Oppy debuts sustainable sugarcane fiber KeeWee brand packs

The Oppenheimer Group is introducing a sustainable packaging for its KeeWee brand kiwifruit.

The packaging uses bagasse fibers, a byproduct of sugarcane production and is compostable, recyclable and printed with vegetable-based inks, according to a news release.

Oppy plans to use the new packaging from CanePak Paperboards starting with one-pound units of green kiwifruit.

CanePak uses an existing agricultural waste stream to make the packaging, and leverages consumer interest in sustainability; it can be compostable by consumers within four weeks under the right conditions, according to the release.

“Bagasse requires less chemical processing than tree-based pulp which means its environmental impact is reduced even further,” Cathie MacDonald, director of marketing services at Oppy, said in the release. “Oppy is dedicated to innovative packaging solutions that place the environment at the forefront of our work instead of as an afterthought, which is aligned with our ‘expect the world from us’ promise.” 

Oppy launched the KeeWee brand in 2016.

“Tree-Free packaging that aligns with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging that is recyclable, minimizes landfill waste, greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation,” Minto Roy, co-founder of CanePak Paperboards, said in the release.

Related stories:

Oppy adds How2Recycle label program

Oppy promotes four in marketing, exec roles

Oppenheimer has organic options