Tasmanian Salmon producer Petuna is switching from polystyrene packaging to cardboard, in a move that it said will divert more than 150,000 polystyrene boxes from landfill annually.
The packaging, produced collaboratively with fibre packaging converter Opal, has resulted in an innovative, sustainable alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) for whole fish packaging and transportation.
Opal’s solution, which contains more than 55 per cent recycled paper, as assessed through the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP), is recyclable in Australia and New Zealand, and widely accepted through council kerbside recycling collections.
Group GM Strategy at Opal Packaging, Scott Thompson said the corrugated box was designed with moisture barrier properties to withstand low temperatures for fresh chilled products, approved for airline transportation for export and suitable for domestic controlled cold chain transportation.
Photo imagery on the packaging was created by combining the technique of reverse printing on a high quality barrier layer, with the functional coatings process allowing the imagery to be laid down on to the kraft paper. The image was protected from scuffing and damage through the converting process, resulting in a high quality finish to the box.
“By using Opal’s patented Photo Surefresh process and functionally coated liners, Opal was able to produce a stunning photographic quality branded packaging solution for Petuna,” said Thompson.
Petuna CEO, Ruben Alvarez, said the new cardboard boxes were made from sustainably sourced paper-based materials locally manufactured and supported in Tasmania.
“Once fully implemented, the new packaging will not only significantly decrease our contribution to landfill, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with freight due to a 90 per cent reduction in truck movements.”
“Petuna is committed to producing the highest quality, sustainably sourced salmon and trout, which means ensuring we are sourcing the most environmentally-responsible products available, including our packaging.
“This is a critical requirement of our Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Four Star Certification, which is globally recognised and benchmarked internationally.
“This top-tier accreditation means every step in our production chain – from hatchery and marine farms to feed mills and processing plants – are certified to comply with the highest Best Aquaculture Practice standards,” said Alvarez.
The new packaging will progressively rollout over the next six months.
