For over 75 years, Cremer Speciaalmachines B.V. has been a leading company in the mechanization and counting of flower bulbs. Two years ago, Cremer took an innovative step by packaging flower bulbs in paper packaging, responding to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions.
History
Fred Cremer started in 1948 with the development of the first mechanized counting machine, a groundbreaking invention that drastically changed the flower bulb industry. Since then, Cremer Speciaalmachines B.V. has continuously innovated and expanded, with applications in both the flower bulb industry and seed breeding. The company has also developed counting machines for the industrial and pharmaceutical sectors.
Innovation in sustainable packaging
The agricultural division of Cremer, led by business manager Walter Hermans, has made innovative strides by introducing paper packaging for flower bulbs. Traditionally, packaging machines were designed primarily for use with foil. This step marks an important shift from traditional plastic foils to more sustainable packaging solutions.
Hermans explains: “Sustainability requirements play an increasingly important role in the flower bulb industry. Due to growing customer demand, we started focusing on packaging flower bulbs in paper a few years ago.”
Technological progress: From foil to paper
The development of a retrofit kit for existing counting and packaging machines allows them to process both foils and paper. This hybrid system gives customers the flexibility to choose sustainable packaging without compromising on the efficiency and reliability of the counting process.
Material choice: quality and recyclability
A crucial aspect of the development was selecting the right type of paper. To achieve this, Cremer partnered with experts in sustainable paper. After extensive testing, they chose a brown paper (Kraft) that is easy to recycle. Made from 100% recycled material, a brown paper roll is fully recyclable and biodegradable and offers a truly eco-friendly and plastic-free packaging solution. Hermans elaborates: “In addition to recyclability, we focused on various factors such as the quality and strength of the paper, as well as the attachment of the header card to the paper.” This thorough evaluation ensures that the paper packaging meets the high standards required by the industry.
Advantages of paper packaging
Paper packaging offers several advantages over traditional foils. Not only are they more environmentally friendly and easier to recycle, but they also help preserve the quality of the flower bulbs. Innovations such as microperforation ensure optimal ventilation and moisture regulation, which is essential for the preservation of flower bulbs, including dahlias and perennials.
Future prospects
Cremer’s machine retrofitting now makes it possible to use both paper and foil packaging. By staying ahead of sustainability requirements and providing technologically advanced solutions, Cremer is setting a new standard in the flower bulb industry. This is not only a response to the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging but also a proactive step toward a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
Cremer Speciaalmachines B.V. continues to distinguish itself through innovation and sustainability. With their new paper packaging, they are taking a significant step toward a more environmentally friendly future in the flower bulb industry. This development illustrates Cremer’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable solutions for their customers.
For more information about our paper packaging and to discover how you can make your operations more sustainable, we invite you to contact one of our experts for a personalized consultation.