Leveling up apple and pear packaging
Yakima, Wash.-based grower-shipper Superfresh Growers has introduced an apple and pear fruit bag made from post-consumer recycled plastic.
Post-consumer recycled plastic is made from things people recycle daily, like plastic bottles, milk jugs and other bags. Superfresh’s new PCR packaging is sourced from U.S. recycling centers, can be continuously recycled, is SGS Global Services certified and FDA food-contact approved, according to a news release.
This initiative represents one of many efforts by Superfresh Growers to reduce its ecological footprint and conserve resources, the release said, adding that the cost of these bags is comparable to a bag made from 100% virgin plastic.
“The PCR bag was an idea we formed a couple of years ago — we wanted a solution that could utilize recycled plastic resin and give it new life. As more products utilize PCR, it will help generate a market for that recycle stream, driving demand and increasing recycling rates,” Tyler Weinbender, Superfresh Growers director of sustainability and packaging, said in the release.
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The project closed one of the last recyclability gaps for Superfresh Growers, according to the release.
“There were hurdles, but our local printer was aligned with our concept and helped make it a reality,” Weinbender said. “We are already using recycled corrugate in our boxes and pulp trays, as well as PET in our cherry and berry clamshells, so the PCR bag fits nicely into our sustainable packaging goals.”
Weinbender said the landscape of sustainable packaging options is extensive and, in some cases, misleading. Companies must be vigilant to ensure they invest in technologies that advance sustainability goals, he added.
“We’ve seen a handful of new paper packaging options for apples recently but ultimately found that they require more energy and water and have a higher carbon footprint than monofilm bags. Additionally, we can minimize freight emissions by partnering with our local printers. Roughly two-thirds of our bags are made right here in Central Washington State — something I’m really proud of,” Weinbender said.
The Superfresh Growers PCR bag can be recycled through current plastic bag and film recycling streams, such as in-store drop-off. As this design is added to its packaging lineup, Superfresh Growers is excited for continued growth in packaging sustainability and carbon footprint reduction, according to the release.
