Volm innovating with sustainable packaging

Volm Cos. will be exhibiting at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show assembling a team of its top professionals who hope to network, strengthen relationships with customers and suppliers, and participate in general and educational sessions and other events such as the Race for a Healthier World 5K.

“Owners and upper-level management will be present during the show to visit with current customers and supplier partners while the sales and marketing team members will be there to engage with visitors at the booth,” said Marsha Pozza, director of marketing for the Antigo, WI-based company.

Volm has been a key participant at IFPA for 36 years and understands that serving the fresh produce industry is a lifestyle and not just a job.

“We wake up each day energized and excited to be driving innovation in this area and we are so fortunate and blessed to be a part of this event and serve our valued customers across North America,” said Matt Alexander, Volm’s vice president of sales and marketing. “The IFPA show offers Volm an excellent opportunity to meet with both current and potential new customers and demonstrate to them that Volm clearly understands the issues facing fresh produce growers and packers.”

Volm will be at booth No. 4331, located in the Business Solutions segment alongside International Paper and across from The Wonderful Co.

“Visitors will see our entire portfolio of packaging options with an added focus this year on our line of sustainable products, an area where we are constantly innovating,” Pozza said. “These products include recyclable pouch bags, paper pillow packs, compostable closures and more.  There’ll be plenty of action around our equipment displays as we live demonstrate vertical bagging with paper, robotic packing into cases and robotic palletizing for a variety of package styles.”

The booth will also feature a scaled version of Wyma’s newest water treatment systems, the Micron Filter, with demonstrations on how the system filters dirty water from produce washing systems to provide clean, reusable water.

“Our strategy is simple: bring it all together and lay it out for all to see,” Alexander said. “We refer to ourselves as a total solution provider, or a one-stop-shop, for the consumables and equipment that growers, packers and shippers rely on. We also consider what are hot topics and what is trending today and ensure we have answers and solutions to those on-hand. There is a lot of correspondence prior to these shows across many departments via meetings and emails.  Planning for this show starts immediately following the current show.”

Among those hot topics expected to be bandied about the show floor are conversations on automation and sustainability.

Currently, Volm has over 10 products within its sustainability portfolio, from fully recyclable film/pouches to paper tray/sleeves, along with cellulose compostable netting and Close It Bio-Clips. It also has a new sustainable equipment solution, the Micron Filter, through its North American partnership with Wyma.

“We want to be the first name that growers, packers, shippers and retailers think of when they need a solution,” Pozza said. “Now with the environmental challenges the world is facing, being at the forefront of producing more eco-friendly packaging options is critical.”

Volm has got a great line-up of products, experience and industry knowledge and are ready to share it all with the attendees of the show.

“Our roots are deep in the fresh produce industry and we are blessed to have built and maintained strong relationships with so many people who also take part in this show,” Alexander said. “Volm serves customers from every region of North America, many of which attend or exhibit. Having everyone together gives us an opportunity to connect with our customers face-to-face and show them the latest and greatest in packaging and labor automation.”