Mpact’s paper punnet helps keep export channels open

Highveld Mushrooms, the largest privately-owned enterprise of its kind on the continent, recently became the first producer to successfully export to Mauritius following that country’s recent ban on single-use plastic. The reason for its success was the Mpact Freshpact fluted paper punnet - a locally manufactured, fit-for-purpose and fully recyclable packaging solution.

Highveld Mushrooms has farmed the fungi for over 40 years and is on a constant drive to improve taste, quality, food hygiene and production standards by investing in the latest technology and innovation. In Freshpact’s fluted paper punnets, the company found a game-changing alternative, working with Mpact, a company that is fully committed to the circular economy and to creating solutions that meet clients’ changing requirements.

“We are passionate about renewable and sustainable sources, both in our agricultural methods and the product that we send out,” says Highveld Mushrooms managing director Ross Richardson. “Although our South African product is packaged in generally recyclable material, some of our export markets have limited recycling capability and this is where the Freshpact punnet makes sense.”

“Mushroom cultivation is already known for its use of waste such as chicken manure and straw to manufacture organic compost. These punnets allow us to further expand our contribution to the circle of sustainability.”

For the fluted punnets to satisfy the company’s requirements, it was essential they be technically compatible and capable of being packed and sealed efficiently.

According to Wouter Heunis, innovations and technical lead for Freshpact, tests and input by Highveld’s technical team ensured the punnet delivered the same shelf life and display tidiness as conventional plastic containers.

“They are bio-degradable and 100% recyclable by conventional methods that prevent packaging unnecessarily ending up at refuse sites,” he says. “Instead, the punnets may easily be taken up again in other processes and converted into a usable format.”

Freshpact punnets are food-friendly and designed to handle the cold chain logistics, high humidity, and condensation required to store and transport fresh produce. This is achieved using suitable paper and a carefully engineered structure, as well as a technically functional sealant that is applied to the paper.

“These punnets have certainly led Highveld Mushrooms to cement its place as a first adopter and pioneer,” says Heunis. “Not only is the company’s overseas customer very pleased with the performance of the punnets, but also in Highveld Mushrooms’ innovation to keeping export channels open.”

The Freshpact punnets have been configured for a range of fresh produce. From grapes and berries to tomatoes and salads – the Freshpact series presents a modern, functional, recyclable, and sustainable alternative.

Freshpact is manufactured by Mpact, the largest paper and plastics packaging and recycling business in Southern Africa, with divisions located across the region and servicing diverse industries and customers.

For more information about the series of Freshpact corrugated punnets, visit www.freshpact.co.za or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +27 (0)11 818 8000.