Shelley Page shares her insights on net bags, automation, and the future of onion packaging. Together with Simon Ainscough, Shelley Page leads NNZ UK. With 35 years of experience in net packaging at NNZ, Shelley has built extensive knowledge of the onion and fresh produce market and has seen the packaging industry change over the years.

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Today, NNZ specialises in net packaging, supporting customers with packaging solutions for onions and other fresh produce applications.

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How has the onion packaging market changed over the years?
“Automation has been the biggest change. Packing lines today operate much faster and more efficiently than they did years ago. Packaging specifications have therefore become much more precise. Customers expect consistent performance and packaging that works smoothly within automated processes.

At the same time, sustainability has become increasingly important throughout the supply chain.”

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Why do net bags remain so important for onions?
“Net bags continue to offer several practical advantages for onions. Ventilation remains one of the key benefits. Good airflow helps maintain onion quality during storage and transport. Another important factor is the balance between packaging and product visibility. Net packaging offers a strong product-to-packaging ratio, allowing consumers to clearly see the onions while using relatively little packaging material. That combination of product visibility, ventilation and efficient material usage continues to make net bags an effective solution for onion packaging. Net bags also remain efficient on automated filling lines and offer flexibility in pack sizes.”

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What makes a high-quality onion net bag?
“A strong net bag is about much more than appearance. Yarn quality, mesh structure, strength and machine compatibility all play an important role. Even small specification differences can have an operational impact. Consistency is critical. Customers need packaging they can rely on every single day.”

What makes NNZ strong in net packaging?
“At NNZ, we combine market knowledge with many years of packaging experience. We understand the challenges customers face in daily operations and work closely together to find solutions that support efficiency, product quality and sustainability. That practical and long-term approach is something customers value.”

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What keeps the work interesting after 35 years?
“The market continues to evolve, and that is what makes the work so interesting. Over the years, I have seen major changes in automation, sustainability requirements and customer expectations. At the same time, every customer and every packing operation remains different. There is never one standard solution. I still enjoy working closely together with customers and understanding their daily challenges. Small packaging adjustments can sometimes make a big difference in efficiency, product protection, or machine performance. That combination of practical problem-solving, long-term relationships, and continuous market developments is what continues to motivate me after 35 years.”

© Royal NNZFor more information:
Royal NNZ Group
Tel: +31 (0) 50 5207801
Email: [email protected]
www.nnz.com