Mountain Blue and Opal Launch Plastic-Free Cardboard Packaging Trial

Mountain Blue, a leader in innovative blueberry genetics, has partnered with Opal, a packaging and systems solutions company, and supermarket retailer Coles Group to trial a plastic-free packaging solution for the brand Eureka. This initiative, part of Mountain Blue’s commitment to sustainability, will be tested across 34 Coles stores in Northern New South Wales over a two-month period.

The trial introduces kerbside recyclable,

FSC®-certifed cardboard punnets as an alternative to traditional plastic containers for blueberries. The new punnets, made from responsibly sourced materials, feature a transparent flm derived from wood pulp, allowing customers to easily view the fruit while supporting eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The use of FSCcertifed materials reinforces Mountain Blue’s dedication to sustainability by ensuring the packaging comes from responsibly managed forests. The recyclable punnets, developed in collaboration with Opal, offer a plastic-free alternative without compromising the quality and freshness that Mountain Blue Blueberries are known for.

Opal manufactures the punnets from recycled paper in Australia, providing the strength needed to protect fresh produce throughout the supply chain and freight.

Andrew Bell, Managing Director of Mountain Blue, expressed his excitement for the initiative:

“We’re thrilled to partner with Opal in trialling these kerbside recyclable cardboard punnets. This innovation offers Cole’s customers a sustainable packaging option for their blueberries.”

Chris Daly, Executive General Manager at Opal Packaging, emphasized the company’s focus on research and development:

“By working closely with Mountain Blue, we were able to meet their packaging needs and deliver a solution that is not only functional and sustainable but also innovative.”

Brooke Donnelly, General Manager of Sustainability at Coles, highlighted the importance of packaging innovation:

“Fresh produce packaging is ready for change, and we’re excited to offer customers a plastic- free alternative for blueberries. This trial allows us to ensure the new punnets maintain freshness and taste while gauging customer feedback.”

Eureka blueberries in the new recyclable packaging will be available across Northern NSW throughout October 2024. Mountain Blue hopes this trial will pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable packaging solutions in the future.