Emerald Packaging replaces more than 1M pounds of virgin plastic

Emerald Packaging Inc., a supplier of retail flexible packaging for the produce industry headquartered in Union City, California, has announced that it has replaced more than 1 million pounds of virgin polyethylene (PE) with postconsumer recycled (PCR) material over the past year, marking a step toward establishing a circular economy and sustainability for flexible plastic packaging.

The company says its shift toward PCR directly supports the sustainability goals of many of its food industry partners.

Most recently, Emerald partnered with Idaho Package, Wada Farms and Walmart to introduce what it claims is the first 30 percent food-contact PCR bag for the potato category. Emerald says the project “pushed the limits of PCR,” given the exacting standards potato bags are required to meet, like impact resistance. The company says the initiative aligns with Walmart’s Project Gigaton, which targets 1 billion metric tons of emissions reduction by 2030. Emerald notes that Walmart has eliminated more than 200,000 pounds of virgin plastic in its potato packaging to date.

D'Arrigo Bros. of California, considered the country’s largest romaine shipper, was the first to partner with Emerald, it says. The companies introduced PCR bags across D’Arrigo’s entire product line, including romaine lettuce hearts and iceberg lettuce. The bags are 30 percent food-contact PCR and have eliminated more than 600,000 pounds of virgin plastic from the supply chain, according to Emerald.

“This milestone reflects Emerald Packaging’s deep commitment to the environment and our technical ability to deliver high-quality packaging while reducing the reliance on virgin plastics,” Emerald CEO Kevin Kelly says. “We’ve worked closely with our supply chain partners and customers to make PCR a viable and scalable part of our product offerings for those who are seeking sustainable options that meet performance standards without compromising environmental values.”

Emerald notes that integrating PCR materials not only diverts plastic waste from landfills but also reduces the carbon emissions associated with the production of virgin plastic. Citing a 2004 study conducted by University of California scientists, Emerald claims increasing the use of PCR has the most significant impact on waste plastic tonnage and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction compared to any other environmental action.