Sustainability
Concern about climate change is real for consumers surveyed by The Packer. Close to 70% of consumers polled rated addressing climate change as very important to their overall sustainability priorities.
Consumers believe that either the government or consumers should lead and promote sustainability efforts.
According to The Packer’s 2022 Sustainability Insights Survey, 50% of retailers reported that sustainability was a primary priority and 21% said it was a secondary priority.
At The Packer’s recent Sustainable Produce Summit, panelists explored the key challenges facing the industry in its quest for packaging solutions that reduce waste.
Driscoll’s and industry partners have announced the winners of the Agricultural Plastics Innovation Challenge.
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.
Three out of four consumers surveyed by The Packer say efforts to consider food waste are important.
The produce industry is embracing sustainable packaging as a way to help protect the environment while meeting consumer demand for Earth-friendly products.
As a Conservation Steward with America’s Conservation Ag Movement, Javier Zamora is determined to help share tools and lessons he has learned with a new generation of farmers.
Sustainability has benefits in production and in marketing, growers say.
Consumer demand for sustainable produce packaging has never been stronger, despite differing opinions on what the term “sustainable” actually means, says John Paap, brand and packaging manager at Jac Vandenberg.
Ketos says its Shield solution will provide Kalera with lab-accurate water quality data to support crop yield and manage nutrient concentration, while creating water reuse efficiencies.
Better tracking and ease of use/recycling the units could speed RPC growth, says Peter Shore, vice president of product management for Calavo Grown Sales.
Del Monte Zero is slated to hit stores in early 2023 and will be the first certified carbon neutral and sustainably grown pineapple from Fresh Del Monte.
Some of those include environmental social governance (ESG) goals, automation and technology, says Jon Brooks, vice president of retail sales for IFCO.
Reusable Packaging Containers (RPCs) supplier IFCO has released its 2022 ESG Report and shares progress on its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy to thrive in the circular economy.
The Newport Beach, Calif.-based company offers consumers creative ways to stretch their food dollar using potato peels.
The achievement marks a major milestone in the company’s long-term vision to reshape the world’s food system for the health of the planet and the well-being of people, according to the company.
Dublin-based Dole plc has released its first sustainability report since the 2021 merger of Total Produce plc and Dole Food Co.
Reducing food waste isn’t just good for the produce industry’s bottom line, it also helps combat food insecurity and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
The Union City, Calif.-based plastic produce packaging company is transitioning both of its manufacturing facilities to solar energy in 2023, with the first going live in the first half of 2023.
The Sayreville, N.J.-based company’s newest manufacturing facility in Texas is already developing exclusively PFAS-free packaging products for the North American market and beyond.
Highlights include having 95% of the cooperative’s member orchards in its stewardship program report using efficient micro-irrigation systems, nearly two times the rate found in other California crops.
Profitability and efficiency are big drivers for growers evaluating conservation-based farming practices. Each farmer who spoke at the Trust In Food Symposium said they have adopted at least one such practice, to date.
The analysis outlines the company’s response to challenges posed by climate change and how it prioritized efforts that improved soil health and supported farming partners’ transition to more regenerative practices.
CKF Inc. has launched two operations to help grow the sustainable packaging market, making moves at its Rexdale, Ontario, facility in December 2022 and its plant in Langley, British Columbia, in January 2023.
Natural Grocers has released its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report for fiscal year 2022, which outlines current practices as well as investments made in the previous year.
Reusable Packaging Container (RPC) provider IFCO delivered over 2 billion reusable packaging shipments of fresh produce, meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, bread, and other fresh grocery products in 2022.
The USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced an investment of $70 million in sustainable agricultural projects that integrate research, education and extension efforts.
The USDA said the former vice president will be an opening keynote speaker at the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Summit, set for May 8-10 in Washington, D.C.