The market for packaging of cut flowers, cut herbs, and potted herbs is growing, and with it the importance of solutions that must both protect a delicate product and ensure appropriate presentation at the point of sale. In this area, Südpack is developing Planova, a PLA-based film intended for horticultural and floristry applications. The material is bio-based, biodegradable under industrial conditions and, according to the manufacturer, is distinguished by high transparency, gas permeability, and dimensional stability. The solution is aimed in particular at the production of tapered conical packaging, referred to as conical sleeves. According to forecasts by Kings Research, the global market for cut flower packaging is expected to grow from about USD 6 billion currently to more than USD 8.5 billion over the next six years. In Germany, more than two-thirds of all cut flowers are already sold in ready-made, prepacked bunches, mainly through food retail, garden centers, and gas stations. The global market for fresh potted and cut herbs is expanding just as dynamically, with the same sales channels dominating this segment.
Changes in market requirements
As Sdpack indicates, the industry must respond to restrictions on the use of conventional plastic films, the growing volume of packaging waste, and increasing interest in more environmentally responsible solutions. At the same time, demand is rising for packaging that will be able to meet the PPWR requirements scheduled to take effect from 2030.
Material properties and performance parameters
The Planova line is based on PLA made from renewable raw materials such as sugarcane or corn starch. According to the manufacturer, the use of such feedstock helps reduce the consumption of fossil resources, and bio-based plastics, when assessed across their full life cycle, can be an important element of more resource-efficient material choices. PLA is also compostable under industrial conditions.
Despite its low thickness, Planova film is intended to provide good dimensional stability, which is important during transport and handling operations. This is particularly relevant when packaging delicate blossoms, stems, and herbs that are exposed to breakage and mechanical damage. The films high transparency and gloss also allow full display of the product, its freshness, color, and quality. For this reason, the solution is positioned for premium flower packaging and organic herbs sold in supermarkets, garden centers, and florist shops.
An important feature of PLA is gas permeability resulting from the molecular structure of the material. In practice, this means that Planova films, unlike many other plastic films, do not require microperforation. This allows moisture removal and air circulation, which is intended to reduce the risk of rotting and helps maintain the freshness of delicate products for longer. The manufacturer also points out that, unlike paper, the material does not become soggy when placed in a bucket of water or during watering, so it retains its protective function and visual properties.
Supply range and applications
Planova films are available in thicknesses from 15 to 100 b5m and widths from 200 to 2300 mm. For conical sleeves used in horticulture and floristry, one of the options is a 25 b5m film which, despite its low thickness, is intended to offer very good dimensional stability. The material also features good printability, enabling customized designs for brand marking, variety identification, and consumer information.
In the presented application, Planova is positioned as a film for flower and herb packaging in which product protection, freshness retention, and attractive retail presentation are all important at the same time.
