Berry shippers make packaging sustainable

Consumer demand for berry packaging seems to be a mixed bag — or clamshell.

Some shoppers consider larger sizes, like a 32-ounce package of blueberries, to be a value proposition, while others are trading down to smaller sizes as they take aim at inflation.

No matter the pack size, grower-shippers say sustainability is always top of mind.

Packaging options for blueberries from Florida Classic Growers, Dundee, Fla., range from 4.4-ounce clamshells to a 5-pound box for schools and foodservice customers, said Darrell Congdon, sales manager.

Some consumers are switching to smaller packages to help fight inflation, he said.

The most common pack size for blueberries at retail right now are pints, agreed Katiana Valdes, marketing director for Miami-based Crystal Valley Foods.

“We also have seen popularity with 6-ounce clamshells for the foodservice channel,” she said.

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms also offers a variety of pack sizes, said Brian Bocock, vice president of product management.

“Consumers can stock up their shelves with pint-sized options or larger 18-ounce and 32-ounce clamshells,” he said.

Consumers view larger packages as a value, he said. And with blueberries continuing to gain popularity, a pint is no longer enough for many households.

Sustainability seems to be on just about everyone’s mind these days.

Customers of Florida Classic Growers often ask what the company is doing to be sustainable, Congdon said. And they’re pleased with the company’s environmentally friendly packaging options.

“We’ve used recycled packaging for years here,” he said. “We’re always looking for something that reduces our carbon footprint.”

The company also packs in reusable lugs in the field.

“They hardly ever wear out,” Congdon said.

Related news: Larger, sustainable packs trending for Southern California strawberries

Sustainability is an important part of the business at Crystal Valley Foods and is important to customers and vendors as well, Valdes said.

“We are committed to minimizing the impact our business has on the environment as well as supporting the health, wellness and everyday lives of our employees,” she said.

The company constantly is on the lookout for new, more sustainable packages for all of its products.

“Packaging innovation is progressing rapidly as it pertains to more sustainable options, and we work with our customers and vendors to make sure we get them environmentally friendly packaging that is also cost-effective,” Valdes said.

Sustainability is a priority in every aspect of Naturipe Farms, Bocock said.

“It guides decisions and actions related to environmental protection, resource conservation, ethical business practices and the health and safety of Naturipe’s employees and community,” he said.

“Naturipe is proud of our growers and the efforts they make to sustain their farms, employees and their communities,” Bocock added. “From renewable energy installations to pollinator habitat expansion, they are always looking to the future.”

Naturipe Farms containers not only are recyclable, but they’re made from a mix of post-consumer and industrial recycled content, Bocock said.

“We also have containers that are made from 100% recycled content with 10% certified ocean bound plastic,” he said.

In 2020, Naturipe began transitioning away from paper labels and into recycle-friendly BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene) wash-away labels.

“All our clamshells with the new BOPP labels also bear the How2Recycle logo,” he said.

Although the industry is seeking alternatives to the popular PET recycled containers, Naturipe believes PET containers remain the most effective option.

“Polyethylene terephthalate, the No. 1 recycled plastic, not only protects but extends the shelf life of our berries and can be recycled over and over again indefinitely,” Bocock said. “Shelf-life extension is key to sustainability by potentially keeping food waste out of the landfill, one of the largest sources of methane gas.

“Life Cycle Analysis of substitute materials has yet to match PET material when factoring in unintended consequences such as transportation costs from manufacturer to grower,” he added.