Country: Australia and New Zealand

Category: Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

In an Australasian category Opal, in collaboration with Mountain Blue and Coles, has launched a game-changing paper-based punnet for fresh produce, replacing plastic (PET) containers with a window made from renewable cellulose material. Crafted from 100% recycled, FSC®-certified paper (FSC-C113466) from Opal’s Botany Paper Mill and a PEFC-certified, non-petrochemical wood-pulp-derived transparent film, this punnet reduces plastic waste while matching plastic’s functionality. With eight plastic punnets used per kilogram of blueberries in Australian supermarkets, Opal’s innovation will eliminate over a thousand tonnes of plastic annually for the customer.

Unlike other fresh produce paper punnets with traditional plastic windows or restrictive slitted lids, Opal’s new cellulose window ensures that the punnet is re-closeable, food safe, protects the barrier of the produce and has clear visibility of produce, enhancing consumer appeal.

Opal’s design eliminates the need for plastic soaker pads, boosting recyclability. The punnet meets Australia’s National Packaging Targets for recycled fibre material and is kerbside recyclable, advancing Australia’s circular economy. The new punnet meets pulpability standards for recyclability and the cellulose window is accepted in paper kerbside recycling.

Opal’s punnet integrates seamlessly with Mountain Blue’s high-speed packing lines, thanks to Opal’s innovative de-nester technology that efficiently moves the punnets down the packing line at speeds that match or exceed plastic punnets, with slight, cost-effective line adjustments. This ensures minimal loss in efficiency, addressing customer demands for robust and scalable solutions that can protect fresh produce through supply chains and freight.

Consumers, customers and retailers demand less plastic without compromising quality or visibility. Opal’s punnets deliver, offering durability to protect produce through supply chains while equalling plastic in shelf life. Research at the University of NSW is currently exploring whether these punnets extend blueberry freshness, potentially adding further value to the solution.

Opal’s print capabilities maximise branding, allowing vibrant designs on all punnet panels without additional labelling. Unlike plastic punnets with limited branding surfaces, Opal’s solution enhances marketability, clearly signalling a sustainable alternative for consumers.

This partnership sets a new benchmark for sustainable packaging. Opal’s paper punnet balances consumer expectations for quality and visibility, retailer needs for branding and durability, and environmental goals for reducing plastic waste and offering an alternative recyclable solution. It is a bold step toward a better future for fresh produce packaging.