When you work closely with the earth, sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Green choices have a long-term effect on climate, soil, and everything that grows. Now, the public is aligned with this same goal, demanding more eco-friendly business choices across the board. This is great news for produce growers and packers who value green practices, but you must also make the most efficient business choice.
Sustainable packaging is a powerful way to reduce waste in the produce industry - both by using recycled and recyclable containers and by better preserving your crop in transport. Some retailers even have specific requirements around the type of shipping containers they allow. In this post, we're taking a deep dive into how sustainable packaging is elevating the produce market for both growers and consumers.
Modern consumers today want to see sustainability in everything. As the population becomes more eco-conscious, needless waste is rejected in favor of recycled materials and more efficient operations. Customers show preference for brands with a green supply chain and will pay more if they know that products are ecologically delivered.
Packaging plays an important role in helping consumers identify which brands are sustainable. This means the right packaging has a powerful influence on consumer perceptions and purchasing decisions.
When it comes to shipping produce, corrugated plastic boxes offer great value in both freshness and sustainable design.
Traditionally, produce has been transported in waxed corrugated cardboard boxes. Of course, anyone familiar with these boxes knows there must be a better way. Waxed cardboard cannot be properly recycled and it is still susceptible to moisture damage to the boxes and your produce... leading to unwanted waste.
Corrugated plastic boxes introduce a sustainable solution with benefits relating to recycled materials, produce freshness, and customer demand.
Plastic corrugated boxes are made from recycled plastic, can be re-used several times, and can be recycled into new plastic items when their use is done. They are the perfect part of a plastic recycling life cycle.
When it comes to produce packaging, plastic corrugated boxes protect your crop better than cardboard. They are immune to moisture damage and are more resistant to impacts, helping you maintain freshness and minimize food waste when shipping your produce.
Customers are also passionate about sustainable packaging. When they see plastic corrugated boxes with the recycling symbol on the side, they will know that purchasing such a box will provide the feel-good opportunity to fold it into their recycling bin instead of the trash later on.
Switching to more sustainable packaging is a great way for produce growers to increase their market access. The material and design of your packaging can have a strong influence on consumer choices, making it possible to both ship more fresh produce and beat the competition in grocery stores.
Here are a few actionable strategies you can use:
These methods will broadcast your eco-friendly packaging and produce brand in order to attract consumers. Adopting sustainable packaging and labeling that highlights this choice is a great long-term strategy for success in the produce market.
At Industry Plastic, we are proud to have developed the FriendlyBox, a corrugated plastic box that is perfectly positioned in the plastic recycling life cycle and designed to optimize freshness as produce growers send their crops to market.
If you are tired of soggy, non-recyclable waxed cardboard and want to claim a larger share of the produce market with sustainable packaging, we're here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about switching to eco-friendly corrugated plastic boxes for your produce.