Argos Packaging unveils future-proof solutions for fresh produce

As the European Union tightens its grip on single-use plastics through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Dutch specialist Argos Packaging & Protection has unveiled a suite of future-proof solutions designed to keep fresh produce on the shelf without falling foul of new environmental mandates.

The company is positioning itself at the forefront of a radical shift in the fruit and vegetable sector, where traditional plastic nets and films are being rapidly replaced by high-performance, bio-based alternatives.

A cornerstone of Argos’s new strategy is its NoW (No Waste Technology) Flowpack paper. Traditionally, flowpacking—a high-speed process used for everything from peppers to pears — relied al m ost exclusively on fossil-fuel plastics. The new NoW solution utilises a 100% plastic-free, FSC-certified paper with a unique twist: a transparent cellulose window.

Derived from wood pulp, the window allows for the high visibility consumers demand while remaining fully compatible with standard paper recycling streams. Beyond recyclability, the porous nature of the paper creates a natural microclimate inside the bag, which Argos claims significantly extends shelf life by regulating moisture and reducing oxidation.

For 2026, Argos has expanded its “Future-Proof” portfolio through two strategic partnerships that tackle the sustainability challenge from different angles:

• NoriFresh: in collaboration with Noriware, Argos has introduced a top-seal film made entirely from seaweed. This 100% bio-based film is not only fossil-free but is specifically designed for direct food contact. It naturally absorbs excess moisture, a critical feature for preventing mould and condensation in fresh berries and salads.
• Recycled BOPP: working with Prevented Ocean Plastic, Argos is now offering a circular BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) film containing up to 35% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. This film is made from plastic at risk of entering the ocean, providing a high-clarity, food-safe solution that aligns with the PPWR’s recycled content mandates.

One of the primary hurdles for sustainable packaging has been the “speed gap” — the tendency for bio-materials to jam or tear on high-speed industrial lines. Argos has addressed this by ensuring its new materials run at the same speeds as conventional plastics on existing machinery.

“Future-proofing is about more than just the material; it’s about ensuring the supply chain remains efficient,” a company spokesperson stated. “By delivering films that require no hardware modifications, we allow growers to meet 2026 regulations overnight.”

The push toward paper and seaweed isn’t just a regulatory box-ticking exercise. Market data suggests that consumers now view paper-based packaging as a “premium” cue for freshness. By moving away from “cheap” plastics, retailers can better justify the value of organic and high-end produce, using the packaging as a physical extension of the brand’s sustainability claims.