Sustainability and durability considerations are two reasons that reusable packaging containers (RPCs) can be an excellent packaging alternative, produce shippers say.
“When discussing sustainability measures, one of the first steps in combatting waste is to ‘re-use’ an item,” said Kaci Komstadius, consumer marketing manager at Sage Fruit Co., Yakima, Wash. “The whole point of an RPC is that it is in fact reusable, and not just reusable once, but reusable many times. Thus, reducing the number of master cartons going to recycling or ending up in a landfill. Additionally, they are strong master containers that do not breakdown easily, making them ideal for all climates.”
Compared with a decade ago, Komstadius said Sage Fruit has seen a slight increase in the number of retailers that are requesting RPCs for its products.
“As the push for more sustainable packaging options continues, RPCs could be a viable option for many retailers,” Komstadius said.
Peter Shore, vice president of product management for Calavo Grown Sales, said RPCs are an excellent alternative to cardboard cartons and can help cut waste.
“We pack into RPCs at our packing houses in Mexico and California and all U.S. loading/ripening locations,” Shore said.
With recycling in a closed loop, RPCs can save on packaging waste, Shore said.
“Fruit ripens well in RPCs and they have great airflow, which aids in the process,” he said. “RPCs ship and travel well, which helps protect the fruit in transit.”
Compared with a decade ago, more customers have moved to take all their produce items in RPCs, Shore said.
Looking ahead, Shore said there is reason to believe RPCs may continue to grow.
“Depending on the timeline, more customers may adopt RPCs and fully integrate them into their supply chains,” Shore said.
Better tracking and ease of use/recycling the units could speed RPC growth, he said.
