Recyclable punnets for blueberries on trial

Mountain Blue is trialling at Coles a plastic-free packaging for its Eureka blueberries that has been developed in collaboration with packaging and systems solutions company Opal.

The initiative has introduced kerbside recyclable and FSC-certified cardboard punnets for blueberries across 34 Coles stores located in Northern New South Wales over a two-month period.

The punnets, which are an alternative to plastic containers, feature a transparent film produced from wood pulp for viewing the fruit.

Made from recycled paper manufactured by Opal in Australia, the kerbside recyclable punnets are designed to provide a plastic-free alternative without compromising on the quality and freshness of the blueberries. They have also been designed to provide the robustness needed to protect fresh produce through supply chains and freight.

“We’re excited to trial kerbside recyclable cardboard punnets with Opal. This innovation offers consumers sustainable packaging choices in Coles supermarkets,” said Andrew Bell, Managing Director, Mountain Blue.

Chris Daly, Executive General Manager, Opal Packaging, said Opal is investing in research and development to test and commercialise products made from recycled and recyclable paper and cardboard. “By partnering with Mountain Blue, we were able to understand their packaging needs and work together with our automation and machinery team, to deliver a punnet solution that is innovative, functional and sustainable.”

The trial at Coles is designed to ensure the new punnets keep the blueberries as fresh and tasty as the plastic packaging, and to see how customers respond to the change.

Mountain Blue hopes this trial will pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable packaging.