The launch of the fit2size® brand follows the installation of a state-of-the-art Universal UniFold 220 high speed line for the production of Fanfold corrugated packaging in Alizay, France to be supplied across Europe. The creation of a strong figurative brand for Fanfold underpins the ambition of the group and its belief in the bright futureof Fanfold solutions.

fit2size® works towards the elimination of void fill, spacers and fillers and helps to produce exact-size corrugated packaging on demand, stock keeping unit (SKU) reduction, and limits manual handling and forming.

Pierre Macharis, CEO of VPK Group, explains the decision to significantly invest in a new product line: “We want our future corrugated plant in Alizay to be one of the most sustainable in the market. Our fit2size® Fanfold sheets will be made of green energy paper from our paper mill located in the same circular economy hub in Alizay. We believe that our Fanfold solutions will therefore be the greenest packaging solution for e-commerce and logistics, fanfold being by nature a sustainable product, through the elimination of wasted space and void fill in packaging boxes.”

Philippe Tran, Managing Director of VPK France describes how the brand was created: “We wanted a pan-European brand with a strong affiliation to the VPK brand identity and an eco-friendly appeal that combines space saving with void fill reduction. 

He adds: “With the growth in e-commerce and the increasing consumer awareness about oversized boxes and packaging waste, fit2size® meets these requirements. Our Fanfold range completes our product offeringfor all e-fulfilment packaging needs. From the application of tear tape for easy opening of packs or double-sided tape for e-commerce returnable boxes. But also producing automated bottom-lid boxes, brand differentiation and packaging personalisation with our HD-flexo and high-quality digital printing techniques are among the possibilities."

The development of fit2size® in Alizay meets European demands for Fanfold - especially in France where supply is limited. Philippe Tran explains: “We are also targeting adjacent countries like the UK and the Benelux region, where VPK has a strong position in corrugated packaging. Our plant in Alizay is perfectly located to export to those countries. This investment will definitely strengthen the position of VPK in France and beyond. Fanfold operations are foreseen to start in November this year.” 

The Fanfold corrugated board is fed into customised 3D parcel forming machines - such as those developed by Sparck Technologies, CMC Machinery, Packsize, Panotec or LCR Group - to meet the needs of each order. 

To further develop fit2size® VPK has appointed Fernando de Almeida as Business Development Director to increase sales across Europe. He joins the company with a wealth of experience in Fanfold products and production equipment.

About Fanfold corrugated packaging

Corrugated Fanfold is a continuous length of corrugated sheet that has been accordion-folded into a stack and scored to fit customer’s exact specifications. Fanfold can be sized in different widths. The folds are commonly every 1150mm to achieve a maximum utilization of the trucks with the transport of the Fanfold stacks, while preventing damage of the stack during transport. It is an ideal solution for products of unusual lengths and shapes, as it allows manufacturers of multi-sized products a unique alternativeto multiple container sizes and usage. Fanfold is used on high-speed fully automatic machines typically for e-commerce which can produce over 1.000 boxes per hour out of Fanfold, or on lower input machines with manual erection of the box or wrap, commonly used for furniture, aluminium extrusion, tubing, or metal building. The Fanfold benefits are – and not limited to – the elimination of void fill, spacers and fillers, exact-size package produced on demand, sku reduction, and manual handling and forming reduction.