At Koppert, we believe packaging plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. Our approach to packaging goes beyond simply protecting our products to ensure quality—it’s about creating solutions that benefit growers, improve operational efficiency and respect nature.
‘Packaging is not just about containment; it’s about making our products more effective, easier to use, and fully aligned with our sustainability goals,’ says Jolien Wechgelaar, Packaging Specialist at Koppert.
Our mission is to develop packaging that meets regulatory requirements while embracing international recycling and reuse opportunities. By focusing on innovative and genuinely eco-friendly packaging, we ensure that our solutions not only meet expectations but also contribute to a healthier planet. A common misconception, Jolien explains, is ‘that plastic is bad by definition and that compostable packaging magically disappears.’ The reality is more complex—responsible material choices and proper waste management are essential to achieving true sustainability.
We are continuously refining our packaging to add value for growers. Our commitment is twofold: ensuring our products remain in optimal condition while making their application as straightforward as possible. At the same time, we make conscious choices to develop packaging that aligns with sustainability standards. ‘It’s about making the right decisions at every step—from material selection to design—to ensure our packaging meets the highest sustainability standards,’ Jolien emphasizes.
A strategy for sustainable packaging
A strong packaging strategy is built on key pillars that drive value, ensure operational excellence, and secure regulatory compliance. At Koppert, our approach focuses on:
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Reducing waste by optimizing materials and minimizing unnecessary components.
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Increasing recyclability by choosing widely accepted materials and designing packaging that can be easily separated for recycling.
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Using resources responsibly to close the recycling loop and support circularity.
Innovation driving change
Sustainable packaging requires innovation. We are rethinking everything—from labels to transport materials—to improve sustainability without compromising functionality. One of the biggest challenges is the global variation in legislation, recycling infrastructure, and awareness. ‘Right now, many of our packaging solutions contain different materials,’ Jolien explains. ‘By transitioning to mono-materials without recycling disruptors, and ensuring they are widely accepted in recycling programs, we are taking a significant step forward.’
We are integrating more recycled content into our packaging, with a key development being the transition of our 1L bottles to 100% recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE). This ensures easier recyclability for growers while reducing the use of virgin plastic. ‘We are currently finalizing quality checks to ensure product integrity is not affected by this change,’ says Jolien. ‘The expected introduction time of the new bottles is early summer this year.’
Compliance-ready
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is guiding us toward further improvements. This is not just about compliance from a manufacturer’s perspective but also about providing the best packaging solutions for our customers, helping them manage waste more efficiently. ‘Sustainability is not a final destination; it’s an ongoing effort to improve, adapt, and make responsible choices,’ concludes Jolien.