Sambrailo Packaging have made an addition to their ReadyCycle packaging brand with a 12oz sized snap pea box. The boxes, which are made from fully-recyclable materials, were launched in mid-May for Durst Organic Growers who requested the size. As well as being an attractive sustainable packaging option, Sambrailo said the box has enabled Durst to utilize the entire surface of the package to showcase their product.
"Our customer Durst Organic Growers requested the pack size for their Snap Pea program," said Sara Lozano of Sambrailo Packaging. "Durst was an early adopter of ReadyCycle last season moving from the plastic green mesh basket over to a custom ReadyCycle Pint basket. They have been able to build upon their brand by using all the surfaces of the basket as marketing real estate and showcasing their products."
Recyclable and marketable
Sambrailo designed the ReadyCycle brand to give companies a completely recyclable, sustainable packaging option. The line was launched last year with a pint basket and the company have now expanded their offering to include a half pint, 12 oz, and 16 oz box, as well as trays. Sambrailo have also expanded their distribution to much of North America.
"ReadyCycle has been in the market since spring of 2017 when we launched our pint basket," Lozano shared. "The pint basket was used by a handful of growers last season for mainly strawberries and cherry tomatoes. They were in both local to large retailers (Raley’s, Whole Foods, Sacramento CoOp, and Briar Patch CoOp) and also at farmers markets in and around the Bay Area. We distribute nationwide in the US and to Mexico. Our customers that have purchased and packed in ReadyCycle have shipped throughout the US and soon Canada."
The first ReadyCycle product, the pint basket
The boxes themselves are made of paperboard, water based protective coating for moisture, and water based adhesive for assembly. Lozano explained that the packaging is ideal for growers that hand pack their produce, while also providing them with a platform to place their brand message on all sides of the container.
"The first advantage is a non-plastic package that is fully recyclable, ReadyCycle is made without wax, labels, or plastic components," she said. "Once the product is consumed the entire basket can be recycled in the cardboard recycle stream. Plastic recycling and single use plastic waste is a topic that is a major concern to us at Sambrailo, growers like Durst, and their customers. ReadyCycle also allows for a brand to fully express their marketing message on all sides of the basket rather than just a top label on a plastic clamshell."
Designed as environmentally-friendly alternative to clamshells
The main motivation for Sambrailo to launch this line is their desire to provide the market with an environmentally-friendly packaging option. Many companies are looking to be more sustainable in the way they go about their business. In this sense, Sambrailo point to the 12oz snap pea box as an example of the range of produce items that can use the ReadyCycle packaging instead of plastic clamshells and other common forms of plastic packaging.
Sambrailo said ReadyCycle is an environmentally-friendly alternative to clamshells
"We’ve designed ReadyCycle to accommodate most bulk fresh fruit and vegetables," Lozano said. "Berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, figs, peppers, Brussels sprouts, apples, stone fruit, cherries, figs, pears, citrus, grapes, beans, and much more. ReadyCycle is a viable option for any fruit or vegetable currently packed in plastic bags or plastic clamshells."
Lozano added that the company values innovation, and feels that change is a necessity as packaging continues to evolve. "We are a 4th generation family owned company that was established in 1923," she explained. "In 1987 we introduced the first plastic clamshell and our industry has not looked back. Now plastic clamshells are everywhere and plastic recycling is coming to a head. We recognize that we have come to a point where change is needed and we believe we can drive that change in our industry and our community with ReadyCycle. Sambrailo continues to pioneer innovation in produce packaging and with the innovation of ReadyCycle as a packaging alternative to plastic, it is our first step in leading the charge. ReadyCycle has an opportunity to reduce single use plastic waste, protect produce, build brand loyalty, and re-engage consumers in the retail environment to be a part of change."
For more information:
Sara Lozano
Sambrailo Packaging
Tel: +1 (831) 724-7581