The U.S. packaging market is shifting toward sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives, driven by consumer demand and regulatory pressure, says Dr. Moturu, CEO and Co-Founder of fresh produce packaging manufacturer PeelON.inc: "Biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions are rapidly gaining popularity, particularly in the food industry, as brands seek to reduce environmental impact. Companies are investing in materials that maintain product quality while offering greener solutions. Innovations like PeelON, which enhances shelf life without plastic, are well-positioned in this evolving market as businesses look for ways to balance performance with sustainability."
According to Moturu, their packaging is particularly suitable for the North American and European markets, where standards are relatively high. "Our compostable packaging appeals to export markets focused on reducing waste and carbon footprints. Our solutions meet the high standards for produce freshness and sustainability, particularly in markets like North America and Europe, where environmental regulations are strict. PeelON extends the shelf life of produce by two to three times, which in turn reduces spoilage and waste. It eliminates the need for ice and extra packaging, thus reducing transport costs and environmental impact, making it a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for traders."
Although plastic packaging remains popular, Moturu feels that PeelOn is a more sustainable solution: "PeelON is ideal for leafy greens, tropical fruits, and other fresh produce that requires controlled environments to maintain freshness. Our packaging preserves produce quality from farm to table, making it suitable for high-turnover items. Demand for plastic packaging remains high, but there's a shift towards alternatives. Our compostable packaging serves as a sustainable solution, offering the benefits of plastic-durability and flexibility, without the environmental drawbacks, aligning with the global push to reduce plastic reliance."
It has taken a lot of effort to get this packaging technology to the level where it is today, Moturu explains. "We have invested in advanced research to enhance novel packaging properties, such as barrier strength and biodegradability. We are committed to continuous improvement and sustainability, and these investments ensure our products meet the market expectations. And to meet and exceed these market expectations, we combine proprietary, plant-based materials with innovative encapsulation techniques, creating a microclimate for produce that is fully compostable. We are constantly innovating, with a vision of transforming fresh produce logistics through sustainable packaging"
Moturu emphasizes that by removing the need for ice to be included on each truckload, both water as well as fuel is saved with each shipment, further contributing to the sustainability of the product: "Each truckload of leafy greens typically requires 1,000-1,500 pounds of ice, using 120-180 gallons of water per load. By eliminating ice, PeelON could save up to 1.4 million gallons of water monthly for 8,000 loads, reducing water waste and promoting sustainable transport. The ice also adds 1,000-1,500 pounds to each load, increasing fuel consumption by 7.5-15 gallons per trip. This means PeelON could save up to 120,000 gallons of fuel monthly and prevent 1.2 million kg of CO2 emissions annually, cutting costs and emissions substantially," he concludes.
For more information:
Dr. Taraka Ramji Moturu
PeelON.inc
Tel: +1 (956) 315 3151
Email: [email protected]
https://peelon.co/