Company Overview
Huhtamaki is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, with:
- 74 manufacturing sites
- 24 sales offices
- 17,000 employees
- Operations in 34 countries
“With operations in 34 countries around the world, we’re well placed to support our customers’ growth. We adapt and deliver packaging that meets local demands and are pioneers in emerging markets.”
Business Segments
Huhtamaki operates in three main business areas, organized into four reporting segments:
1. Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania & North America
- 39 plants on 5 continents
- 7,700 employees
- €1.6 billion net sales
2. Flexible Packaging
- 22 plants on 3 continents
- 6,400 employees
- €870 million net sales
3. Molded Fiber
- 11 plants on 4 continents
- 1,700 employees
- €260 million net sales
Product Types
- Foodservice packaging
- Flexible packaging
- Molded fiber packaging
Share of Net Sales per Segment (2015)
- Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania: 24%
- North America: 35%
- Flexible Packaging: 32%
- Molded Fiber: 9%
Global Impact
- 18 billion drinks served from Huhtamaki cups every year
- 6 billion meals eaten from Huhtamaki plates every year
- 5 billion pet meals packed in Huhtamaki laminate every year
- 52 billion eggs packed in Huhtamaki molded fiber packaging every year
World population: 7.7 billion (2018)
Fruit Packaging Focus
Southern Hemisphere Apple & Pear Business in Pulp Trays
- 90% Pulp trays dominate the market
- Some regions use 15% Pulp trays
Challenges for the Mk4 Trays
- Strength: The main issue in Africa, where Mk4 trays are used for fruit transport
- Cold Chain: Sometimes broken, leading to condensation
- Handling: Trays are often handled roughly in African markets
- Display: Varies by vendor
Aporo Tray: Improvements
Key Enhancements
- Shape Change: Easier handling of product in/out of cartons
- Wet Strength Resin & Longer Fibers: Added to Mk4 trays for improved quality and performance in humid conditions
- Wet strength is organic and 100% biodegradable
- Aging: Product cures with age; fiber bonding strengthens, allowing use after extensive storage
Trials and Tests (ExperiCo, 2017)
- Cooling: Aporotray is 7% better than other trays on the market (energy saving)
- Lifting: Outperformed all other trays, especially in high humidity and free water conditions
- Water Absorption & Decay Protection: Superior to other trays
- Bruising: No significant difference between tested trays
Aporo Tray – Apples (Improvements)
Packing:
- New shape allows easy handling
- Operators can easily lift and place trays
- Very effective with tray filling machines
- Fits into the new 22-pallet Mk4 carton
Cooling:
- Improved airflow during cooling
- 7% better than all current trays on the market
Strength:
- Strongest tray during lab and commercial testing (packing, cooling, transporting)
- Most suitable for the African market
Contact
Andre du Toit
083 269 9049
References
- ExperiCo Results
- ExperiCo Cooling Results