Propak, Mitolo, REV’s new mono-material onion bag cuts 100 tonnes CO₂-e annually

AUSTRALIA – Propak Industries, Mitolo Family Farms and REV Packaging Solutions have launched a mono-material onion bag that removes the traditional copper clip to enable soft plastic recycling, with the three-year collaboration expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 100 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually through this fourth-generation p-pack design.

The new format, developed for Mitolo’s operation in Virginia, South Australia, replaces the conventional copper clip used in standard onion pre-pack netting. 

The net, handle and tag are all produced from the same soft plastic material, simplifying the pack’s material composition and making it easier for consumers to dispose of correctly in soft plastic recycling streams.  

The bag is produced on the Puma Packaging Machine, a thermosealing system developed by REV Packaging Solutions in Italy and adapted for local operating conditions. 

How 50% Less Plastic and a Three-Year Testing Journey Achieved Copper-Free Packaging

REV’s P-Pack technology, which forms the basis of the new onion bag, is made entirely of polyethylene and uses 50 percent less plastic compared to similar thermosealed solutions on the market, according to the company.  

The Puma 4th Generation machine, introduced to the Australian and New Zealand markets at Hort Connections 2026, enables continuous production with tube changes and replenishment carried out without stopping the line.  

Mitolo Family Farms chief commercial officer John Tselekidis confirmed the format is the fourth generation of the technology after a lengthy process of testing and adjustment, with the pack having undergone multiple rounds of machine testing and refinement over approximately three years.  

Mitolo is expected to be among the first Australian companies to have the machines operational. 

Why the 100 Tonne CO₂-e Saving Aligns with Fresh Produce Soft Plastic Recycling Demands

Propak Industries technical sales manager Isaac Sandercock explained that the project focused on simplifying the onion pack structure to improve recyclability and reduce the use of multiple packaging materials.  

The single-material design responds to a broader industry push towards more recyclable formats, particularly where consumers are unlikely to separate small packaging components correctly.  

Soft plastic recycling streams accept citrus and mesh onion bags with metal clips removed, reinforcing the value of eliminating the copper clip to make disposal more straightforward for consumers.  

Propak, Mitolo and REV’s collaboration demonstrates how machinery, materials and grower commitment can work together to address a practical packaging sustainability challenge while helping growers and retailers meet their sustainability goals.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE