North American berry producers commit to recyclable packaging

Major fresh berry producers in North America have announced an industry-wide goal to use 100% recycle-ready packaging by 2025.

The California Strawberry Commission, the North American Blueberry Council, Asociación national de Exportadores de Berries, members of the National Berry Crops Initiative and South American exporters are joining forces to increase the use of sustainable packaging.

The cornerstone of this collaboration is the commitment to new label standards that will optimise the recycle readiness of berry clamshells. 

In a statement, the groups said they aim to encourage consumer recycling of clamshells and establish new purchase specifications for packaging manufacturers.

These actions will create economies of scale to reduce costs and stimulate a closed-loop circular economy that recycles berry clamshells back into new packaging.

“Berry farming has a long history of innovation and leadership that once again came together to make this ambitious pledge,” said Rick Tomlinson, president of the California Strawberry Commission.

“Achieving 100% recycle-ready packaging represents the type of continuous improvement that is common among farmers as they strive for ever-improving efficiency.”

Henry Bierlink, president of the National Berry Crops Initiative, added: “Clamshell packaging revolutionised the ability of berry growers to transport their fruit to consumers nationwide.”

“Now, the industry is working together on the next phase of that revolution, one that preserves the ability to safely transport fresh berries to market while minimising product damage, reducing food waste and demonstrating ongoing environmental stewardship.”