Packaging does more than just protect produce. It also conveys a message about a company’s sustainability efforts.
Consumers are driving the movement toward biobased packaging, said Lawrence Ohlman III, director of operations, for EcoLogic Foodservice Solutions, Toledo, Ohio.
“People that buy produce … they’re all about health and wellness, but at the same time a lot of products they’re purchasing are packaged in Styrofoam,” Ohlman said. “A lot of fruit packaging is unsustainable. ... It’s made from oil and causes a lot of waste.”
EcoLogic has a new line of sustainable fresh produce trays that it plans to begin distributing by March.
The line of more than 20 designs is 100% biobased, Ohlman said. It’s manufactured from reclaimed plant waste, which can include fibers from sugar, corn, hemp and bamboo.
