Fyffes Ireland has introduced new, sustainable and fully recyclable paper banding for use in wrapping its Organic Fairtrade bananas at the point-of-sale, according to a statement.
The Irish fruit distributor revealed that the company will introduce a wrap-around paper band made from 100% Kraft pulp as a more sustainable alternative to the plastic bags used widely within the sector.
This is set to be done over an 18 month period of research and development.
Fully Compostable
According to the statement, the new banding is fully compostable and sourced from certified Forestry Stewardship Council approved sources.
This has been successfully trialled in real-life market conditions through leading retail outlets in Ireland.
Based on estimates, this initiative will result in a reduction of 5,680 kilograms (or over 5.5 tonnes) of plastic, it report's.
Fyffes placed emphasis on a number of key necessities when working with their supply partners in choosing the material required.
The company said that it was most important that the packaging would be recyclable, compostable and sustainable, and that the finished item would be of high quality to provide a good surface for branding and consumer information.
Quality Condition
Another essential requirement, according to the company, was that the packaging wold maintain the fruit in quality condition whilst being able to withstand climatic and other varying features present within the supply chain.
These include tropical temperatures normal in countries where bananas are grown and transportation by ship in temperature-controlled condition and the ripening process itself, according to the statement.
Food grade inks are used for the print, while adhesives are plant based, not plastic. Being water resistant, the bands remain effective all along the supply chain, it reveals.
"This is a significant step in realising one of our sustainability strategic pillars – stewardship for the planet – and has created an opportunity for us to promote the sustainability message amongst our consumers” said Emma Hunt-Duffy, sales and marketing manager.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Helen Galgey. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout.
