NNZ Inc. announced strategic partnerships with CKF Inc. and Stackpack/Halopack in Europe to expand the production of the Q-Bic tray in sustainable fiber and paperboard formats.
This initiative has been made possible through a grant awarded to NNZ by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the USDA and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), which supports and accelerates innovation in sustainable packaging for the fresh produce industry.
© NNZ North America
The Q-Bic tray, developed by Smart Packaging Industries, is an award-winning, modular packaging concept designed for fresh produce. Its stackable cube-shaped design optimizes logistics, enabling up to twice as much product per pallet compared to conventional trays. This results in fewer truckloads, reduced fossil fuel usage, and a measurable reduction in carbon footprint—making Q-Bic a sustainable choice in fiber, paperboard, RPET, or PET formats.
"Q-Bic was created with sustainability at its core," said Patrick Boot, CEO of NNZ. "By collaborating with partners like CKF and Stackpack/Halopack, we are ensuring that Q-Bic continues to evolve with materials that meet both environmental goals and industry functionality."
© NNZ North America
CKF Inc., with contact Shannon Boase--formerly of Earthcycle--brings expertise in molded fiber packaging solutions, leveraging renewable and compostable materials. Its contribution will enable a fiber-based Q-Bic tray with strong end-of-life circularity.
Stackpack/Halopack, led by Ronald Zwaga, specializes in paperboard packaging with barrier functionality, offering an alternative to plastic trays while ensuring food safety and shelf life.
The program also provided NNZ with industry mentor, Tony Freytag, founder of Crunch Pak. Freytag's entrepreneurial insights and deep industry knowledge will guide the company as it brings Q-Bic to market in the U.S. produce sector.
"Tony's experience in building a category from the ground up is invaluable," said Steve Greenfield, director of sales & marketing for NNZ. "His mentorship will help ensure Q-Bic succeeds in both sustainability and market adoption."
© NNZ North America
For more information:
Steve Greenfield
NNZ Inc.
Tel: +1 (404) 307-7151
[email protected]
https://www.nnz.com/
https://www.q-bicpackaging.com