Parkside Flexibles advances packaging for Riverford with recyclable root vegetable bags

UK – Parkside, a world leader in designing and developing fully accredited home and industrial compostable flexible packaging, has developed advanced packaging technology to support organic farm and organic vegetable box delivery company, Riverford, to achieve the next evolution of its recyclable packaging for fresh produce. 

The newly developed bags utilise vertical form-fill-seal technology and are crafted from kerbside recyclable, paper-based materials.

They feature cutting-edge water-based coatings that enhance resistance to moisture and grease.

The redesigned packaging keeps Riverford’s root vegetables fresh from harvest to home delivery.

Crafted for strength and durability, the material boasts high tensile strength and is resistant to tearing and bursting, making it ideal for seamless handling throughout the supply chain.

One key aspect of the packaging is its printed design, which mimics the look of kraft paper to enhance brand visibility.

“We’re delighted to support Riverford in their mission to enhance sustainability,” said Staci Bye, sales account Manager at Parkside.

“Our technology offers a truly circular packaging solution, combining the rustic, natural look that Riverford customers love with the performance and recyclability required by today’s supply chains.”

Thanks to Parkside’s advanced flexo printing and reprographics, Riverford achieves a full-surface, high-resolution print that blends a natural, rustic look with the crisp finish made possible by coated substrates.

Blending strength, sustainability, and efficiency, the new packaging is ideal for demanding applications requiring robust materials.

Transitioning from pre-made 100gsm paper sacks to a lighter 90gsm paper, suited for vertical form fill seal systems, delivers a material reduction that reflects Riverford’s broader commitment to minimising resource use throughout its operations.

According to Parkside, the upgrade has significantly enhanced the efficiency of the packing line, boosting output from 25 to approximately 35 packs per minute, a remarkable improvement that streamlines operations and reduces energy usage.

This improvement contributes to streamlined operations and helps lower energy usage.

Staci Bye expressed, “Collaborating with Riverford has been a fantastic experience. Their dedication to sustainability aligns perfectly with our own values, and together, we have created a pack that not only meets their operational needs but also advances the circular economy.”

“This design has removed cost and complexity from production and has resulted in a pack that is as practical as it is beneficial for the environment.”

Matt Mountfield, head of procurement at Riverford, added, “Working with Parkside on this project has been seamless from start to finish. Their technical knowledge and innovative approach enabled a brand-new paper-based design for our root vegetable packaging, suitable for automated form filling.”

“The result is a design that perfectly meets our sustainability goals, improving efficiency and delivering the quality that our customers expect.”

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