Westfalia Fruit Launches Eco-Friendly Laser-Etched Mangoes in Europe
Westfalia Fruit has launched laser-etched mangoes for customers in Europe. The initiative, driven by the company’s operations in the Netherlands, removes the need for individual plastic PLU stickers.
Mathijs Benard, head of operations in Central Europe, shared his excitement about the project. He noted that the laser etching acts like a tattoo on the mango. This innovation not only enhances the visibility of the fruit in stores but also aims to save up to 10 million plastic stickers each year. Currently, they etch details like fruit origin, customer branding, and product reference.
This laser project involved cooperation between Westfalia’s teams in the Netherlands and Germany, ensuring the fruit’s quality and shelf life. Customer feedback has been positive, leading to plans for wider distribution across Europe soon.
Wim Destoop, president of Europe, remarked on the strengths brought by Mathijs’ role. He emphasized how the integration of expertise from the Netherlands and Germany, along with the packing capabilities of the former EuroWest facility, positions Westfalia to deliver excellent customer service.
What are the benefits of using laser-etched labels on mangoes instead of plastic stickers?
Interview with Mathijs Benard, Head of Operations in Central Europe at Westfalia Fruit
NewsDirectory3: Mathijs, can you tell us about Westfalia’s recent launch of laser-etched mangoes in Europe?
Mathijs Benard: Absolutely! We’re incredibly excited about this initiative. Our goal was to eliminate the need for individual plastic PLU stickers, and laser etching acts like a tattoo on the mango itself. This not only enhances the visibility of the fruit on store shelves but also significantly reduces plastic waste. We anticipate saving up to 10 million plastic stickers annually.
NewsDirectory3: That’s impressive! What information is currently included in the laser etching?
Mathijs Benard: Right now, we etch essential details such as the fruit’s origin, customer branding, and product reference numbers onto the mangoes. This information is vital for traceability and helps consumers make informed choices.
NewsDirectory3: How did this project come together?
Mathijs Benard: It was a collaborative effort between our teams in the Netherlands and Germany. We focused on ensuring that the quality and shelf life of the fruit weren’t compromised during the process. The teamwork has been fantastic, and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which encourages us to expand this initiative across Europe soon.
NewsDirectory3: Wim Destoop mentioned how your role integrates various strengths. Can you elaborate on that?
Mathijs Benard: Certainly! The combination of expertise from our teams in the Netherlands and Germany has been instrumental. Additionally, the capabilities from the former EuroWest facility allow us to enhance our customer service. We’re committed to delivering high-quality products efficiently, which has also paved the way for our innovative projects like this one.
NewsDirectory3: Speaking of growth, I understand Marcel van der Linden has joined the team. What does his role mean for Westfalia?
Mathijs Benard: Marcel brings over 30 years of experience in fresh produce, particularly in tomatoes. His appointment as head of commercial in the Netherlands coincides with a pivotal growth period for us following the EuroWest acquisition. His expertise will undoubtedly strengthen our operations and innovation capacities.
NewsDirectory3: Can you share some insights on Westfalia’s production facility in Poeldijk?
Mathijs Benard: Our Poeldijk production facility is equipped to provide year-round packing solutions for a variety of vegetables, including avocados. With advanced packing lines featuring robotic technology, we can customize pack formats to meet specific customer needs, which is essential in today’s competitive market.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you, Mathijs, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that Westfalia is leading the way in sustainability and innovation in the fresh produce sector.
Mathijs Benard: Thank you for having me! We’re excited about the future and our continued efforts to offer innovative solutions that benefit both our customers and the environment.
Additionally, Westfalia appointed Marcel van der Linden as head of commercial in the Netherlands. Van der Linden has over 30 years of experience in fresh produce, especially in tomatoes. He expressed enthusiasm about joining Westfalia during a significant time of growth following the EuroWest acquisition.
Westfalia’s Poeldijk production facility also provides year-round packing solutions for various vegetables, including avocados. Van der Linden highlighted the company’s commitment to offering innovative solutions and flexible services. Their advanced packing lines, equipped with robotic technology, allow them to deliver customized pack formats to meet specific customer needs.