Sun Sugar Farms, Verona, Ky., introduced a new sustainable produce container, an alternative to non-recyclable plastic clamshells and corrugated packages.

Made of Kraftpak paperboard or white SBS, this patent-pending design features vents that represent all elements that went into creating the produce—from the sun in the sky to the worms in the soil. Plus, it is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable.

The sustainable produce container ships flat to save warehouse space and can be fully printable to eliminate the need for a label.

Other features include:

• Sturdier than plastic, so it can be stacked higher.
• Easy to open, and viewing windows let consumers view the contents.
• Holds up well during temperature transitions.
• Produce is said to last longer.

“How often do you get a call from a customer saying that they bought your product just because of the packaging it came in?” says Linda Fritz, owner. “Happens to me all the time. More and more people are fed up with plastic waste. If you’re growing organically, it makes sense to use packaging that treats the earth with the same respect. Plus, I don’t feel bad packaging in smaller quantities now; it’s actually increased my profitability.”