These days, you can dress to impress, but it’s the stuff you are made of that truly speaks to value. Yes, we are talking about packaging, but please apply where you would like. As the nature of the fresh produce game changes, so do the demands on packaging’s evolution and, today, sustainability reigns supreme. From design to material or the branded end-design for suppliers, the vision behind our industry’s finest can be found on the shelves of retailers and at the consumer’s counter across the globe. Here are some different takes on sustainable packaging this season...
“Through our Stand-Up Combo pouch bag, brands can customize their packaging program to exemplify their sustainability mission. This packaging format features non-laminated polyethylene paired with our signature Fox Fresh Mesh, which directly contributes to extended shelf-life through superior ventilation to combat food waste. This design is recyclable through store drop-off programs and customers have the option to feature the How2Recycle® label to showcase their leadership in environmental mindfulness. Convenient and compatible with automation solutions, this pouch bag is manufactured with 25 percent less energy.”
“Yerecic Label is proud to introduce SustainLabel!® in support of our customers’ packaging sustainability initiatives. This product is a recycling friendly, pressure-sensitive labeling solution for PET clamshells designed to improve recyclers’ yield of rPET flakes. SustainLabel! provides multiple material options to meet the challenges of the fresh perimeter’s unique supply chain and drive circular packaging design from concept to shelf.”
“We are excited to offer CLAF Bio Fabric™ to complement the Volm packaging portfolio. CLAF Bio Fabric contains 96 percent biobased content, specifically derived from sugarcane, a highly renewable resource. Not only is it made with a substantial reduction in fossil fuels, but it is also compatible with the current polyethylene recycle stream, providing an additional marketing advantage for growers and packers. CLAF Bio Fabric is available on many common package styles.”
“With sustainability at the top of everyone’s mind, this is an innovative solution that allows the entire package, including both the tray and now the film, to be 100 percent recyclable. Our packaging also maximizes shelf-life, helping to limit trips to supermarkets for consumers, which of course is an added benefit at this time.”
“Changing package dimensions or making creative supply chain improvements can be as environmentally beneficial as changing packaging material. Georgia-Pacific’s Packaging Systems Optimization (PSO®) team worked with Taylor Farms to adjust its corrugated box, maintaining the same cubic volume in a taller format that allows 20 percent more product to be shipped on each pallet. Fewer trucks and less fuel are needed, improving environmental performance and saving nearly $1.3 million.”
With such diverse feedback from our industry friends, it seems that the possibilities to make fresh produce packaging more sustainable are endless. In today’s world, it is not a question of whether or not your operations are sustainable, but instead a question of how you are maximizing your resources to become more sustainable.
Take it from us: This is one trend that you can count on to sustain. 
