Emerald Packaging and Walmart launch first PCR bags for potatoes
Key takeaways
- Emerald Packaging, Idaho Package, Wada Farms, and Walmart have launched the first 30% food-contact PCR bag for potatoes.
- The PCR bags, commercialized after 2024 trials, replace over 100,000 lbs. of virgin PE without compromising product quality or cost efficiency.
- The initiative highlights Walmart’s commitment to sustainable packaging and marks a step toward scaling PCR use across produce categories.
Emerald Packaging, Idaho Package, Wada Farms, and Walmart, have introduced the first 30% food-contact PCR bag for potatoes.
The product was developed to meet Walmart’s goal to reduce packaging waste via Project Gigaton, an initiative to reduce or avoid one billion metric tons of GHG emissions from the global value chain by 2030. Potato grower and shipper Wada Farms collaborated with Walmart to commercialize the product.
Emerald Packaging is the largest supplier of retail flexible packaging for the produce industry.
“We’ve worked on sustainable packaging initiatives for over 20 years, and PCR has emerged as the first affordable option ever,” says Kevin Kelly, CEO at Emerald Packaging.
“We built a supply chain and launched a product that met or exceeded the PCR targets of major retailers. We did so without compromising product performance and a nominal cost impact. Our commitment to PCR aligned with Walmart’s goal to incorporate it in their packaging.”
Expanding PCR
Idaho Package and Wada Farms started trialing PCR potato bags in early fall 2024, and later launched the product with Walmart. Today, a dozen SKUs incorporate PCR resin, according to the companies.
The reduction in virgin PE plastic is said to exceed 100,000 lbs. (~45,000 kg). As of June, Walmart has reportedly transitioned to PCR-based packaging for other root products. “The three companies are moving the plastics industry in the right direction,” says Kelly.
“We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and offering our customers more sustainable choices,” says Laura Himes, vice president of Produce Sourcing at Walmart.
“We are proud to collaborate with Emerald Packaging, Idaho Package, and Wada Farms to introduce the first 30% PCR bag for the potato category. This initiative directly supports our goal to minimize waste with the integration of PCR content for retail packaging and demonstrates our dedication to working with suppliers who share our commitment to a more sustainable future.”
Meanwhile, ExxonMobil will present its polymer solutions and latest technological developments this week at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany. We spoke to the company about the benefits of the materials to be showcased at the world’s largest plastic and rubber tradeshow.
