Silafrica Leads in Embrace of Packaging Trends in Horticultural Exports

A Conversation with Joyce Wambua- Business Development Officer at Silafrica.

Silafrica is a leading global manufacturer of packaging products that are diversely curated to fit consumer needs. This satisfaction of market demands through well-curated designs has seen the company soar in the packaging space, reaffirming its slogan of ‘We make Packaging Roar’. 

In a conversation with Ms. Joyce Wambua, Business Development Officer at Silafrica, we delve further into Silafrica’s visions and journey in the Kenyan space amidst global emerging challenges. She reveals that their solutions embody the slogan as they are ‘king’ in packaging with emerging technologies and innovations.

“Our foldable crates aren’t just another packaging solution – they’re a comprehensive answer to the key challenges in the export business. From reducing costs to improving sustainability and efficiency, these crates can transform your operations,” she adds. 

Q1: The horticultural export business involves significant transportation costs. How do Silafrica’s crates, particularly the foldable ones, address this challenge?

Joyce: Transportation costs are indeed one of the biggest challenges for exporters. At Silafrica our foldable crates are specifically designed to tackle this issue head-on with specificities like the ability to be folded when empty.  This means you can fit significantly more crates in a single shipment when returning them empty which enables recycling hence sustainability. In addition, this is an added advantage as it reduces your freight costs. For instance, where you might have needed three trucks to transport empty traditional crates, you might now only need one with our foldable solution.

Q2: Quality is crucial in horticultural exports. At times Consumers ask how can be sure these plastic crates will protect their produce during long-distance transportation.

Joyce: This is an eligible concern for the consumers in consideration of their product’s safety. However, a case we anticipate as we create the foldable crates thus the use of high-quality, durable plastic specifically designed to withstand the rigors of international shipping. Our product provides consistent protection against compression and impact, ensuring your produce arrives in pristine condition. Unlike traditional packaging solutions, the use of foldable will be long-term saving the consumer extras for consistent purchases.  

Q3: I’ve heard about sustainability becoming increasingly important in international markets. How do these crates align with environmental considerations?

Joyce: As touched on earlier, at Silafrica these crates are predetermined to be fully eco-friendly before creation, including aspects of reusability and recyclability, making them an environmentally conscious choice. We urge consumers to transition from single-use packaging to our durable crates as a step to reducing waste and joining the environmentally conscious actors growing globally in international markets. This can give you a competitive edge, especially in European markets where actions to meet ESG are increasingly becoming a requirement rather than just a preference.

Q4: Let’s say for a case when storage space is limited in a facility, how will the client be able to store all these crates within their space for re-use?

Joyce: I love the question because this is where the uniqueness of our foldable crates elevates us. When not in use, they can be folded flat, requiring minimal storage space to as little as a stack of folded crates taking up about 20% of the space needed in comparison to the traditional rigid crates. This means you can maintain a larger fleet of crates without getting limitations due to warehouse space.

Q5: Well considering the costs of the initial investment, how do these crates justify their upfront cost compared to easily available traditional packaging solutions?

Joyce: Surprising enough, the foldable crates cost just as much as cardboard cartons. The return on investment however is much higher. Considering that one will be able to save on recurring packaging purchases, reduce product damage rates, cut transportation costs through efficient space utilization, and potentially command better prices from buyers who value sustainable packaging. Our clients at Silafrica typically report a 30-40% reduction in their overall packaging-related costs within the first year hence our longevity standing the test of time.

Q6: How do these crates handle varying produce sizes and types?

Joyce: Our foldable crates come in various sizes and configurations (4Kg, 5Kg, and 10Kg) to accommodate different types of produce. The design includes ventilation slots to maintain optimal product freshness, while the sturdy construction ensures that even heavier produce can be safely stacked. Whether you’re exporting delicate herbs or sturdy vegetables, the crates can be adjusted to fit your specific needs.

Q7: What about maintenance and durability? How long can I expect these crates to last?

Joyce: With proper handling, our foldable crates typically last for several years of regular use. They’re designed to withstand repeated folding and unfolding extreme temperatures, and regular washing. We also provide maintenance guidelines and support to help you maximize usage capability. The durability of these crates means you’ll spend less time and money replacing damaged packaging.

Q8: How long would it take to effectively adopt these crates into existing business operations?

Joyce: The transition is guaranteed to be seamless since we get to provide comprehensive training for your team on proper handling and maintenance. The capacity-building steps ensure that the workers understand the know-how of the folding mechanism within minutes. We also offer a phased implementation approach by providing small minimum order quantities, allowing you to gradually integrate the crates into your operations while maintaining business continuity.

Q9: What is next for the client after purchasing the products, is there a warranty or renewal after purchasing these crates?

Joyce: We believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients through our support, including initial training, ongoing technical assistance, and regular check-ins to ensure they’re getting the maximum benefit from the investment. We also have a dedicated team ready to address any concerns that might arise. I’ll urge our clients to think of us as their partners in optimizing their export operations and obtaining optimal results. 

In conclusion, Joyce stressed understanding the challenges faced by horticultural exporters and complexities, they have factored that into their products offering satisfactory results. 

“I invite you to visit our facilities and see firsthand how our solutions can benefit your business. Let’s work together to optimize your supply chain and grow your export success,” said Joyce.