Emerald Packaging equips US customer with PCR plastic bags for fresh produce

14 Dec 2023 --- Emerald Packaging is partnering with D’Arrigo California, a US-based packer and shipper of fresh vegetables that ships under the Andy Boy label, to further develop a PCR bag for its premiere romaine hearts products. The bag will be available at all grocers that carry Andy Boy romaine hearts across North America.

The new romaine hearts bag will be made up of 30% PCR plastic, reducing D’Arrigo California and Emerald Packaging’s need for virgin plastic production, moving toward a more circular economy. The use of PCR reduces plastic pollution by diverting waste material from landfill. 

“Expanding the use of PCR plastic in food packaging is a big leap forward in sustainable plastics,” says Kevin Kelly, Emerald Packaging’s CEO. 

“It’s an exciting time as we take critical steps toward achieving sustainability, while doing so affordably. Emerald Packaging is dedicated to working closely with our customers such as D’Arrigo California to design packages that reduce the impact on the environment, allowing them to meet their sustainability goals.”

D’Arrigo California has used 5% PCR in its three count romaine heart bags since the beginning of the year, stepping up PCR content over the last several months. This month, D’Arrigo California will transition its two count romaine heart and three count romaine heart bags to 30% PCR.

Sustainability investments
D’Arrigo California cut the amount of plastic used in its romaine packaging by 25% and also eliminated the zipper, which reduced plastic by 5%. Plastic reduction is a way for D’Arrigo California to make sustainability efforts, which include commitments to recycling, solar power and water conservation.

“We’ve made substantial investments in solar power and recycling, and have implemented packaging solutions that substantially decrease our use of plastic and its environmental impact. The incorporation of PCR materials in our packaging exemplifies our commitment to sustainability,” says John D’Arrigo, president and CEO at D’Arrigo California. 

“We appreciate our enduring partnership with Emerald Packaging, a valued collaborator who shares our dedication to sustainability and innovation. They have played an instrumental role in advancing this cutting-edge technology.”

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim