Emerald Packaging has emerged as a standout flexible packaging manufacturer on the West Coast, riding a wave of success driven by innovation and sustainability. Known as a key supplier of produce bags for major U.S. retailers, the company offers a diverse portfolio of packaging solutions, from zippered bags and stand-up pouches to rollstock and PCR films, serving confectionery, fresh produce, and snack markets.
The company strategically advances its innovation initiatives by using FDA-approved post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin to develop compostable and bio-based films, enabling the production of next-generation packaging solutions. Now led by the second generation of the Kelly family, the family-owned business continues to uphold its founding values and strong commitment to sustainable packaging.
Emerald Packaging took a moment of honor to announce that they have successfully deleted 1 million+ pounds of polyethylene over the past year. This long effort is capable of replacing virgin polyethylene with post-consumer recycled material. For decades, these initiatives have represented the positive change towards sustainable earnings for flexible plastic packaging. To achieve this position, the company collaborated with Idaho Package, Walmart, and Wada Farms to launch the first-ever robust 30% food contact PCR bag for potatoes.
Each of the collaborations is connected to either of the projects to protect the environment at all costs. The 30% food contact PCR bag complements and suits Walmart’s Project Gigaton, which aims to reduce emissions to breathe fresh air in the future. To date, Walmart has discarded 200,000 pounds of virgin plastic into its robust potato packaging. This long-standing commitment of Emerald is impressive and inspiring for the existing and new packaging industries who seeks profit in business and value both.
Emerald met its first partner, the country’s well-known romaine shipper, D’Arrigo Bros. of California, and together they commercialized the PCR bags throughout D’Arrigo’s full-fledged product line involving romaine iceberg lettuce and lettuce hearts. These bags were also 30% food contact PCR, which reduced 600,000 pounds of virgin plastic.
CEO at Emerald Packaging, Kevin Kelly, said, “This success mirrors the Company’s dedication to bringing technical and environmental potential in limelight to serve the quality packaging with the lowest virgin plastics footprint. We actively work with our customers and supply chain partners to promote PCR highly and lift the scalability for the same to the product offerings as a sustainable alternative. This will help to boost performance without sacrificing environmental values.”
23 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026
23 January 2026