NEWPORT BEACH, CA - A new sustainable, recyclable packaging solution is being implemented across the Side Delights® portfolio. The Fresh Solutions Network® brand recently announced that it will be implementing BioFlex™ packaging technology for both conventional and organic potato bags.
“Fresh Solutions Network partners are deeply committed to supporting the sustainability of farming, from our fields, sheds, transportation, and through to our packaging,” noted Kathleen Triou, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Consumers are conscientious of the environmental impact of their choices and patronize stores that support a sustainable lifestyle. Retailers with sustainable business strategies can increase customer loyalty and sales.”
Sustainable business practices such as packaging are becoming increasingly important to consumers, employees, and investors alike. Retailers are using environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impact reports to share data with stakeholders on the progress of their goals.
“We know that much of the waste created from produce packaging is due to either a lack of recyclability where consumers live, or that the bag was simply thrown away in the non-recyclable trash receptacle. Now with BioFlex, at a minimum, our bags will convert to biogas within 3.56 years in a landfill,” Triou cited from a study. “It won’t matter if the bag was disposed of correctly, it will still break down.”
According to a press release, the global production of thermoplastics is projected to increase to almost 450 million metric tons by 2025. As the largest market segment in plastics, packaging currently accounts for around 26 percent of the total volume of plastic used. Less than 10 percent of all plastics will be recycled, and over 90 percent of plastic waste will end up in landfills.
BioFlex increases the natural microbial activity in modern landfills. The technology is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic that looks and works like most plastic containers but breaks down and won’t remain in a landfill for generations.
“We have added BioFlex packaging technology to our growing list of sustainability efforts to protect our consumers and the environment,” noted Dave Masser, President. Masser Family of Companies—a Fresh Solutions Network grower—will be featuring its potato products in BioFlex packaging during the Southern Innovations show at booth #503.
Stay tuned for more fresh produce news.
