PAC K AG I N G I N N OVAT I O N
A first in 100 per cent compostable punnets Proudly South African company Denny Mushrooms is moving with the times. The grower recently announced that its mushroom range will be packed in 100 per cent compostable punnets. The new technology is available from Multi-cup Solutions, a sister company in the listed Libstar stable.
D
enny supplies roughly half the nation’s mushrooms. This pioneering move is a massive boost for sustainable practices
aimed at protecting the planet and promoting healthy living. The compostable punnets are made from Bagasse - a natural by-product of sugarcane refinement. The pulp fibre, which remains after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice requires minimal processing and elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleaching to turn
“100 per cent compostable punnets mean we can lead the way and do what’s right for the environment. This initiative supports the wholesome nature of our product. Denny is incredibly proud to be pioneering new ground” - Ryan Cotterell CEO of Denny Mushrooms
it into a woven, high-strength paper that is biodegradable and compostable. ‘Given the global drive towards eco-friendly and sustainable packaging solutions, more research and development resources are being channelled in this direction. We believe it is a
solution for the future enthuses Derek Couzens (CEO) of Multi-cup Solutions. ‘If South Africa follows European trends, nearly 50 per cent of fruit and vegetable food produced goes to waste.
FAST FACT:
Denny's mushrooms are grown using waste from wheat production (straw) and chicken farming, together with a reverse osmosis water purification process. The spent substrate (compost) from the mushroom growing process is then used to return nutrients to the soil in the agricultural sector. By taking steps to add environmentally responsible packaging as an alternative for consumers, Denny moves closer to its brand vision of a 360° Health Cycle for the future.
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Food Review | January 2020
The rigid nature of the packaging certainly gives the fresh produce protection along the supply chain, together with its basic plant-based fibre composition lends itself to extended shelf life and enhancing the quality and freshness of the product.’ The compostable punnet and shrink-wrap covering, which is recyclable, results in a very sustainably packaged product. ‘We’ve opened up a South East Asia office in South Korea, which will assist in giving greater visibility and understanding of global trends, Couzens concludes. ‘This will offer Multi-cup a closer presence to progressive manufacturing
Compostable punnets are available from Multi-cup
facilities, pioneering some of these trends and in turn leveraging such opportunities in a local South African setting. •
Multi-cup Solutions – www.multicup.co.za
