Westfalia Fruit USA to unveil zero-plastic packaging for avocados

Oxnard, Calif.-based Westfalia Fruit USA has recently launched a 100% plastic-free bagged avocado program in the U.S.

In conjunction with the package, the company has partnered with CIRT (Can I Recycle This), a recycling technology platform, according to the release.

Westfalia Fruit USA will showcase new sustainable packaging solutions for its avocados at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Innovations trade show and conference in Charlotte, N.C., according to the release.

According to NeilsenIQ, nearly 50% of shoppers want brands to take the lead on sustainable change that aligns with their values, the release said. The solutions-oriented packaging features TÜV-certified netting made of home-compostable cellulose-fiber yarns and paper-based film. Westfalia Fruit is also the first and only fresh produce company to partner with CIRT, a user-friendly QR code that gives real-time information on recyclability and home compostability of the packaging by ZIP code, the release said.  

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“At Westfalia, ‘to do good’ is at our core,” Raina Nelson, president and CEO of Westfalia Fruit USA, said in the release. “As a purpose-driven company, sustainable avocado production, plastic-free packaging and environmental protection are all especially important to our organization. We continue to invest in unique technology, such as CIRT’s innovative platform, and sustainable packaging in the United States and countries around the globe to do good for our customers, our shoppers and our planet.” 

Westfalia Fruit aims to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025 and carbon neutrality by 2030; ultimately, through clear and measurable targets, Westfalia Fruit will recover lifetime carbon emissions by 2049, the release said.

"At CIRT, we are thrilled to be partnering with Westfalia Fruit USA in their mission to revolutionize sustainable packaging in the produce industry,” CIRT founder and CEO Kat Shayne said in the release. “Our innovative platform, QR code and API technologies empowers consumers and companies alike with real-time information on recyclability and compostability, making informed choices easier than ever. Together with Westfalia, we are not only reducing plastic waste but also inspiring change across the entire fresh produce market. This partnership is a testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders prioritize sustainability, and we look forward to contributing to this exciting journey."  

According to a recent study by the Hass Avocado Board, bagged avocados make up a quarter of all avocado purchases, the release said.

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“While shoppers seek convenience in bagged fruit, we are excited to see Westfalia Fruit USA provide consumers with proper instructions on what to do when they are finished with the packaging based on their location,” Christian Foster, CIRT's chief partnership officer, said in the release. "With our custom CIRT QR code on their new cellulose bags, consumers will be prompted to engage with the label, and in turn, Westfalia will have additional data to better understand their packaging footprint — this is clearly an exciting milestone for the produce industry.” 

The new Westfalia sustainable bag program will be displayed at upcoming industry events, kicking off at Southern Innovations, where Westfalia Fruit USA will be exhibiting at booth No. 515.

Learn: More about avocados from PMG