Fresh Express ups sustainability outcomes
Fresh Express has recently adopted the use of reduced-gauge corrugate to circumvent shortages and also contribute to increased sustainability, says company Vice President Fabian Pereria.
“At Fresh Express, we are always seeking new and inventive ways to address our ongoing sustainability priorities,” Pereria said in a news release. “And given the amount of corrugate required for our operations over time, even moderate reductions can have significant impact.”
Fresh Express works across all operations to make a positive environmental impact in how the company grows, processes, packages and ships each product, he said in the release.
Fresh Express farmers use soil health best practices of no-till, crop rotation, drought resilient seeds, yield improvement, and soil and water retention, along with others to conserve and build the soil ecosystem, he said in the release. The company also works closely with energy providers to source more from renewal sources, including the use of solar in fields to power machinery and multiple operations. In fresh-cut plants, one-third of fluorescent bulbs have already been replaced to date with energy-friendly LED, according to the release.
In transportation, Fresh Express requires contracted carrier fleets to use updated and fuel-efficient equipment, and a majority also participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency SmartWay program to reduce carbon emissions, the release said.
Fresh Express also works upstream with vendors and across all five regional manufacturing centers to reduce the amount of waste materials coming into and being generated by facilities, invests in reusable containers, and executes a proactive recycling program, according to the release.
