Dole expanding use of recyclable stretch film in banana, pineapple processing
Dole Food Co. is expanding its commercial use of Oxifilm, macro-perforated, 100% recyclable stretch film, across its banana and pineapple operations in Latin America.
The expansion, set for late April, will reduce use of corner boards, straps and clamps in palletization, eliminating approximately 85% of traditional palletizing materials and reducing waste by 4 pounds per pallet, according to a news release.
Dole’s sustainability program currently helps the company reduce 4,850 pounds of plastic per week in its banana processing and 11,640 pounds per week in pineapples, according to the release. The expanded use of Oxifilm will boost those numbers to 17,460 pounds per week for each product, totaling 34,833 pounds per week, while automating part of the palletizing process.
“Scaling up pallet wrapping across our operations is a win for both the environment and our business,” Ana Cristina Obregon, Dole Tropical Products vice president of logistics, said in the release. “We’re significantly reducing the use of plastic while also enhancing efficiency in our supply chain and fruit quality. It’s another step forward in Dole’s commitment to innovation and sustainable agricultural practices.”
Dole launched pallet wrapping commercially in bananas in June 2023 and pineapples in August 2024 at farms in Costa Rica and Honduras, according to the company.
Additional wrapping equipment is scheduled to be delivered to packhouses in Guatemala and Ecuador in the second quarter of 2025.
