Oji Fibre Solutions, a global producer of market pulp, paper and fibre-based packaging is confident of success in the newly established Australian market, saying they are committed to growing within the region.

"We are really showing a differentiator in the box market," Queensland Sales Manager, Jason Cairns-Lawrence said. “Using the fibres that are sourced from our New Zealand mills, we have a variance of grades and flute combinations that are unique to Oji alongside sustainably sourced fibres that provide a carton into the horticulture sectors."

While the companys headquarters are in Tokyo, the majority of the operations are based in New Zealand, wher it is one of the key manufacturers of kraft pulps, packaging papers and a range of packaging products for local and global markets. The company was one of the exhibitors at the recent Australian Banana Industry Congress on the Gold Coast.

"Bananas, mangoes and avocados are our target produce sectors (within the horticulture sector), and we want to show to growers that we can get the products to market in the same condition that they left the farm," Mr Cairns-Lawrence said. "We chose those products mainly because of volume. As the supply chain becomes more complicated, there will be more challenges for the fruit whether that be weight, or moisture content, or high humidity, the fibres we use become a differentiator for us in the market. The high virgin content of pinus radiata fibres are really strong in these types of application."

The fibres are sourced from the companys forestry in the North Island in New Zealand, which provides ideal growing conditions, and Mr Cairns-Lawrence says pinus radiata is one of the hardest soft-woods available.

"It gives a really strong bind, and a really strong resistance to moisture, and a strength that is really suitable for the applications in horticulture, and meat as well," he said. "Were here (in Australia) to break the duopoly in carton manufacturing. We are here long term, and every dollar we make in Australia and New Zealand stays in that country. There will be further investments coming through in the future."

Oji Fibre Solutions has patented and branded cardboard packaging to hold an array of fruits, vegetables and flowers, including DEFOR®, PLB® and CORRUCAP™. The company also produces a range of other products including paper bags, specialty boards and paper cups for numerous industries in horticulture, dairy, meat, beverage, seafood, reseller and industrial manufacturing. Prepress services are also available, such as packaging design, post print and preprint cases and labels.