KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - When the word trailblazer comes to mind, SUNSET® and its host of innovative new products and packaging springs to the forefront. The greenhouse grower continues to follow this trailblazing pattern with its announcement to offer 100 percent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packing for all its fruits and vegetables by 2025.
“At SUNSET, we always grow with the future in mind,” stated Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce. “That’s why we’re so dedicated to developing the innovative solutions that consumers and our customers have asked for—and the planet demands.”
According to a press release, SUNSET has a legacy as a sustainability leader in the industry and is constantly evolving to develop leading-edge packaging solutions. Just over a decade ago, it introduced top seal, which resulted in a 20 percent reduction of materials. Now, it is gearing up to unveil its full line of SUNSET CARES® sustainable packaging at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit. This range of earth-friendly options includes fully recyclable paperboard packages and SUNSET Backyard Compostable packaging, empowering consumers to take sustainability into their own hands. They’ll literally be able to make a difference in their own backyards!
“We’re looking at implementing these new sustainable packaging options where they will have the most impact,” Mastronardi remarked. “For our new Backyard Compostable packaging program, we’re anticipating over a million-unit annual reduction in plastic.”
As if this news wasn’t exciting enough, SUNSET is also working on innovative, plastic-free paperboard packaging that will allow it to replace millions of flow-wrapped packages with a more environmentally friendly solution. Within twelve months, the company will be testing unique sustainable retail models that have the potential to revolutionize how consumers shop for snacking tomatoes.
“We recognize that there’s no easy, one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we’ve focused our development efforts across a broad range of offerings,” concluded Mastronardi. “Our creative packaging innovations ensure consumers don’t need to choose between flavor and sustainability. They can have both.”
The release also noted that SUNSET was the first fresh produce company to join the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, which brings together industry thought leaders who believe in the power of industry to make a difference.
With its sustainable packaging pledge, SUNSET continues to commit to doing everything it can for the health and longevity of the environment. It has also renewed its commitment to sustainable business practices at all levels, including growing, packaging, and distribution, which are described in The Green Grass Project®.
We here at AndNowUKnow commend SUNSET for undertaking this initiative! Stick with us as we continue to cover the latest in industry innovations.
