The innovative BioFlex sustainable packaging technology will be used by Side Delights for both regular and organic potato bags.

“Fresh Solutions Network partners are deeply committed to supporting the sustainability of farming, from our fields, sheds, transportation, and through to our packaging. Consumers are conscientious of the environmental impact of their choices and patronize stores that support a sustainable lifestyle. Retailers with sustainable business strategies can increase customer loyalty and sales,” Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network said, according to a press release.

Modern landfills’ natural microbial activity is increased by the sustainable packaging technique known as BioFlex. Low-density polyethylene, or BioFlex, has the same appearance and functionality as other plastics but decomposes quickly and won’t take up space in landfills for years. Additionally, it is entirely recyclable and needs to be mixed in with the current plastic recycling.

“We know that much of the waste created from produce packaging is due to either a lack of recyclability where consumers live, or that the bag was simply thrown away in the non-recyclable trash receptacle. Now with BioFlex, at a minimum, our bags will convert to biogas within 3.562 years in a landfill. It won’t matter if the bag was disposed of correctly, it will still break down,” Triou added.

According to Dave Masser, president of Masser Family of Cos., his company added BioFlex packaging technology to its growing list of sustainability efforts to protect the consumers and the environment. The new feature was presented during the recent SEPC Innovations show in Charlotte, NC, at booth No. 503.

Sustainable business practices like packaging are becoming more significant to investors and staff in addition to consumer perception. Environmental, social, and governance reporting as well as impact reports are used by both public and private retailers to inform stakeholders on the status of their objectives.

The global production of thermoplastics is projected to increase to almost 450m metric tons by 2025. Packaging is the largest market segment in plastics and currently accounts for around 26% of the total volume of plastic used. Less than 10% of all plastics will be recycled and more than 90% of plastic waste will end up in landfills.