Emerald Packaging replaces virgin plastic with PCR

Emerald Packaging has replaced more than 1 million pounds of virgin polyethylene with post-consumer recycled material over the past year, marking a step toward establishing a circular economy for flexible plastic packaging.

The company partnered with Idaho Package, Wada Farms and Walmart to introduce the first 30 percent food contact PCR bag for the potato category. This initiative aligns with Walmart's Project Gigaton, which targets a one-billion-metric-ton reduction in emissions by 2030. To date, Walmart has eliminated more than 200,000 pounds of virgin plastic in its potato packaging.

D'Arrigo Bros. of California, the country's largest romaine shipper, was the first to partner with Emerald. The companies rolled out PCR bags across D'Arrigo's entire product line, including romaine lettuce hearts and iceberg lettuce. The bags are 30 percent food contact PCR and have eliminated over 600,000 pounds of virgin plastic from the supply chain.

'This milestone reflects Emerald Packaging's deep commitment to the environment and our technical ability to deliver high-quality packaging while reducing the reliance on virgin plastics,' said Kevin Kelly, CEO at Emerald Packaging. 'We've worked closely with our supply chain partners and customers to make PCR a viable and scalable part of our product offerings for those who are seeking sustainable options that meet performance standards without compromising environmental values.'

Integrating PCR materials diverts plastic waste from landfills and reduces carbon emissions associated with producing virgin plastic. According to a 2004 study by University of California scientists, increasing the use of PCR has the greatest impact on waste plastic tonnage and GHG reduction among all environmental actions.