Riverford replaces one million plastic bags with TIPA compostable packaging
Organic grocery box delivery service Riverford will replace 1.25 million plastic bags each year with home compostable alternatives supplied by TIPA. The partnership is the latest step in Riverford’s bid to supply all its fresh fruit and vegetables in compostable packaging where packaging is needed.
Riverford’s research found compostable packaging was the most effective eco-friendly packaging alternative to conventional plastic for fresh food quality.
Riverford’s commitment to compostables reflects a wider industry trend towards low-waste packaging solutions.
Growing market share for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic, like compostable films, is projected to be a key contributor to the growth of the global flexible packaging market. The market is reportedly expected to increase from USD $160.8 billion $200.5bn by 2025.
Sustainability has been at the core of Riverford’s approach since it was founded. To limit carbon emissions, Riverford chose to connect TIPA with packaging converter Brayford to keep its existing local supply chain.
The success of the three-way partnership has led to Riverford placing an additional order of over one million compostable bags for the year ahead.
Matthew Mountfield, senior buyer at Riverford said: “Sustainability is a huge focus for our business, and something that is incredibly important to our customers. In 2018, we conducted a survey and found that 82.5% of our customers already compost their food or garden waste. This encouraged us to seek out compostable alternatives to plastic to reduce the amount of packaging going to landfill.
“Working with Brayford and TIPA, we have found an eco-friendly alternative to plastic that does not affect the quality of our product and actually promotes longevity, reducing food waste in the long term. We are proud to be replacing over one million plastic bags, and look forward to the future as new sustainable technologies continue to be developed for the grocery industry.”
Steve Woods, sales director at Brayford said: “We are proud to play our part in helping Riverford supply its produce in eco-friendly packaging and have been impressed with how simple incorporating TIPA’s compostable film into our existing machinery has been.
“It was important to Riverford to keep its existing local supply chain, and with TIPA we have been able to achieve this, making our partnership a great success from the get-go.”
Gary Tee, sales director at TIPA said: “The fresh produce industry needs pioneers like Riverford to offer sustainable packaging choices including compostables to give consumers the chance to cut down on plastic and food waste.
“We look forward to the year ahead as we continue to support Riverford in supplying its produce in sustainable packaging that doesn’t compromise on the quality its customers expect.”
