NNZ Announces Sustainable Partnerships to Produce Innovative Q-Bic Packaging Solutions

Groningen, Netherlands / Lawrenceville, Georgia – NNZ Inc., a global leader in packaging solutions for fresh produce, proudly announces strategic partnerships with CKF Inc. and Stackpack/Halopack in Europe to expand the production of the Q-Bic tray in sustainable fiber and paperboard formats.

This initiative has been made possible through a grant awarded to NNZ by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the USDA and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR), which supports and accelerates innovation in sustainable packaging for the fresh produce industry.

The Q-Bic tray, developed by Smart Packaging Industries, is an award-winning, modular packaging concept designed for fresh produce. Its stackable cube-shaped design optimizes logistics, enabling up to 30% more product per pallet compared to conventional trays. This results in fewer truckloads, reduced fossil fuel usage, and a measurable reduction in carbon footprint—making Q-Bic a sustainable choice in fiber, paperboard, RPET, or PET formats.

“Q-Bic was created with sustainability at its core,” said Patrick Boot, CEO of NNZ. “By collaborating with partners like CKF and Stackpack/Halopack, we are ensuring that Q-Bic continues to evolve with materials that meet both environmental goals and industry functionality.”

CKF Inc., with contact Shannon Boase (formerly of Earthcycle), brings decades of expertise in molded fiber packaging solutions, leveraging renewable and compostable materials. Their contribution will enable a fiber-based Q-Bic tray with strong end-of-life circularity.

Stackpack/Halopack, led by Ronald Zwaga, specializes in paperboard packaging with barrier functionality, offering an innovative alternative to plastic trays while ensuring food safety and shelf life.

The program also provided NNZ with a seasoned industry mentor, Tony Freytag, founder of Crunch Pak, the company that pioneered sliced apple snacks in North America. Freytag’s entrepreneurial insights and deep industry knowledge will guide NNZ as it brings Q-Bic to market in the U.S. produce sector.

“Tony’s experience in building a category from the ground up is invaluable,” said Steve Greenfield, Director of Sales & Marketing for NNZ. “His mentorship will help ensure Q-Bic succeeds in both sustainability and market adoption.”

With these partnerships, NNZ reaffirms its mission of functional sustainability: creating packaging solutions that reduce food waste, lower emissions, and align with evolving regulatory and consumer demands.

About NNZ Inc.
Founded in 1922, NNZ is an international packaging specialist for fresh produce and industrial markets. Headquartered in Groningen, the Netherlands, and with operations in over 50 countries, NNZ develops and supplies innovative, sustainable packaging solutions that balance functionality, economics, and environmental responsibility.

For more information on Q-Bic, visit Q-Bic™ Tray | NNZ United States or https://www.q-bicpackaging.com

Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.