Emerald Packaging, Inc., a packaging company for produce in the U.S., collaborated with D'Arrigo California, a grower, packer and shipper of fresh produce that ships under the Andy Boy label, to develop a post-consumer recycled (PCR) bag for its romaine hearts products. The bag will be available in all grocers that carry Andy Boy romaine hearts across North America.
The two companies share a commitment to improving the environment in their respective industries. The new romaine hearts bag will be made up of 30% PCR plastic, helping D'Arrigo California and Emerald Packaging reduce the need for virgin plastic production, taking a step towards a more circular economy. The use of PCR reduces plastic pollution by diverting waste material from landfill, which could also end up in the oceans.
D'Arrigo California has used 5% PCR in millions of its three count romaine heart bags since the beginning of the year, stepping up PCR content over the last several months. In December, D'Arrigo California will transition its two count romaine heart and three count romaine heart bags to 30% PCR, the current sweet spot for the resin in flexible packaging meant for grocery stores.
“Expanding the use of post-consumer recycled packaging in food packaging is a big leap forward in sustainable plastics,” said Kevin Kelly, chief executive officer, Emerald Packaging. “It's an exciting time as we take critical steps towards achieving sustainability while doing so affordably. Emerald Packaging is dedicated to working closely with our customers such as D'Arrigo California to design packages that reduce the impact on the environment, allowing them to meet their sustainability goals."
Over the last few years, D'Arrigo California has cut the amount of plastic used in its romaine packaging by 25% and has also eliminated the zipper, which has reduced plastic by another 5%. Plastic reduction is an extension of D'Arrigo California's overall sustainability efforts, which include commitments to recycling, solar power and water conservation.
“We've made substantial investments in solar power and recycling and have implemented packaging solutions that substantially decrease our use of plastic and its environmental impact. The incorporation of post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials in our packaging exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said John D'Arrigo, president and chief executive officer, D'Arrigo California. “We appreciate our enduring partnership with Emerald Packaging, a valued collaborator who shares our dedication to sustainability and innovation. They have played an instrumental role in advancing this cutting-edge technology.”
The material used in the new bags was produced by Circulus Holdings, a Houston-based company producing PCR from mechanically recycled low density polyethylene. Emerald has partnered with its Modesto, Calif., facility for over a year, working to manufacture packaging using Circulus PCR, which has a U.S. Food and Drug no objection letter, making it fit for food packaging.
