Elliott Absorbent Products launched the 'Echo' fruit pad in October last year, the pad not only extends the shelf life of berries by up to 12 hours but can also be recycled or composted by the consumer. The Echo pads, are 100% plastic-free and utilise the Tensei second harvest technology. They are made from sustainable straw crop residues, including seeds, skins, and fibre crops after processing, along with perennial grasses and annual fibre crops.
"The response so far has been very good," according to Matt Hankins, managing director of Elliott Absorbent Products. "We will be going to Fruit Logisitca next week, where I expect there to be a lot of interest. The Echo pad is particularly popular for use in soft fruit punnets, but we have had interest in a diverse selection of products including beetroot."
The Echo pad can be supplied to markets around the world for anyone looking for a totally bio-c product with zero plastic. It is particularly effective for raspberries which is a high-value product with a high risk of fungal rot loss.
"The echo pad differs from other similar products on the market because it is 100% plastic-free, and made from crop waste so no carbon-adsorbing trees are cut down. The pad is black/ blue for IR recognition, this allows it to be separated from the waste stream and black alone is problematic. It is available as a pad or on a reel. It is embossed to cushion fruit in the pack and is fully recyclable or bio-compostable in your green bin, it is also cheaper than a standard plastic/cellulose pad. The new pads are a great opportunity for berry growers to extend shelf-life and cut food and packaging waste. By switching to Echo and utilising crop waste, we can replace 1,280 metric tonnes of plastic or tree-sourced fibre every year."
Elliott Absorbent Products will be at Fruit Logisitca Hall: 5.2 B-22
For more information:
Matt Hankins
Elliott Absorbent Products Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1706 643122
matt@elliottabsorbents.co.uk
www.elliottabsorbents.co.uk