'New ecoExpert transport trays are PPWR-proof' |
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Modiform launches three FSC-certified cardboard trays with improved handling
Modiform began developing an alternative to single-use plastic transport trays years ago. These are transport trays made from molded paper pulp, marketed under the brand name ecoExpert. Now, the recycled plastic product manufacturer is introducing three updated cardboard transport trays that mark the new generation of ecoExpert. Key improvements include significantly higher pallet density and smoother, even automated, destacking. The new tray models are also PPWR-proof, complying with the new European packaging legislation.
| New cardboard ecoExpert transport tray |
Modiform is launching the new generation of cardboard transport trays under the ecoExpert brand. The first three trays are already on the market. In time, more ecoExpert trays will be converted to the updated version to meet demand. Arie den Hertog, team lead of product management at Modiform, highlights the improvements and new features of the fully biodegradable and recyclable cardboard transport trays. "We can now stack many more trays per pallet than before. Understandably, cardboard trays usually take up more space per pallet than plastic ones, but we wanted to increase that number. With the new models, nearly double the quantity fits on a pallet. That's beneficial for storage. And it's better for the footprint, as more trays fit into the truck."
Easier automation
Tray handling has also been significantly improved. "The existing ecoExpert trays had a rough underside, which made destacking a challenge. We've now made the tray surface much smoother, making them easier to destack manually. Moreover, thanks to the flatter structure, they are easier to automate — something that has already been successfully tested in practice. So, in addition to being environmentally friendly, the ecoExpert trays are now also pleasant to use."
According to Den Hertog, the latest developments cannot be seen separately from the origins of ecoExpert. Modiform started developing ecoExpert about eight years ago. "We wanted to create an alternative to our plastic products. It wasn't about replacing all these products, as plastic often remains the most logical option. As long as we can recycle plastic properly, it's still a good solution. So, we didn't see a problem there. What we wanted was an addition to our existing range, using an alternative material. That material became molded pulp, which we branded as ecoExpert. The products are coated with a natural wax to ensure a high level of water resistance — which is handy when transporting plants that need water. By now, we've developed around forty different ecoExpert products. We've made great strides with this line, which includes, in addition to transport trays, pots, carry trays, and carriers (undertrays)."
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"The new ecoExpert trays are easier to automate due to their flatter structure, which has already been successfully tested in practice."
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The bulk of ecoExpert still consists of transport trays, Den Hertog explains. "These are used once. But when it comes to recycling, cardboard has advantages. You can simply dispose of it with your paper and cardboard waste, after which it gets recycled. Consumers who take a tray home can put it in their own paper bin. Moreover, in many European countries, the recycling rate of cardboard is around ninety percent. Alongside this strong recycling stream, ecoExpert products are also made from 100 percent recycled cardboard. So we can truly speak of closing the loop. These percentages are higher than those of plastic recycling. That makes ecoExpert a logical choice from a sustainability perspective."
FSC-certified
The FSC certification (Forest Stewardship Council) that the new ecoExpert trays have recently obtained fits seamlessly with Modiform's sustainable profile. "It's a sustainability label for paper, cardboard, and wood, as most people know. Essentially, it's a chain-of-custody certificate that starts with the tree grower and continues through the entire production chain. We don't produce cardboard ourselves, but we are FSC-certified to enable sustainable chain solutions, which is something every party in the chain should strive for. Customers were already asking about it, and we can now announce that the new ecoExpert trays are FSC-certified. Eventually, all our cardboard trays will meet this standard — including those in the existing range."
Den Hertog also discusses new European legislation that will soon impact several Modiform products. This refers to the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), launched last year, which also applies to transport trays for plant pots. This EU regulation aims to reduce the use of especially single-use plastic products and stipulates that most transport trays must be reusable within the EU. "As a manufacturer of recycled plastic products, we can of course also make reusable transport trays so we can continue to serve the market with a diverse offering and provide our customers with PPWR-proof solutions."
EcoExpert a good alternative for the future
However, that won't be the only solution. Modiform has developed a new system: a reusable transport tray system with a cardboard insert. The system includes four carrier formats with external dimensions tailored to the Danish trolley: 6 per Danish layer (400 x 280 mm), 5 per layer (562 x 253 mm), 4 per layer (562 x 315 mm), and 10 per layer (270 x 248 mm). Each size has two variants: with bottom holes or with a water reservoir, which are stackable with each other. The carriers are designed for multiple uses and are made of plastic. They contain at least 35 percent recycled plastic and are also recyclable. Modiform has applied for a patent for this new transport tray system.
Den Hertog: "With this system, we use four universal, reusable undertrays. By combining them with single-use inserts, you can endlessly vary the optimal load and fit for various pot sizes and types. Naturally, the cardboard is also well recycled, which leads to a great solution. However, when I look to the future, the new generation of ecoExpert trays is also a good alternative to single-use plastic transport trays. This tray range aligns with the EU's new sustainability vision, as our ecoExpert transport trays are, as we say, PPWR-proof. In light of this European legislation, pulp-based trays will become more important. That's why we are preparing to serve our customers with the best possible product solutions."
 | | Arie den Hertog |
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The three new ecoExpert transport trays
 | | A transport tray 15 x 10.5 cm, suitable for 4 per Danish layer
| | | A transport tray 8 x 12/13/14 cm, suitable for 5 per Danish layer
| | | A transport tray 8 x 10.5 cm, suitable for 6 per Danish layer
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This article was previously published on 21 April 2025 on the website of Boom In Business.
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