Emerald Packaging Achieves Major Milestone in Reducing Virgin Plastic Waste

Over One Million Pounds of Virgin Plastic Eliminated by Emerald Packaging

Emerald Packaging, recognized as the leading provider of flexible retail packaging for the produce sector, has recently reached a remarkable sustainability milestone by eliminating over one million pounds of virgin polyethylene (PE) from its production line. In the quest for a greener planet, the company has shifted towards utilizing post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials within its packaging solutions.

This proactive move underscores Emerald Packaging’s commitment to fostering a circular economy, particularly within the flexible plastic packaging domain. By opting for PCR, the company not only reduces its reliance on virgin plastics but also supports the sustainability ambitions of numerous partners in the food industry. Notably, the collaboration with industry giants like Idaho Package, Wada Farms, and Walmart led to the development of the first retail potato bag that consists of 30 percent food-contact PCR material. This innovative project highlights the complexities involved in adhering to stringent standards required for packaging potato products while still advancing sustainability goals.

Walmart's Project Gigaton, aimed at reducing one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, benefits significantly from these initiatives. To date, Walmart has successfully removed over 200,000 pounds of virgin plastic from its potato packaging selections.

Emerald Packaging's partnership with D'Arrigo Bros. of California, the country's foremost romaine lettuce supplier, represents another significant step towards sustainability. This collaboration has resulted in the integration of PCR bags across D'Arrigo's entire product range. By employing bags that contain 30 percent PCR material, this initiative has effectively diverted over 600,000 pounds of virgin plastic from entering landfills.

Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, "This milestone highlights our determination to protect the environment while enabling our customers to make sustainable choices without compromising on quality. Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure that PCR is a practical and scalable component of our product line offering."

The integration of PCR materials not only assists in diverting plastic waste but also significantly curtails the carbon emissions associated with virgin plastic production. According to a 2004 study conducted by scientists at the University of California, increasing the use of PCR materials yields the most marked impact on reducing both waste plastic tonnage and greenhouse gas emissions, more than any alternative environmental initiative.

With more than sixty years of expertise in produce packaging innovation, Emerald Packaging has established itself as the largest provider of plastic packaging solutions in the U.S. They have played a pivotal role for over 20 years in addressing the plastic waste dilemma and actively contribute to the formulation of legislation in California designed to enhance recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, the company has garnered a Green Business certification for its substantial efforts in minimizing waste, lowering energy consumption, and conserving water resources.

To learn more about Emerald Packaging's ongoing commitment to sustainability and the company's innovative solutions, follow this link: www.empack.com.

In the continuously evolving landscape of the packaging industry, Emerald Packaging remains dedicated to pioneering sustainable practices that not only meet the high expectations of its customers but also contribute meaningfully to global environmental initiatives.