Double the packing speed and fully recyclable right on your doorstep...
Ocado customers will start to receive three varieties of apples packaged in the new Pro-Produce linerless pack format. The move from bubble wrap and label to printed cardboard will prevent unnecessary waste to landfill.
The launch is the result of a cross industry collaboration between the retailer, producers OrchardWorld and Peake fruit, Ravenwood Packaging and ProPrint group.
The bubble wrap used in the existing Ocado apple packaging had the key function to protect the fruit to avoid food waste. It was important to maintain the quality of the product through the more demanding on-line process.
The new pack will eliminate almost 12 tonnes of hard to recycle plastic annually.
Orchard World trialled several carton-board packaging alternatives, however, the linerless print and technology fundamental to this pack meant the packing speed has now doubled - bringing production efficiency as well as improved recyclability.
The new Pro-Produce pack combines a food grade board printed ‘lid’ applied to a nested carton-board tray using a Ravenwood Linerless applicator giving the pack a premium look and Ocado branding.
Trials showed that the pack supports and protects apples through their journey also delivering in recyclability as confirmed by OPRL. Customers recognise the pack as recyclable, and can easily dispose of both components together at their doorstep helping them recycle.
"The Pro-Produce pack has enabled us to accomplish the two key design criteria we set ourselves when seeking to remove the hard to recycle plastic bag from our supply chain. The move to cardboard has enabled us to meet our target to use a 100% recyclable packaging material. The tray and lid design have also allowed us to maintain the required product protection throughout OrchardWorld and Ocado’s supply chain. With the improved packing speeds offered by the Ravenwood machine and the development skills of Peake Fruit, we are delighted with the improved production efficiencies and enhanced sustainability principals we can offer the Ocado consumer." - Mike Jobbins, OrchardWorld.
Moving to 100% recyclable packaging
As part of the overall strategy and as signatories of the UK Plastics Pact, Ocado have committed to reduce their dependence on plastic and use 100% recyclable packaging for all own label products by 2023. The Pro-Produce pack using Ravenwood linerless technology for fresh produce, enabled Ocado to move from a hard to recycle bubble wrap format to a fully recyclable cardboard pack. The pack will help to contribute significantly towards sustainability targets and embedding circularity.
"At Ocado, we are always looking for ways to reduce our waste and provide our customers with greener choices. We are delighted to be rolling out fully non-plastic packaging for three of our best selling varieties of own label apples. Our team is hard at work developing more packaging innovations for our extensive range. Ocado Retail is committed to being the most sustainable grocer and this further demonstrates our industry leading credentials."