Sev-Rend Showcases Sustainable Packaging Solutions; Mark Hoppenjans Shares
COLLINSVILLE, IL - As evidenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, sometimes the packaging that holds fresh produce is just as important as what is found inside. Sev-Rend is meeting the demand for sustainable packaging with its high-performance solutions for the produce industry, which will be on display at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show in booth #3517.
“Sustainable packaging that meets 2025 retail guidelines means 20 percent of material is recycled, a 15 percent reduction in virgin plastics and, clear and measurable results at packaging’s end of life,” shared Mark Hoppenjans, Vice President and Sustainability Lead, who joined the company this spring. “We are working with our customers to reduce carbon and waste by three percent year-over-year in order to meet long-term retail sustainability targets and near-term consumer demands.”
Sev-Rend’s latest innovations deliver new, cost-effective materials that will allow retailers and producers to transition to more sustainable solutions with low transition costs.
“We are in the period where sustainable materials are working their way down from a 20 percent wholesale cost increase for retailers, resulting in about a 10 percent cost impact to consumers,” Hoppenjans continued. “When sustainable solutions cost the retailer less than 8 percent more than conventional packaging, the impact on the consumer will be less than 3 percent on packed produce going into their homes. The sustainable materials used to meet 2025 retailer guidelines must be single digits on percentage cost increase in order to create an affordable solution for consumers.”
Sev-Rend’s innovative line includes signature Bio-Able® biodegradable packaging materials which break down to zero microplastics. In addition, the new pcr-Able® recycled solution used in pouches, film, and SR film. These new products are made possible through the company’s innovative development team, a press release explained.
Sev-Rend has been a packaging manufacturer for 30 years, with produce as its primary area of business. Founded as a tag and label company working mostly with potatoes and onions, Sev-Rend today is also very active in the avocado, citrus, and apple categories, and has recently entered the frozen produce space.
We look forward to seeing this innovator at the show!
