Seen and heard at Organic Produce Summit — Part 2

MONTEREY, Calif. — Sustainable packaging solutions were a hot topic at this year's Organic Produce Summit, July 10-11, at the Monterey Convention Center, where multiple produce companies featured an array of packaging options and discussed solutions in trial and coming to market.

From paper trays to compostable top seals to mesh bags, Pure Flavor is testing a number of sustainable packaging solutions, says Cortney Walker. For example, after the company received feedback that a solid paper base for its pint-size tomato packaging didn't provide enough product visibility, Pure Flavor created a 16-ounce rectangular package to allow greater visibility of its colorful greenhouse-grown tomatoes.

Additionally, Pure Flavor has switched all of its bags to a lower density, thinner plastic, said Tiffany Sabelli.

Megan Berenbach of Mission Produce discussed the company's year-round supply of organic avocados and mangoes as well as its work on innovative compostable bag solutions for the fruits.

In its annual sustainability report released earlier this year, Mission Produce said it had set a goal in 2020 to implement a reduced-plastic bag in 50% of the bags the company packs and ships globally. Mission estimates that 53% of the film it purchased for use in production in 2023 was reduced plastic.

At Peri & Sons Farms, Samantha Anderson highlighted the company's recyclable and biodegradable packaging for its Gourmet Organic Shallots and Cipollini Onions as well as its paper “Earth bags,” which feature netting made from bamboo that are 100% compostable and biodegradable. The bags are available for Peri & Sons' yellow, red and white onions.

 

At the West Pak Avocado booth, the team discussed the care that goes into its organic avocados, from planting and nurturing the tree to harvesting, packaging and distributing the fruit to retailers and consumers across the country. West Pack also showcased its California-branded avocado bags. “California consumers really like to see that the avocados are local,” said Jordan Fideler.

 

Christina Hahn of Lipman Family Farms featured the company's sustainable banded packaging for organic zucchini, yellow squash and cucumbers. The simple bands reduce plastic and waste but drive a bigger ring on the two-packs, Hahn said.