Insights on onion packaging and automation

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 evolve significantly over the years.

Today, NNZ is recognised as a leading specialist in net packaging, supporting customers with practical and reliable packaging solutions for onions and other fresh produce applications.

In this interview, we zoom in on Shelley’s experience and view on the market.

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.”

Why do net bags remain so important for onions?
“Net bags continue to offer several important 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 very 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 a highly effective solution for onion packaging. Net bags also remain highly efficient on automated filling lines and offer flexibility in pack sizes.”

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 a major 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 practical 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 really value.”

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.”

Good packaging is built on experience, precision and understanding the customer’s process.

35 years of experience at NNZ