Sustainability

RPCs face off against single-use corrugated for fresh produce

Foundation conducts study to learn which is more environmentally friendly for the packaging, shipping, and storage of fresh produce: reusable plastic containers or corrugated cases.

April 28, 2018

Fruits/Vegetables: Page 5

Cartons and boxes

In-store vending machine for tomatoes

Noticing that consumers were looking for more self-service in the supermarket, Belgian tomato grower Stoffels came up with its idea for an invention it calls Automato.

April 13, 2018

Recycling

Study confirms cleanliness of corrugated shipping containers for produce

Corrugated Packaging Alliance points to research that indicates single-use corrugated minimizes the risk of contamination and supports food safety.

March 22, 2018

Protective/transport packaging

Melon 1 expands its watermelon pallet program

Nearly 20-year partnership with CHEP, which involves shared pallets that have reduced emissions and reduced landfill waste, now includes on-site pallet storage and international shipments.

March 1, 2018

Protective/transport packaging

Grimmway Farms gains economic, environmental benefits

By switching from wood to ‘pooled’ pallets, the global produce company reduces solid waste, carbon emissions, and travel costs.

February 6, 2018

Containers

Rockit apples set to blast off

A brand new apple cultivar developed in New Zealand is introduced to the market in an equally novel packaging format. And now a Shuttle Pack has been launched in addition to the tube.

February 5, 2018

Flexibles

Transparent pouch clearly differentiates Tree Top Apple Sauce

Company says pouch represents a ‘game changer’ and allows parents and children to ‘see it before they squeeze it.’

January 18, 2018

Containers

Clear plastic can

S&W Fine Foods International, a Del Monte Pacific Ltd Company, has introduced shelf-stable pineapple chunks and pineapple slices in a retorted plastic can that is currently on store shelves in Seoul, South Korea, and Shanghai, China; plans to expand over the coming year are in place.

November 10, 2017

Containers

Glass jar reflects happiness

When this German maker of jams and marmalades launched a new line of fruit spreads, management wanted a custom-designed glass jar for on-shelf differentiation.

November 1, 2017

Bag/pouch fill/seal (pre-made bags)

Bagging hops goes automatic

This Yakima broker used to buy hops pellets and bag them by hand. Now the firm takes in baled hops, mills its own pellets, and then packages the pellets with a combination scale and bagger.

September 5, 2017

Closures

Pre-tapped coconuts at Whole Foods are a #gamechanger

Whole Foods Market introduces Coco Vinny’s Coco Taps pre-tapped young coconuts at 56 of its stores, providing consumers a simple and convenient way to enjoy fresh coconut water.

February 12, 2017

Form/fill/seal - horizontal

Organic farmer optimizes packaging

Once a one-man operation, this English supplier of organic produce has grown so steadily that upgrading to a sophisticated combination scale was essential.

February 2, 2017

Sustainability

Tomato fiber-based packaging finds commercial applications

Canadian grower Pure Hothouse Foods and French grower Idyl switch to solid board packaging for their vegetables that is enriched with tomato plant fibers.

December 25, 2016