Portland, Oregon-based New Seasons Market will transition its private label Partner Brand Fresh Pasta packaging from plastic clamshells to an environmentally preferable alternative, PaperSeal Map trays.
The PaperSeal modified atmosphere packaging trays are produced by Graphic Packaging International and New Seasons Market will be the first domestic retailer to use this innovation. Each PaperSeal MAP tray uses 91 percent less plastic than the fresh pasta’s current clamshell packaging and the grocer will eliminate more than 120,000 clamshells from the waste stream annually with this upgrade.
“Packaging is a complex environmental problem and we actively work to balance the tradeoffs required to ensure food preservation, while limiting unnecessary excess and waste,” said Athena Petty, senior sustainability manager. “By upgrading our Partner Brand Fresh Pasta packaging to PaperSeal Map trays, we’re drastically reducing plastic from the waste stream and extending the shelf life of the product combating the negative climate impacts of food waste.”
The PaperSeal Map trays are made from FSC Certified fibers and are fully recyclable once the food-safe liner is removed. In addition to reducing material impact, this new packaging also extends product shelf life from 12 to 20 days, helping prevent food waste by allowing customers more time to enjoy their pasta before expiration.
Customers can expect to find the new packaging roll out at their local neighborhood store through April.
“PaperSeal has received numerous international sustainability awards and has become a preferred choice for brands around the world who seek to develop more sustainable packaging solutions,” said Ricardo De Genova, SVP of global innovation and new business development at Graphic Packaging. “We are delighted that New Seasons will be adopting this innovative packaging solution, as well as proud that we can help a business with such a socially responsible approach to reduce its plastic waste.”
To help make this packaging switch, New Seasons Market invested in special equipment for two of its local Portland-based suppliers: Classic Foods, who provides the grocer’s Partner Brand Fresh Pasta, and Rallenti, who makes the fresh gluten-free varieties. During this transition, Rallenti will also be updating the gluten-free partner brand fresh pasta recipe to remove all allergens, creating a 100 percent plant-based product for customers.
This packaging update is one initiative to help New Seasons Market meet its annual sustainability goals. The company plans to continue reducing operational waste from its stores, striving to achieve a 60 percent landfill diversion rate. New Seasons Market is also implementing technology and operational changes to reduce its food waste by 50 percent by 2030 through its commitment to the Pacific Coast Collaborative.
Additionally, the company is investing in energy-efficient equipment and practices to reduce carbon emissions and is seeking to earn Energy Star certification in 25 percent of its stores by year-end. To further support customers in reducing single-use waste, the company will begin accepting No. 1 PET plastic from customers at its in-store recycling centers by Earth Day on April 22.
To learn more about New Seasons Market’s sustainability programs and progress, visit newseasonsmarket.com/sustainability.
