Kerbside recyclable, fibre-based flow wrap solutions are helping the fresh produce industry move away from soft plastics without compromising performance

Detpak’s product innovation team has developed a new generation of kerbside recyclable, fibre-based flow wrap solutions designed specifically for fresh produce – providing a practical alternative to traditional plastic film.

Detpak FlowWrap

Image: Detpak

As retailers and producers accelerate efforts to reduce soft plastics, Detpak’s next-generation flow wrap formats combine kerbside recyclability, on-shelf visibility and commercial performance. The range is engineered for real-world fresh produce environments to maintain product presentation and protection, while simplifying end-of-life disposal for consumers.

The solutions in development include a range of window formats that keep produce clearly visible on shelf, including window strip and die-cut window options. For brands seeking to reduce plastic content further, additional variants are progressing to maximise fibre content while maintaining recyclability and pack performance.

Ease of disposal is a key feature of Detpak’s fibre-based flow wrap. The company said unlike soft plastics that rely on return-to-store programmes, its solutions are designed for kerbside recycling — reducing consumer confusion and supporting correct recycling behaviour. 

Detpak has worked closely with customers to ensure the new formats are aligned to on-pack performance requirements. Designs have been developed to integrate with existing flow wrap machinery or require only minimal modification, reducing barriers to adoption and supporting faster implementation.

To accelerate market readiness, Detpak has partnered with a network of development partners – including leading flow wrap machine manufacturers and service teams to validate runnability and optimise performance through trials and scale-up, supporting a clear pathway to commercialisation.

The range has been created for a wide variety of tray-packed fresh produce, including vine tomatoes, capsicums, baby cucumbers, apples, pears and stone fruit categories traditionally reliant on plastic flow wrap.

By combining material innovation with packaging and engineering expertise, Detpak is supporting fresh produce brands to reduce plastic use while maintaining the functionality, efficiency and shelf appeal expected by today’s retailers and consumers.