getting products from the field or factory onto the shelf has become so streamlined that the packaging used at source is exactly the same packaging consumers see on the supermarket shelf.one of the leaders in what is known as &ldquoretail ready&rdquo or &ldquoshelf ready&rdquo packaging is mpact, the paper and plastic packaging and recycling company.in the western cape, mpact&rsquos corrugated factories in epping and kuils river are major manufacturers of retail ready packaging for the fast moving consumer goods fmcg sector as well as being a significant partner the fruit industry.ralph von veh, md of mpact&rsquos corrugated division, says the company&rsquos customers need to reduce material usage and waste in line with cost pressures and legislative, environmental and sustainability goals.&ldquowhere it was originally just a functional form of secondary packaging for transporting finished goods, the corrugated box is now increasingly considered a primary packaging contender,&rdquo he says.von veh notes that the demand for environmentallyfriendly, lightweight packaging is driving packaging development, with cost control remaining a powerful force.typically made from corrugated board, solid fibre board or rigid plastics, rrp simplifies the process of refilling stock in supermarkets and enhances the shopping experience through selfcontained display boxes or trays.investments in new plant and machinery over several years have enabled mpact to produce retail ready packaging with high quality graphics and fullcolour printing. this simplifies product identification for consumers, while the easytoopen features appeal to store staff.mpact&rsquos corrugated division has a strong presence in the western cape with operations in epping and kuils river. it manufactures a comprehensive range of printed and unprinted converted products, including boards, which are used to manufacture corrugated packaging, corrugated boxes, diecut cases, folded glued cases, trays and point of sale displays.von veh explains that mpact provides fruit farmers in the western cape with lighter, stronger and more effective packaging which is not only better for handling purposes and enabling efficiencies for the farmer, but also contains costs.&ldquogood quality corrugated boxes are of utmost importance to fruit exporters. for example, some fruit gives off moisture which affects the properties of the packaging. this is critical when fruit is to be transported over long distances in containers under refrigeration,&rdquo says von veh.the plants are equipped to produce a range of corrugated products from standard boxes to diecut selflocking trays. all packaging is custommade to particular customer needs and can be printed as required on site.says von veh &ldquothe western cape is home to many important customers and mpact intends to maintain a leading market position in the province. we will continue to develop this position by focusing on investments in modern technology and training, customer relationship management and a decentralised operating structure to provide constant improvements to the products we supply.&rdquorelated items5,285 square metres of packaging, print and plasticshulamin containers exhibits at propak capepyrotec packmark launches three new printers at propak cape 2014propak cape to showcase latest products and innovationyour ally in closing, marking and coding 
