WATSONVILLE, CA - The mark of an innovative company is capable of listening. This rings true for Sambrailo, which recently launched several new packaging items as it expands to better address its customers’ needs. I turned to Sara Lozano, Marketing and Product Development, to find out more.

“Our ReadyCycle product line has been an evolution based on our customers’ feedback. I think that our Bill Sambrailo [former President and CEO] said it best. ‘If you don’t adapt—you die.’ Our team has always taken that to heart and pursued innovation in product and service,” Sara remarked.

With the product launches, which include a ReadyCycle 1 lb with removable film covering, a half-pint open basket, and a 6 oz closed basket, Sara emphasized how pushing the envelope in design is essential to keeping up with demand.

“We were closely a part of the start of the PET clamshell and have seen it become the norm season over season for the past 30 years. It is most often the only choice for farms,” Sara noted. “It was time for us to develop a leading sustainable packaging choice that was approachable, available, and intuitive throughout the supply chain."

For the 1 lb, a traditional clamshell size for multiple fruit and vegetable categories, customers were looking for a design that offered an extra layer of protection while not sacrificing visibility. The next evolution of the product will be making the film compostable. The original ReadyCycle 1 lb version, which is 100 percent compostable and recyclable, is also still available without any film.

The 6 oz is a direct alternative to Sambrailo’s 6 oz 100 percent post consumer recycled PET clamshell. It has the same dimensions so it fits in Sambrailo’s existing master tray, and is fully customizable to allot for print messaging on all panels of the structure. The peek-a-boo window—which can be reclosed—was designed for easy quality checks at field, cooler, and retailer.

Sara and I also spoke about the rise of produce box programs during the pandemic, and how Sambrailo’s expertise in the packaging sector helped fill that demand.

“It was all about helping our customers get what they need and using our relationships in the industry to get the best solutions for them,” she asserted. “We started by asking them the sizes they need and the customization needed for their particular program. If we didn’t have an item they needed, we would research and investigate if it was something we could design, source, and make available for them. Produce boxes have such a diverse usage and it’s been exciting to see the boxes evolve.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep pace with this industry innovator, so stay tuned!

Sambrailo