(Kingsville, ON, October 2, 2019) SUNSET® is proud to announce trailblazing plans to offer 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging for all fruits and vegetables by 2025.
SUNSET has a legacy of demonstrated leadership in sustainability and is constantly evolving to develop leading-edge packaging solutions. A decade ago, they introduced top seal to the industry, resulting in a 20% reduction of materials. With the environment foremost in everyone’s minds, the company is raising the bar once again.
“At SUNSET, we always grow with the future in mind. That’s why we’re so dedicated to developing the innovative solutions that consumers and our customers have asked for—and the planet demands,” says Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO, and the fourth-generation family member to lead Mastronardi Produce.
The announcement comes days before SUNSET is set to unveil its full line of SUNSET CARES® sustainable packaging at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA. This range of earth-friendly options includes fully recyclable paperboard packages and SUNSET® Backyard Compostable packaging, which empowers consumers to (literally) make a difference in their own backyards.
“We’re looking at implementing these new sustainable packaging options where they will have the most impact,” says Mastronardi. “For our new Backyard Compostable packaging program, we’re anticipating over a million-unit annual reduction in plastic.”
The company is also working on innovative, plastic-free paperboard packaging that will allow them to replace millions of flow-wrapped packages with a more environmentally friendly solution. And within twelve months, SUNSET will look to test unique sustainable retail models that have the potential to revolutionize how consumers shop for snacking tomatoes.
“We recognize that there’s no easy, one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we’ve focused our development efforts across a broad range of offerings,” says Mastronardi. “Our creative packaging innovations ensure consumers don’t need to choose between flavor and sustainability. They can have both.”
This past year, SUNSET was the first fresh produce company to join the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, which brings together industry thought leaders who believe in the power of industry to make a difference.
SUNSET’s sustainable packaging pledge is one of many commitments the company is making to ensure it is doing everything it can for the health and longevity of the environment. The company has also renewed its commitments to sustainable business practices at all levels, including growing, packaging, and distribution, which are described in The Green Grass Project®.
