Most growers show a lot of enthusiasm when choosing cartons, sleeves or even refrigerated containers. However, little attention is generally given when choosing SFK, yet they are the first line of protection for the flowers. This has resulted in growers losing many stems which should have turned into revenue. This was revealed by research carried out recently by this periodical.
In Kenya, there is a wide range of SFK available to growers and exporters from different suppliers. However, the reasons for selecting a specific type of SFK is not always clear. Pack rates and cost efficiency seem to be prevailing motives according to our research. The outcome, however, is not always what would be best for the flowers.
Growers Demands
Speaking to different pack house and production managers, they all agree that, you must use SFK while exporting flowers. They also agree that quality was the main determinant factor while choosing the right SFK. However, very few seemed to understand the different characteristics of SFK to establish whether they are getting the right quality in the first place. To be correctly designed, SFK should have suitable dimensions; means of ventilating; securing and cushioning the product; and any other necessary protective features. To understand the right choice of an SFK, we asked, what do flowers undergo in the cold chain? The study showed flowers undergo serious mechanical, physical and chemical stresses.
Characteristics of a Good SFK.
The cumulative nature of these stresses on the product have repercussions on the package durability. A number of factors namely heat, cold, humidity (water vapour in the air), dampness (water in a liquid state) and desiccation (lack of water or humidity) must be considered before one purchases the right SFK. The long series of road, air and sometimes sea or rail transport connections, involving handling before and after each phase, and often with intermediate stages of warehousing or cold storage should also be considered.
The SFK is the first foreign contact the flower has so it should be able to absorb humidity released from respiration of flowers, maintain shape and form of the flowers and ensure wrapping works as a protective agency from pressures.
Kenyan rose growers are increasingly supplying their flowers directly to the customers, hence the demand for quality SFKs in Kenya is on the rise. This matter has been investigated deeply by Mr Parit Shah of Silpack Industries Limited, and the following two elements have emerged as pre-requisites for good quality SFK:
- Correct choice of paper
- High performance adhesive
Having established the benchmark for the right quality of ingredients, Silpack went further to develop the SFK further to make it perform better in the cold chain and be used as a marketing platform.
Moisture Defensive SFK
Silpack acknowledges that vase life is fundamental to the grower and believes that the industry has exciting times ahead. SFK is now available, enhanced with a moisture defensive coating to ensure the rigidity and robustness of the SFK during long transit. Instead of using water repellent additives in the traditional method, which has proved to be detrimental as it allowed moisture to remain in contact with the petals, Silpack has an innovative method of adding this technology, which is food grade, to the SFK without affecting the flowers.
Printed SFK
Further innovation has been achieved in printing the SFK in full colour and allowing it to be used as a marketing platform for growers who are increasingly finding their products being sent to the end users in the same packaging that left the farm. Brand sensitivity is increasing and this is another value added service Silpack has brought to the market.
Conclusion
Growers need to differentiate between the various materials used in manufacturing of SFK. In the Kenyan market, E-flute is the smallest pitch with B-flute average and C-Flute with the highest pitch. Secondly, use of virgin paper will behave far better than recycled paper.
Finally, the right grammage of paper used results in better SFK performance. However, growers must be careful of some cheaper recycled material SFK in the market as they are vulnerable to moisture due to their composition.
Before purchasing SFK, growers must put into consideration their markets as they determine the strength. They must also ensure the SFK has undergone control tests for short term needs and field tests for long term needs. The impact on the product and the freight costs should also be put into consideration.
Silpack created a paradigm shift in the sector through the SoliQ Air brand of boxes which are specifically designed for the floriculture industry. These cartons were the first purpose built cartons that gave superior performance and weight savings to its users.
Silpack now extends that understanding and innovation to SFK. The SFK is designed and manufactured in Kenya with the printing done at their Likoni Rd facility.