The largest flexible plastics packaging maker for produce in the United States expects to dramatically increase its use of post-consumer content as part of a larger sustainability commitment.
Emerald Packaging Inc. of Union City, Calif., revealed plans March 15 to achieve 50 percent post-consumer content, by weight, by 2025. The move comes as Emerald also signed on to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.
"Emerald Packaging wants to play its part in mobilizing a shift towards a circular economy for plastics. We take tremendous pride to have been welcomed as a signatory, which required making specific commitments to reduce plastic use by 2025," CEO Kevin Kelly said in a statement.
"We believe we will achieve this goal. This is an important step for our company to help combat the worldwide plastic waste crisis," he said.
While Emerald Packaging is pledging to increase the amount of post-consumer plastic being used, the company also wants to "dramatically increase the recyclability of its packaging" by 2025.
"This includes a significant reduction in packages made from mixed plastics in favor of monomaterials with increased stiffness, eliminating the need for polyester in packages," the company said.
Emerald Packaging describes itself as the largest plastic packaging maker for produce in the nation, with products for fresh produce and bagged salads.
The packaging company, which said it is one just a few flexible plastic packaging companies in the United States to sign on with Ellen MacArthur, is also backing the foundation's call for a legally binding United Nations plastics pollution treaty.
Emerald Packaging customers include Dole, Fresh Express, Organic Girl, Taylor Farms and Grimmway Farms. Products include rollstock, bags, pouches and lidding. Along with produce, the company also makes packaging for candy, snacks and baked goods.