Produce company wants to turn fruit peels into bioplastic

In Canada, produce giant The Star Group of Companies is looking at turning peels and other wastes from its prepped produce unit, Sliced FC, to produce packaging.

“If we can use pineapple peels and the rinds from melons to create bio-based plastics in the future, it is a huge win. These bio-plastics need to be high performing and cost effective. This is where we are focusing our attention with scientists and researchers,” David Karwacki, CEO of The Star Group, tells Perishable News.

The company adds that research is already underway in many regions to produce bioplastics with improved vapor barriers that can extend food shelf life.