Citrus net

Citrus fruit is the benchmark product for net. Oranges, mandarins and lemons are round, regular pieces packed in consumer formats, and that is where extruded polyethylene tubular net fits in terms of cost and application speed on a machine. Unlike loose potatoes or onions, where the strength of raschel net is what matters, with citrus the focus is on calibre, colour and line speed.

Colour is the decision that sells the most. Red is the standard in the Spanish citrus industry: on oranges it intensifies the warm tone and makes them look riper. Orange respects the real colour of the fruit and is preferred for export and premium formats, when the selling point is the variety. Yellow is the reference colour for lemons throughout Europe, and green for limes. The same red does not look the same on every variety, so it is worth testing the sample with the current season's fruit in front of you.

The width is adjusted to the diameter of the fruit and the weight of the final pack, and the mesh size so that the fruit neither slips out nor gets marked. As the calibre changes between seasons, the reliable approach is to measure the current fruit before finalising the format.

In a packhouse, net on reels feeding a netting machine is what brings down the cost per packed unit. The semi-automatic MEN110 reaches 40 nets per minute; the automatic MEL110, with a touch screen, works continuously; the REK 140 reaches 50 baskets per minute with a 5 x 0.35 mm strapping closure. The closure can carry a tag or label with your brand, and the net can be custom printed with a minimum quantity. If you export to markets with restrictions on plastic, there is compostable cellulose net.

We keep the most common colours and formats in stock, with delivery in 24-72 hours. At Fontanet Group, from Fraga (Huesca) and with a team of more than 30 years in the sector, we send you colour and calibre samples; the exact format and printed net are agreed with our sales team.