offer diverse packing formats tailored to the unique needs of each customer”.

Westfalia’s Poeldijk production facilities exemplify the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. While renowned for its avocado expertise, the facilities also provide year-round packing solutions for a variety of products, including sprouts and capsicum.