Organic box supplier Riverford says that a new partnership with TIPA and its existing packaging converter Brayford to use compostable packaging in its boxes will remove 1.25 million plastic bags from its supply chain each year.
Research conducted by Riverford’s concluded that compostable packaging was the most effective eco-friendly packaging alternative to conventional plastic for fresh food quality. The establishment of the three-way partnership has resulted in Riverford ordering more than one million compostable bags for the year ahead.
Matthew Mountfield, senior buyer at Riverford said, “Sustainability is a huge focus for our business, and something that is incredibly important to our customers. In 2018, we conducted a survey and found that 82.5 percent of our customers already compost their food or garden waste. This encouraged us to seek out compostable alternatives to plastic to reduce the amount of packaging going to landfill.
“Working with Brayford and TIPA, we have found an eco-friendly alternative to plastic that does not affect the quality of our product and actually promotes longevity, reducing food waste in the long term. We are proud to be replacing over one million plastic bags and look forward to the future as new sustainable technologies continue to be developed for the grocery industry.”
Steve Woods, sales director at Brayford said, “It was important to Riverford to keep its existing local supply chain, and with TIPA we have been able to achieve this, making our partnership a great success from the get-go.”
Gary Tee, Sales Director at TIPA added, “The fresh produce industry needs pioneers like Riverford to offer sustainable packaging choices including compostables to give consumers the chance to cut down on plastic and food waste.”
