Packaging manufacturers recently shared a look at some of their latest offerings.
Fresh Inset
The flagship product at Fresh Inset is Vidre+, “a breakthrough new delivery system” for 1-MCP (an ethylene inhibitor) in the form of stickers or labels and direct-to-packaging applications, says Kris Czlaplicki, co-founder and board member.
Until now, 1-MCP was only used in cold rooms for apples and pears, he says, but Vidre+ extends its use to most fruits, vegetables and flowers. It offers controlled release, requires no airtightness and can be integrated into labels, films or heat-seals, effectively bringing cold-room functionality directly into the packaging,” he says.
“Vidre+ offers controlled release, requires no airtightness and can be integrated into labels, films or heat-seals — effectively bringing cold-room functionality directly into the packaging,” he says.
Since every crop, supply chain and packhouse is different, Vidre+ was designed with flexibility in mind, Czlaplicki says.
“It can be deployed as a sticker, carton insert or integrated into BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) sleeves, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) lidding films and PE (polyethylene) bags,” he says.
Emerald Packaging
Emerald Packaging in Union City, Calif., is committed to sustained growth with a $6 million to $7 million capital expenditure planned for 2026, says CEO Kevin Kelly.
“This includes investments in modern, highly efficient printing, slitting and perforating equipment, each designed to meet the evolving demands of the produce industry,” he says.
The company also continues to strengthen its infrastructure, which includes an expansion of its solar-powered manufacturing capabilities, he adds.
Fox Packaging
Over the past year, McAllen, Texas-based Fox Packaging has continued to expand its packaging portfolio and its sustainable material options, says Aaron Fox, vice president.
“One of our newest additions is Fox VertiFilm, a laminated film band designed for mesh and net produce bags,” he says. “It provides enhanced strength, product protection and strong shelf presence, giving retailers a cleaner, more premium look at point of sale.”
Fox VertiFilm is engineered for operational efficiency and is compatible with all leading packing machines, he says.
Fox says that with the company’s vendor-managed inventory in McAllen, it’s able to support fast and reliable fulfillment for growers and packers across the U.S.
“We have also expanded our use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content and now offer select poly, combo and stand-up pouch structures with up to 30% PCR,” Fox says.
“Overall, our focus remains on delivering packaging solutions that strengthen product protection, improve operational efficiency and support long-term sustainability goals,” he adds.
Sev-Rend
After years of importing clipping wire cassettes from Europe, Collinsville, Ill.-based Sev-Rend has invested in equipment to manufacture the cassettes in-house, says Rob Wiliams, president and CEO.
“This not only guarantees a continued supply of clipping wire for our customers but also ensures we are able to continue to provide a high-quality product at a competitive price,” he says.
The company also has expanded its product lines to include microwave steamable FFS (form, fill and seal) films and anti-fog; ventilated lidding films for tomatoes, berries, mushrooms and other high-moisture content products thanks to the addition of hot needle and macro perforating equipment, he says.
Sev-Rend has developed filmic and heat seal paper roll stocks that are compatible with machines that form and fill pouches inline from roll stock.
“These types of machines provide savings not only in labor, but also in material and transportation costs,” Wiliams says.
The company also has modified its stand-up pouch machines so they’re capable of manufacturing “pouches on a roll” for those who are looking for a domestic source for this style of pouch, he says, and it has added the ability to produce extruded mesh equipment in-house to maintain the supply chain and keep pricing competitive, he says.
