Pescafácil replaces plastic trays with Solidus’ circular MAP packaging

“The Solidus Futurline® MAP tray stood out as a future-proof solution for our shrimp packaging, combining sustainability with high performance. This transition allows us to meet both customer demands and future regulations such as the PPWR.”
Luis Comella, President of the Board of Directors, Pescafácil

Situation:
Sustainable MAP packaging solution for shrimps to replace plastic trays

Pescafácil, a leading seafood supplier in Spain, is committed to providing high quality seafood products while maintaining sustainable business practices. Traditionally, the seafood industry has relied on plastic packaging, which is difficult to recycle. With only around 5% of the value of plastic packaging remaining in the economy, while the rest is discarded, there is a growing need for solutions that focus on recyclability, circular materials and wider sustainability issues such as carbon footprint and food loss and waste.

Increasing consumer and regulatory pressure for more sustainable packaging led Pescafácil to seek an alternative that would maintain product quality while significantly reducing its environmental footprint.

Pescafácil began working with Solidus when it was looking for a sustainable alternative for its shrimp packaging. This led them to Solidus’ Futurline® MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) trays, which are fully recyclable at the end of their life and are made from fibres that can be recycled up to 25 times before the fibres lose their strength.

Task:
Combining sustainability and customer needs

As part of its sustainability efforts, Pescafácil’s goal was to find a durable, fully recyclable and future-proof shrimp packaging solution without compromising on functionality. In addition, its largest distributors were actively seeking solutions that were in line with their own sustainability commitments. “Our customers, especially large distributors, were increasingly asking for packaging that was not only functional but also environmentally friendly,” said Luis Comella, President of the Board of Directors at Pescafácil.

Action:
Transition to Solidus’ MAP packaging

“We had already spoken to the Solidus sales managers before deciding on the packaging, but the Seafood Expo Global exhibition in Barcelona was decisive for us,” explains Luis Comella. “It gave us the opportunity to compare different packaging solutions and the Solidus Futurline® MAP packaging stood out as a future-proof solution. Sustainability played a key role in this decision, especially as one of Pescafácil’s main customers, a seafood distributor, was focused on reducing its environmental impact.”

In addition to sustainability, the Solidus Futurline® MAP trays offered another key advantage: the ability to print branding directly onto the packaging, eliminating the need for additional labels or sleeves. This not only increases brand visibility, but is also in line with Pescafácil’s commitment to reducing plastic waste.

Solidus supported Pescafácil throughout the transition, assisting with initial testing, machine adjustments and product validation. “Solidus demonstrated how the new MAP packaging could run on our existing machines with minor modifications, which made the transition very easy. The Solidus team was very helpful. They also demonstrated a strong knowledge of the Spanish and European markets, which was valuable for us as the largest supplier in Spain”.

Result:
New customers, stronger brand image and environmental leadership

The introduction of Solidus’ Futurline® MAP trays has reinforced Pescafácil’s reputation as an innovative and environmentally responsible company. At the same time, it has helped attract new customers, particularly larger seafood distributors looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The recyclability, branding opportunities and high performance of the trays make them a preferred choice.

The experts at Solidus helped Pescafácil to choose a future-proof solution that complies with the new PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation). Switching to the Futurline® packaging solution also gives Pescafácil the peace of mind that comes with being compliant with future regulations.

Pescafácil remains committed to providing solutions that meet evolving market demands and sustainability trends. “We see this as a commitment. We have to meet current demand, but we also believe in investing in solutions that future generations and EU regulations will require,” says Luis Comella.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, Pescafácil plans to explore further collaboration with Solidus, including evaluating a switch from EPS fish boxes to Solidus’ fibre-based packaging solutions. Pescafácil’s experience with Solidus shows that sustainability and business performance can go hand in hand, setting a benchmark for responsible packaging in the seafood industry.

“We would definitely recommend Solidus to other companies looking for sustainable packaging solutions. Solidus is a reliable partner that provides valuable support in optimising packaging solutions,” says Luis Comella. “With sustainability playing an increasingly important role in consumer and industry decisions, Solidus’ expertise has been instrumental in Pescafácil’s journey towards a more sustainable and circular future.”

Get in touch

Switch to Solidus MAP packaging, the environmentally friendly, fibre-based alternative to plastic packaging. Whether you need packaging for shrimp, fish or other seafood, our packaging solutions offer excellent durability, recyclability and branding opportunities.

Ready to make the change? Contact Solidus to explore sustainable seafood packaging that meets both market and regulatory demands.