Sorma Group, a technical partner for fresh produce operators in post-harvest processing and packaging, unveiled a major innovation in net packaging at the 32nd edition of Fruit Logistica. The solution combines sustainability, strength, recyclability and operational efficiency in a single format.
On the occasion of the Berlin trade fair, the company presented Sorma Clipless, a packaging solution made entirely from a single plastic material. Its key innovation lies in the elimination of metal clips while offering greater strength than existing plastic alternatives on the market, which are typically heavier and more expensive.
The mono-material structure (net and label made from the same HDPE-2 polymer) simplifies both end-of-life waste management and packing operations. From an environmental and social standpoint, Sorma Clipless also encourages responsible consumer behaviour by allowing the entire packaging to be disposed of in the plastic recycling stream without the need to separate components made of different materials, thereby improving the packaging’s real circularity.
At the same time, the innovation delivers significant operational benefits during the packing phase. The absence of metal closures or additional accessories frees operators from managing and replacing consumables and allows the packing machine to achieve higher productivity, reaching up to 30 packs per minute. This results in a more continuous packing process and greater ease of use.
Versatility across products and pack sizes
The solution is also extremely versatile and robust, making it suitable for packing a wide range of fruit and vegetable products, with formats ranging from 500 g to 3 kg, while maintaining functionality and presentation quality comparable to traditional packaging.
In addition, Sorma Clipless offers increased space for communication: the label’s graphic area can be extended up to 160 mm in length, allowing full customisation to enhance brand and product visibility at the point of sale.
For those requiring even more communication space or a different design solution (for example, incorporating a handle), a version with “clip-to-clip tape” is also available. The nets can be produced in different colours, ensuring a strong visual impact aligned with the brand identity of the user company.
An innovation designed for Europe with global potential
“The innovation was developed for the European market, where growing attention to environmental sustainability and the simplification of packaging processes represent a key competitiveness factor,” says Mario Mercadini, Marketing Director at Sorma Group. “However, its application is not limited to this geographical area. The technical and functional features of the packaging make it potentially suitable for all international markets that share similar needs for efficiency, recyclability and reduced environmental impact.”
Founded in 1973, Sorma Group is currently the only industrial group in the world capable of providing a complete turnkey solution, supplying the entire range of machinery required to automatically sort, weigh and pack fresh produce, together with the technical materials needed to create any packaging format.
The company offers more than 160 models of automatic machines, protected by 60 patents developed entirely by an in-house team of 35 engineers. Over 30 fresh produce categories can be sorted and packaged with maximum precision and reliability, meeting the increasingly stringent requirements of modern retail chains.
The Group operates through subsidiaries in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Turkey, the Netherlands, the United States and Brazil, supported by a global network of more than 40 specialised distributors.
