Flexible retail packaging supplier Emerald Packaging has teamed up with Idaho Package, Wada Farms and Walmart to introduce the ‘first’ 30% food contact post-consumer recycled (PCR) bag for the potato category.
The product was developed in direct response to Walmart’s goal to reduce packaging waste via Project Gigaton, an initiative to reduce or avoid one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the global value chain by 2030. Potato grower and shipper Wada Farms worked with Walmart to commercialize the product.
Idaho Package and Wada Farms began trialling PCR potato bags in early fall 2024, and later that year launched the product with Walmart. The companies say that today, a dozen SKU’s incorporate PCR resin, with the reduction in virgin polyethylene plastic exceeding 100,000 lbs. and as of June 2025, Walmart continues to transition more root category SKUs to PCR.
Last year ProAmpac revealed its RotiBag with an integrated handle for hot-to-go products like rotisserie chicken – aiming to replace traditional clamshell containers and reduce material usage, with ‘recycle-ready’ and post-consumer recycled options also available. Its slim profile is intended to maximize shelf space, with food retailers able to customize on-pack branding with HD flexo-printed graphics.
In August, Burts Snacks announced it had implemented 55% post-consumer recycled plastic into its new crisp packets – a move expected to save around 8,000 tonnes of virgin plastic. The new packs are expected to help lessen the company’s environmental impact, align with consumer demand for sustainability-minded packaging solutions, and support local suppliers.
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