Packaging trends point to costs, sustainability

Packaging trends for Santa Maria-area shippers include a diverse set of expectations on rising costs, and sustainability.

Reusable plastic cartons likely will play a bigger role in the next few years, said Tom Cline, sales manager for Durant Distributing, Santa Maria, Calif.

“I see costs going up,” said Philip Adam, chief operating officer of Santa Maria-based Innovative Produce.

Grab-and-go packaging is one trend for A B Fresh Inc., said Tony Beltran, president of the Santa Maria-based company.

Sustainability and recyclable packaging are important themes for the next few years, said Roger Privett III, sales and business development manager for Santa Maria-based Main Street Produce, “Over the last year, we have switched to new material on our label that will release in the recycling process and allows our clamshells to be completely recycled,” Privett said.

“We are looking at other sustainably themed packaging and are excited to implement them as requested by our customers.”