The Star Group of Companies is taking its first step in the plastic conversation, leading with the theme, ‘let’s reduce plastic together’ at the CPMA trade show in Montreal, Canada. Recognizing there is an industry problem throughout the supply chain, The Star Group is examining the current state of plastics, plastic reduction and partnering with pure science to innovate for the future.
Consumer education is a monumental task. Star Group is focusing on science-based solutions to come up with great alternatives to package fresh produce. Harmonizing its plastic into a single stream and bio-based solutions where plastic is made out of feedstock is clearly the future.
"We are shifting our focus internally and looking at innovation through a different lens," said David Karwacki, CEO of The Star Group. "By engaging customers, suppliers and pure science we can come up with eloquent solutions that consumers will love. We all know that people want to make a difference in reducing plastic. As an industry if we join together we can make changes quickly."
To date, the Star Group has continually implemented top seal on multiple products resulting in a 30 percent reduction in plastic per container. It’s also launched Inspired Greens whole head lettuce in recyclable sleeves, transforming 2 million potential pounds of PETE plastic to under 100,000 pounds of recyclable sleeves.
Other initiatives include: reductions in the gage of plastic in packaging resulting in up to 11 percent reduction per punnet; invested in pallet wrapping machines that use recyclable wrap in all facilities that consistently and efficiently wrap pallets. (This has resulted in a 60 percent reduction of plastic wrap.); cardboard and plastic in all facilities is bailed and recycled; all organic waste is composted; offices recycle paper, plastic, refundable containers and have eliminated plastic water bottles.
The Star Group is looking for new and better ways to innovate in all products. This includes finding next generation packaging options that will truly make a difference.
For more information:
Devon Kennedy
Star Produce
Tel: +1 (604) 454-1559
devon@starproduce.com
https://www.starproduce.com/