The Oppenheimer Group and Earthcycle Packaging put Completely Home Compostable Produce Packaging on

With the introduction of this completely compostable kiwifruit packaging, Wal-Mart is taking advantage of the design brilliance of nature and making it available to consumers as part of the retailer’s efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

22/05/06 The Oppenheimer Group and Earthcycle Packaging announced today the availability of their new line of completely compostable kiwifruit packaging at Wal-Mart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets in the U.S. With the introduction of this completely compostable kiwifruit packaging, Wal-Mart is taking advantage of the design brilliance of nature and making it available to consumers as part of the retailer’s efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

"This development aligns well with Oppenheimer's own commitment to sustainability," noted John Anderson, chairman, president and CEO of The Oppenheimer Group. "I am very proud that Wal-Mart has taken the opportunity to work with us on this project."

About a year ago, The Oppenheimer Group, an international produce marketer with a long-term relationship with Wal-Mart, introduced the retailer to Earthcycle Packaging, the innovator of this groundbreaking sustainable packaging design. Subsequently, the three companies have collaborated toward the launch of these packs, recognizing the value of having all components come from the earth and, when they have served their useful purpose, return to the earth.

"Working with the Wal-Mart sustainable packaging team has really demonstrated the company’s commitment to sustainability," commented Shannon Boase, founder and president of Earthcycle Packaging. Earthcycle sources all its palm fiber from long established plantations in West Malaysia. "We are proud to be able to bring to Wal-Mart, a product that clearly contributes to the sustainability efforts of the Malaysian palm oil industry by giving a former waste product a useful life with a cycle that returns it to the soil."

The Earthcycle tray is a molded pulp package made from palm fiber of the Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB), a waste product left over after the palm fruit is harvested and pressed for oil. Previously incinerated or landfilled, this fiber is now made into FDA food grade packaging, which is certified compostable (ASTM D6400). Just pitch it in the compost and, in less than 90 days, it will biodegrade and be ready to make a healthy contribution to the soil.

To protect the kiwifruit, the pack is covered in NatureFlex™ film, a certified compostable (ASTM D6400) material made with cellulose derived from wood pulp harvested at managed plantations. Even the paper label is earth-friendly, designed with water-based ink and a special adhesive. It is certified by the OK Home Compost program in Europe (EN13432).