Fresh Del Monte Produce Launches Reusable Plastic Banana Containers in Collaboration with Arena Packaging; Hans Sauter and Tony Arena Share
MIAMI, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce is putting the reuse in reduce, reuse, recycle with its newly introduced RPCs for bananas. These containers are the fruit of a partnership between the supplier and Arena Packaging and were created to help transform industry standards for the category while reducing food waste, carbon emissions, operational costs, and more.
“Making produce more sustainable for consumers, from the farms to the shelves, has always been a top priority for Fresh Del Monte. By emphasizing the reuse of packaging materials, we aim to reduce our environmental footprint while promoting a circular economy of plastics. After years of collaborative work, this groundbreaking RPC design not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but addresses fruit quality and pallet shipping density, ensuring sustainable impact at every level of our supply chain,” said Hans Sauter, Fresh Del Monte’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of R&D. “Alliances such as this one serve as another example of how we’re always seeking ways to improve our operations with business partnerships that strive to achieve a more sustainable future.”
With Fresh Del Monte’s introduction of RPCs, its banana shipments enjoy improved airflow and extended shelf-life, a release stated. RPCs are reusable and trackable, with a life cycle of up to 15 years. Each container will be reused approximately five times in a year, and if damaged, individual parts can be collected, replaced, and repurposed.
The Banana RPCs arrived at retail stores in the South Texas region last month, offering consumers an eco-friendly and convenient way to enjoy their favorite fruit.
“Our collaboration with Fresh Del Monte Produce is set to redefine the entire process of packing, shipping, ripening, storing, and merchandising bananas. This marks a significant milestone in our shared mission to establish a more sustainable and circular packaging system,” said Tony Arena, Founder and Chief Executive officer of Arena Packaging. “Arena Packaging's innovative Banana RPC is the result of years of dedicated design and validation supported by industry veteran Jim Vangelos and Fresh Del Monte's Sales VP, Mike Naftel, and Senior Director of Global Packaging, Christian Salnars. The Arena Banana RPC reduces the carbon footprint by 90 percent over a traditional corrugated banana carton.”
To learn more about Fresh Del Monte’s use of RPCs for its bananas, click here.
What will be the supplier’s next sustainability-driving strategy? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for answers.
