Adare develops first fully recyclable fruit punnet

Adare has developed a punnet made from recycled non-GM pulp which was safe for direct food contact, and both recyclable and compostable.

The punnet is being manufactured by South Wales Company Moulded Paper for Angus Soft Fruits.

To overcome the lidding issues, a printed board sleeve was developed which fitted around the punnet, but incorporated a clear film window made from cellulose diacetate to ensure good product visibility for customers.

The film, made from ethically sourced forests, can be recycled into the cardboard waste stream with the total pack, as well as being biodegradable and compostable.

Adare said each component including inks, varnish, labels and pads can be recovered through the cardboard recycling waste stream.

Harvey Sansome, Angus Soft Fruits technical manager, said: “Adare has successfully addressed the concerns we had with our existing packaging and developed a punnet that enables us to offer recyclable packaging in this sector for the first time.

“Most plastic punnets end up in landfill, as only 7% of local authorities currently collect them in regular kerbside collections. The new packaging is both easily recyclable and cost-effective. We look forward to working with Adare on future developments in this area.”

The punnets can be seen in retail outlets, including all major Sainsbury’s and Asda stores and selected Co-Operative stores, from 22 September.

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