Why businesses use net films when transporting horticulture products
Producers and distributors across the horticulture sector need to ensure the valuable live produce they are transporting remains alive and in optimum condition.
The packaging products they use can support this – ensuring the security and longevity of goods like plants, flowers and bulbs while also supporting safety across the supply chain.
Businesses across the horticultural, agricultural and food sectors use net film as it allows produce to ‘breathe’. The perforated film ensures organic materials like plants can access sunlight, air and water while being moved or stored, and that food or animal feed can be packaged fresh.
How do net films work?
Net films work by wrapping securely around trays or trolleys of goods, preventing them from coming loose during transit.
The perforated film is specially manufactured to ensure it maintains its integrity, strength and tear-resistance even when stretched and applied to loads, so stems, branches, buds or leaves cannot tear through or be ripped or broken themselves.
Net films can be applied manually or by machine, depending on the volume of goods needing to be protected. The film is tacky on one side, clinging to itself to stay securely in place.
What produce can net films be used with?
Net films can be used for the transportation of flowers, plants, animal feed, food, and personal care items.
Net film is used by manufacturers of food, horticultural and agricultural items, and personal care items.
It supports the safe transportation of:
- Goods which need to breathe – such as flowers or plants
- Produce which is packaged hot or fast frozen – such as soaps, beverages, vegetables and other foods
- Materials which could be affected by heat or condensation during transportation – such as goods being shipped in containers
What are the benefits of transporting horticultural produce using net film?
Provides protection
Net film protects flowers and plants from external factors and internal stresses. By wrapping around a trolley of goods, net film provides protection to the whole load, preventing items from coming loose or being knocked during transit. And by allowing for the movement of air it ensures the flower or plant can breathe, to prevent wilting.
Improved ventilation
Perforated plastic net film allows for ventilation, preventing products from becoming too hot and stopping condensation from forming. It also ensures plants continue to access air, light and water while being stored or transported.
Load stability & security
By ensuring reliable holding forces for goods being transported, net film supports safety in the supply chain. It can also maintain the integrity of other packaging – by preventing condensation, paper-based products like cardboard don’t become damp and lose strength, for example.
Temperature regulation
Net film allows heat to escape or prevents it from building up around produce. For the food sector, net film can also allow for improved freezing times of fast frozen foods, delivering fresher goods for consumers.
Cost-effective
Able to be pre-stretched or stretched up to 250%, net film can be an efficient and cost-effective packaging product.
Sustainability
By keeping products alive and lowering damage rates, net film prevents unnecessary waste to support sustainability.
It also uses only around half of the film usually required, lowering packaging weights and plastic use overall. Made using 30% recycled content, MorsaNet net film is also compliant with the requirements of the plastic packaging tax.
Interested in using net film? Enquire with us today
For guidance on horticultural packaging solutions, contact us today.
Frequently asked questions about using net film with horticultural products
Why is packaging important in horticulture?
Specialist packaging like net film is important because it maintains the shelf life and integrity of flowers, plants and bulbs.
It will protect plants, preventing them from being knocked, coming loose, or becoming dislodged or damaged as they are transported or stored, while also letting light, air and water in to sustain the life of organic produce.
What other sectors benefit from or use net film when transporting products?
Net film is also used by food producers, drinks manufacturers and manufacturers of personal care or industrial cleaning items. In the food and drink sector, it prevents condensation from building up around fruit or vegetables, keeping it fresher for longer.
It can also be applied to products which are fast frozen or hot when packaged, like frozen peas, canned soups or soaps.
