Laser etching on mangoes eliminates plastic stickers in Europe

Westfalia Fruit, a multinational fresh produce supplier, has introduced laser-etched mangoes as part of its sustainability efforts. The initiative, launched by its operations in the Netherlands, aims to eliminate the need for plastic price look-up (PLU) stickers on individual fruits.

The development follows extensive testing to ensure the etching process preserves both the fruit's quality and shelf life. Customer feedback on the laser-etched mangoes has been largely positive, and Westfalia plans to expand this approach across Europe.

The initiative underscores Westfalia’s commitment to combining innovation with sustainable practices in fresh produce packaging.

Mathijs Benard, Head of Operations Central Europe who joined the Netherlands-based team in March this year and who has been heavily collaborating with the German operations team, says: Since joining Westfalia, my focus has been on improving collaboration and efficiency. The introduction of laser etching, which is almost like a tattoo on the mango, has been an exciting project. Not only does it make the fruit stand out in-store, but it also has the potential to save up to 10 million plastic stickers a year. What we can laser on the fruit is only limited by our imagination and customer needs. Currently, we are etching the fruit origin, customer branding, and product reference.

The project reflects a collaboration between Westfalia’s teams in the Netherlands and Germany. Known for its expertise in avocados, the company’s production facilities in Poeldijk also provide year-round packing services for a variety of vegetables, including sprouts and capsicums.