Most people in Ontario would tell you that fruit-picking is a must-do activity and a treasured past time.
It’s a fun activity where families can disconnect and spend quality time together in a natural environment!
As this is a year-round activity, we wondered ” what kind of packaging do these nature” centric businesses give to customers to carry their produce?
Unfortunately, the answer had shocked all of us.
There are various containers used at u-pick farms including (but not limited to) baskets, crates, boxes, plastic bags, and on the rare occasion, reusable bags.
Having that said, the high usage of single-use plastics had surprised our team, for example: most notably t-shirt bags and the plastic handles on containers.
WHY SHOULD WE USE LESS SINGLE-USE PLASTICS?
It’s no secret that plastic is bad.
Single-use plastics are not ideal as we’ve been told time and time again that. But why do so many companies still use them?
The answer is simple – cost. Single-use plastic bags and containers are the most cost-effective packaging that can be supplied by a company.
As we all know, it’s a way to save money – we get it. Even though we understand the need to use cost-cutting techniques in business, what price does it truly come at?
Plastic bags take years to break down and the majority aren’t even biodegradable. The ones that are require very high temperatures (not found in a natural environment) to break down!
Additives that are in these ‘biodegradable’ plastics can actually make it more difficult to recycle, potentially harming the environment.
In the long run, using plastic bags in this industry may actually be more costly, like economically and environmentally.
Overall, single-use plastics in industries where there are high volumes is very short sighted and not environmentally friendly.
WHAT CAN WE USE INSTEAD?
You may be wondering what kind of packaging products we can use if we want to help eliminate this plastic usage?
Well, there are various options available:
1. kraft paper bags – These bags can be used multiple times and repurposed, but are also 100% recyclable.
2. reusable bags – This would be the ideal option as there are many different versions of these bags (non-woven, hemp, bamboo, canvas, etc.). These bags can be used time and time again and, if supplied by us, can be fully recycled once the consumer is done using it. Reusable bags reduce the amount of plastic in our environment as the years progress.
3. corrugated baskets – In order to decrease plastic’s presence, we have created a basket from just one piece of recyclable material that’s easy to assemble and environmentally conscious. Once these baskets are used, they can be fully recycled. Also, the elimination of the plastic handle allows for more space for your custom design!
4. waxed boxes – Wax produce boxes are ideal for bulky, heavier items. Apples and peaches are just some examples that can be found at u-pick farms. Perhaps, the wax coating on these boxes allow for multiple uses especially for fruit-picking season!
HOW DO WE GET MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED?
The process is simple as starting a conversation!
The next time you notice single-use plastics, we should let farm operators know that they should invest in a more reusable and environmentally friendly option!
Farmers should consider this as an investment. As mentioned with the above benefits, this is a great way to advertise your business and also provides the customer with a token to remember their experience at your farm!
Therefore, LeKAC Sourcing Limited can help you create a sustainable customised option for all your fruit-picking needs.
As a results, special features could be drawstring closures, transparent sides to show off your produce and more customizable options await!
We know that can be difficult finding the right supplier for custom products and we’re here to quell any concerns!
Our process is almost too straightforward. In fact, we can even help you in terms of design and offer expert advice!
Contact us today for our full catalogue specifically for this industry and get a free quotation!
