Companies team up to trial plastic-free blueberry packaging

Blueberry grower and genetics company Mountain Blue has partnered with packaging solutions company Opal to trial plastic-free cardboard punnets.

The recyclable packaging will be available on the Eureka blueberries brand in 34 Coles stores in northern New South Wales through October, according to a news release. The punnets feature a transparent film produced from wood pulp for easy product viewing.

The FSC-certified packaging ensures the materials come from responsibly managed forests, according to the release.

The punnets are made from recycled paper manufactured by Opal in Australia and are sturdy enough to protect fresh produce through supply chain distribution, according to the company.

“We’re excited to trial curbside recyclable cardboard punnets with Opal. This innovation offers consumers sustainable packaging choices in Coles supermarkets,” Andrew Bell, Mountain Blue managing director, said in the release.

Opal is investing in research and development to test and commercialize products made from recycled and recyclable paper and cardboard, said Chris Daly, Opal Packaging executive general manager.

“By partnering with Mountain Blue, we were able to understand their packaging needs and work together with our automation and machinery team to deliver a punnet solution that is innovative, functional and sustainable,” Daly said.

Brooke Donnelly, Coles general manager of sustainability, said the supermarket continuously looks for ways to innovate.

“Fresh produce packaging is ripe for innovation, and we’re excited to provide our customers with a plastic free alternative for much-loved and in-season blueberries,” Donnelly said.  “This trial is about ensuring the new cardboard punnets keep blueberries as fresh and tasty as the conventional plastic packaging, and to see how our customers respond to the change.”