North American mushroom grower and supplier South Mill Champs says it is collaborating with Sprouts Farmers Market in Denver to introduce flow-wrapped bamboo tills for its mushroom products.
South Mill Champs said the partnership makes Sprouts the first retailer to stock its mushrooms in the eco-friendly packaging.
“We are dedicated to continuous improvements in our sustainable growing practices,” Sandy Malouff-Quintana, vice president of fresh sales at South Mill Champs, said in a news release. “Our responsible production methods allow us to grow and produce wholesome mushroom products for consumers, foodservice and retail.”
The new packaging system features flow wrap made from BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) film and bamboo tills, offering several advantages over traditional plastic mushroom tills, according to the company. The BOPP film perforation allows for natural evaporation — helping to maintain optimal quality, extending shelf life, preserving the fresh appearance by preventing discoloration from condensation and reducing the risk of spoilage caused by excess moisture. Additionally, the flow wrap technology minimizes material waste as the film is precisely cut to fit each product.
Unlike traditional plastic tills, the new bamboo tills are recyclable and biodegradable. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that uses less water than trees and can be harvested without over-harvesting. Naturally heat resistant with minimal moisture absorption, South Mill Champs said its bamboo tills currently use no chemical coatings and are produced without fossil fuels.
“As a business which focuses on responsibly grown mushrooms, from start to finish, we are uniquely positioned to help our customers practice sustainability and inspire others,” said Malouff-Quintana. “Packaging can be a powerful tool — using eco-friendly materials sends the message that we are serious about helping the environment.”
This initiative is a crucial step for the company, South Mill Champs said. It added that it is focused on nourishing responsibly by finding packaging solutions that move away from heavy plastics. This will reduce the company’s overall carbon footprint and further support its retail partners with innovative and environmentally conscious solutions, it said.
The new 8-ounce, flow-wrapped bamboo tills will be on shelves at Sprouts stores in April 2025.