Superfresh Growers(r) is delighted to present the industry’s first bag of fruit made out of post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR).

Post-consumer recycled plastic is created of items that people reuse every day such as milk jugs, plastic bottles as well as other bags all of which come from USA recycling facilities which can then be reused.

It is certified by made by SGS Global Services(r) accredited as well as FDA food-contact certified. The recycled components that make up this plastic were developed from the United States. These bags’ cost are comparable to bags constructed from natural plastic. It can be a huge victory for the customer, environmentalist, farmer, as well as the retail.

The initiative is one of numerous initiatives undertaken made by Superfresh Growers to reduce its environmental footprint while also conserving resources. Tyler Weinbender, Director of Sustainability and Packaging, says, “The PCR Bag was the result of an idea that we came up with some time ago and we were looking for an option that would make use of recycled plastic resin to bring it back to life. When more and more items use PCR, it’ll create a demand for recycling, thereby driving the demand for it and increasing recycling rates.”

^{Tyler Weinbender.}

The complex undertaking closed one of the remaining recyclability problems that existed for Superfresh Growers. “There was a few hurdles to overcome that we had to overcome, but the local printer embraced the concept we had and assisted in making it happen,” Weinbender explains. Weinbender. “We have already used recycled corrugate for our pulp and boxes and PET for our berry and cherry shells. Therefore, the bag that we designed with PCR Bag will be a great fit with our green packaging objectives.”

According to Weinbender The range of options for sustainable packaging is vast and, at times it can be confusing. Businesses must take care to make sure they invest in technology that advances sustainable goals. “We’ve observed a few innovative packaging solutions that are suitable for apples, however we’ve discovered that they consume much more water and energy, as well as are more carbon-intensive as compared to monofilm bags. In addition, we can reduce emission from freight through partnering with local printers. Around two-thirds or more all of the bags we sell are manufactured locally within Central Washington State – something I’m very happy about.”

The Superfresh Growers PCR bag is able to be recycled using current plastic bags as well as film recycling streams for example, drop-offs at the store.

For further information, visit:

Catherine Gipe-Stewart

Superfresh Growers

Tel: +1 (509) 966-1814

cgipe@superfreshgrowers.com

www.superfreshgrowers.com