Mission Statement
Dedication to a sustainable future means making plans that rest on the three pillars of economic, environmental and social benefits. Mindful of the health and welfare of their farms, workers, and communities, California’s strawberry farmers are dedicated to sustainable farming practices, pioneering breakthroughs in resource conservation, food safety, and pest management – supporting the health of the community, improving safety and reducing environmental impacts.
The Issue
Since the 1990’s, many berry farmers shifted to clear plastic packaging shaped as a vented box with a hinged lid, also known as a clamshell. This type of packaging created a market to convert recycled plastic water bottles into clear, lightweight containers that protect the fruit from damage and contamination, and reducing food waste. Clamshell packaging decreases greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of raw resources needed to make the packaging, and reducing fuel use as lighter packaging makes lighter shipments. Changes in laws and regulations regarding recycled content of plastic containers, and consumer demand for more sustainable packaging, requires that food producers and distributors, packaging manufacturers, material recycling facilities, and consumers, all work together to ensure that recycle-able content is captured and reprocessed into new packaging.
Berry Shippers Taking Action
Working together as competitive collaborators, berry shippers have committed to these actions:
- Commitment to 100% recycle-ready clamshell packaging by 2025.
- Include the post-consumer recycled content in clamshell packaging.
- Support the recovery and reuse of clamshells.
- Foster development of compostable paper-based packaging.
- Explore innovation of new materials that are readily recyclable and/or compostable.
What The Public Needs To Know
The more you know, the more we can accomplish! Here are some steps you can take to help the environment:
- Urge your local recycler to collect and recycle clamshell packaging, if they don’t already.
- Look for the How2Recycle label on packaging for the best information about how to recycle.
- Step up your own recycling knowledge and actions, at home and at work. Contact your local recycling service provider, or visit a few of the websites below for more information.
Our Partners
