Parkside develops recyclable root vegetable packaging

Parkside has developed advanced packaging technology to support organic veg box company, Riverford, to achieve the next evolution of its recyclable packaging for fresh produce. 

The new bags are made from vertical form fill seal, kerbside recyclable paper-based material and incorporates advanced water-based coatings that provide moisture and grease resistance. This ensures that Riverford’s root vegetables remain fresh throughout the journey from farm to doorstep. The material is engineered for durability, offering high tensile strength and resistance to tearing and bursting – making it ideal for moving efficiently through the supply chain. 

A key feature of the pack is its printed design that imitates the look of kraft paper to enhance brand appeal. Parkside’s flexo printing and reprographics capability enable a high quality, all-over print meaning Riverford could combine a rustic appearance with the clean print finish only possible on coated materials. 

This combination of durability, recyclability, and operational efficiency makes this packaging suitable for high-strength packaging applications. The shift from pre-made 100gsm paper sacks to a 90gsm VFFS-compatible paper represents a material saving, part of Riverford’s wider mission to reduce resource use at every step. The change has also improved packing line performance, with packing speeds increasing from 25 to around 35 packs per minute, supporting greater operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption. 

Staci Bye, sales account Managerat Parkside, said: ‘We’re delighted to support Riverford in their mission to enhance sustainability. Our technology offers a truly circular packaging solution – combining the rustic, natural look that Riverford customers love, with the performance and recyclability required by today’s supply chains. 

‘Collaborating with Riverford has been a fantastic experience. Their dedication to sustainability aligns perfectly with our own values, and together we have created a pack that not only meets their operational needs but also advances the circular economy. This design has removed cost and complexity from production and has resulted in a pack that is as practical as it is beneficial for the environment.’ 

Matt Mountfield, head of procurement at Riverford, said: ‘Working with Parkside on this project has been seamless from start to finish. Their technical knowledge and innovative approach enabled a brand-new paper-based design for our root vegetable packaging, suitable for automated form filling. The result is a design that perfectly meets our sustainability goals, improving efficiency and delivering the quality that our customers expect.’