The international manufacturer and exporter of blueberries United Exports has launched recycled paper cups for its blueberries brand OZblu on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.
Like many other island nations, Mauritius has been severely affected by land and sea pollution due to single-use plastics. In response, the government has taken strong measures to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or in its world-renowned marine environment. Non-biodegradable plastic bags have been banned since 2016.
This year, the Environmental Protection (Control of Single-Use Plastic Products) Regulations 2020 came into force, gradually introducing a ban on the import, manufacture, possession, sale, supply and use of single-use plastics.
In support of the initiative, the United Export team created sustainable packaging options to continue delivering its blueberries OZblu to consumers on the island.
Working closely with SKC Surat in Mauritius and Huhtamaki, a global packaging company with Nordic roots, United Exports developed a recycled paper cup for its blueberries OZblu.
Although, like all soft fruit, blueberries traditionally don't do well in paper or cellulose because they can negatively affect their shelf life, United Exports says that OZblu genetics offer blueberries bigger, crisper and tastier with a better shelf life, meaning that blueberries are the perfect match for this innovative packaging.
This package from blueberries allows the company to reduce the use of plastic by 82% when using this format. The innovative pack is fully compostable, not only meeting legislative requirements, but opening the door to an environmentally sustainable packaging solution in the fresh produce sector, says the company.
"Sustainability is indelible in the way we operate; it is not a separate division, but underpins and integrates with everything we do. It is so important to me, having been inspired years ago by my then six-year-old son asking if our blueberries were sustainable!" says United Exports and founder Roger Horak.
Source: FreshFruitPortal
