In the United Kingdom, produce packaging supplier Evesham Specialist Packaging Ltd has introduced sugarcane-based packaging.
Sales Manager Paul McReynolds tells Fresh Plaza that though the packaging is more expensive, it has major environmental benefits. “Environmentally it is a superb story, made from waste from the sugarcane industry, it is a very sustainable crop which grows within 18 months maximum. The normal process being the crop is harvested, the juices extracted for its intended purpose, and what is left over is bagasse—a bi-waste fibrous material which was headed for landfill or incineration. Rather than burn it and release gasses into the atmosphere, we can make use of this material and it’s in abundance.”
The material is recyclable through the paper chain as well as biodegradable and home compostable. It also allows “excellent” breathability for fruit, extending shelf life.