Emerald Packaging, the largest dealer of retail flexible packaging for the produce industry, has introduced a noteworthy sustainability milestone. Over the past year, the industry has replaced more than 1 million pounds of virgin polyethylene (PE) with post-consumer recycled (PCR) material, marking a step toward a circular economy and sustainability for flexible plastic packaging.
Emerald Packagings shift toward PCR directly supports the sustainability aims of numerous of its food sector partners. Most recently, Emerald Packaging collaborated with Idaho Package, Wada Farms, and Walmart to introduce the first 30% food-contact PCR bag for the potato group. This project pushed the limits of PCR and set the exacting standards that potato bags must fulfil, including impact-barrier requirements. This initiative aligns with Walmarts Project Gigaton, targeting a 1 billion metric ton reduction by 2030. To date, Walmart has eradicated more than 200,000 pounds of virgin plastic in its potato packaging.
DArrigo Bros. of California, the countrys largest romaine shipper, was the first to partner with Emerald. The businesses rolled out PCR bags across DArrigos complete product line, comprising romaine lettuce hearts and iceberg lettuce. The bags are 30% food-contact PCR and have eliminated over 600,000 pounds of virgin plastic from the supply chain.
"This milestone shows Emerald Packagings deep promise to the ecology and our technical capability to offer enhanced-quality packaging while decreasing the reliance on virgin plastics," expressed Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging. "Weve worked closely with our supply chain partners and consumers to make PCR a feasible and scalable part of our goods delivering for those who are looking for sustainable choices that fulfil performance standards without compromising ecological values."
Incorporating PCR resources not only diverts plastic waste from landfills but also, by implication, decreases the carbon emissions associated with the production of virgin plastic. According to a 2004 study by University of California scientists, increasing the utility of PCR has the greatest impact on waste plastic tonnage and GHG reductions among all possible ecological actions.
With over six years of experience at the forefront of produce packing innovation, Emerald Packaging is the major plastic packaging producer for produce in the U.S. For more than 20 years, Emerald Packaging has led industry efforts to address plastic waste, most recently supporting shape legislation in California that addresses the need for a better recycling infrastructure. Emerald is one of the few producers to earn a Green Business certification for its efforts to reduce waste, water use, and energy use.
26 January 2026
26 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026