Wholesum, Fair Trade certified growers and shippers of organic produce, launched a new sustainable packaging line of vegetables that will hit retail shelves this month. The new line will carry Wholesum’s staple, year-round items including organic slicer cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers and tomatoes on the vine.
The new packaging consists of a recyclable and biodegradable corrugated formed tray as well as a biodegradable band. Each tray is custom made to fit two counts of each vegetable and one pound of tomatoes on the vine. Moisture-resistant and sturdy, the trays ensure breathability, visibility and food safety from farm to shelf.
“Being an organic grower not only means exploring and implementing sustainable farming practices, but also creating sustainable packaging that won’t be detrimental to the earth,” says Ricardo Crisantes, chief commercial officer of Wholesum. “It has been a long road of research and prototype testing, but we are very pleased with what we can now offer our customers and consumers.”
Designed not only to be sustainable but eye-catching and merchandising friendly, each band is a distinct color, specifically selected to create a color contrast against the packed vegetables and the kraft tray design. Stackable and easy to prop up, the packs can help create colorful retail displays.
“The need for packaging has greatly increased the past year due to COVID-19 and the growth of eCommerce along with the need for more sustainable options. So the timing of our new packaging couldn’t be more relevant,” says Crisantes. “We are confident the new line of packaging will align well with our customers and their consumers’ needs.”
This new line solidifies Wholesum’s commitment to continual improvement in sustainability. The company has explored new packaging alternatives that significantly reduce and/or eliminate the use of non-renewable resources such as plastic that can end up in landfills. The company has worked to impact the food system, promoting human wellbeing and ecological balance while growing flavorful produce.
