North Bay Produce Inc., a grower-owned, globally operated cooperative based out of Traverse City, MI, is making efforts to reduce plastic waste while bringing consumers the freshest products available. Purchasing compostable packaging equipment will help reduce the amount of plastic used for traditional clamshells by up to 34 percent. The equipment will package blueberries in biodegradable trays and seal the top with a single translucent cover. The cover will also re-seal after opening for storage.Jon Wall

“Top seal packaging will set the new standard for how blueberries are sold in the U.S.,” said Jon Wall, vice president of operations. The compostable packaging will resonate with young buyers who are demanding companies create less waste. This new way of packaging allows a secure barrier enhancing food-safety efforts as well as better storage and freshness.

Compostable packaging is something more and more retailers are asking for as there becomes more focus on sustainability. This grant will allow North Bay Produce to get ahead of the curve and begin using more compostable packaging, while at the same time adding more jobs throughout the supply chain.