Uflex’s waterless internet flower packaging wins at Dow’s 2018

Waterless Internet Flower Packaging is becoming increasingly popular among global flower companies for the myriad benefits that it brings to the table. It works on the principle of active modified atmospheric packaging (AMAP) through Flexfresh, a special patented polymeric film, offering shelf-life extension solution for fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. The special film is the first 100% biodegradable film that maintains the hydration of flowers during transpiration, thus creating a closed loop system. Flowers are put to slow respiration mode by reducing the oxygen availability preventing excess oxidation and dehydration. The film keeps the flowers breathing in hydrated oxygen and releases excess humidity keeping them touch dry. The flowers thus can go without water for a significant number of days as the humidity is fed back and continues to breathe in the modified atmosphere.

N Siva Shankaran, vice-president, Flexfresh at Uflex, said, “Our entry complied with all three critical judging parameters of the award – technological advancement, sustainability and enhanced user experience. By offering the longest shelf life coupled with the sustainable solution, we foresee that Flexfresh is serving to be a boon for flower companies across the globe. The uniqueness of this film is that it is adapted to the living conditions of the flowers. We are introducing similar concepts in other markets and you will see them across geographies soon.”

Uflex is now offering a film which has worked across the world for range of fresh produce. The company is working on several projects with leading supermarkets and producers, in a wide range of fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Ashok Chaturvedi, chairman & managing director, Uflex, added, “Uflex has taken the lead as more supermarkets come under pressure to eliminate plastics from their counters. In a bid to cater to ever changing consumer demands coupled with eco-friendly solutions, this technology is a major shot in the arm for eCommerce companies that enables florists and retailers to stock up large inventory thereby leading to enormous savings. A third-party validation by a Dutch Flower Quality Evaluation Company earlier had also revealed that our technology allowed them to serve their consumers better, thereby reducing wastage and passing on the benefits to their customers.”

Dow’s 2018 30th Awards for Packaging Innovation successfully continues the DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation programme, which is the industry’s longest-running independently judged packaging awards programme. The judging panel featured experts with diverse backgrounds, providing global perspectives across design, engineering, retail, converting and academia. The judges evaluated more than 200 entries from companies in 30 countries.

“Dow received hundreds of very strong submissions that collectively demonstrate a deep global commitment to serving consumer needs and addressing worldwide challenges. Waterless Internet Flower Packaging by Uflex is helping to drive the packaging industry forward,” said Diego Donoso, Business President for Dow Packaging & Specialty Plastics.