US-based lettuce grower D'Arrigo California has partnered with Emerald Packaging to increase the volume of PCR content in its fresh produce packaging.

As part of this collaboration, Emerald has produced a PCR bag for D'Arrigo's 'romaine hearts' products.

Starting this month, D'Arrigo will increase the PCR content for its two-count romaine heart and three-count romaine heart bags to 30%.

The company began using 5% PCR content in millions of its three-count romaine heart bags at the beginning of 2023 and is scaling up the percentage progressively.

PCR producer Circulus Holdings will supply the material used in the new bags.

D'Arrigo will roll out its romaine hearts products with updated bags across the North American market.

D'Arrigo president and CEO John D'Arrigo said: "We've made substantial investments in solar power and recycling, and have implemented packaging solutions that substantially decrease our use of plastic and its environmental impact.

"The incorporation of post-consumer recycled materials in our packaging exemplifies our unwavering commitment to sustainability.”

The initiative will reduce virgin plastic production and plastic pollution by diverting waste material from landfills.

Emerald CEO Kevin Kelly said: "Expanding the use of post-consumer recycled packaging in food packaging is a big leap forward in sustainable plastics.

"Emerald Packaging is dedicated to working closely with our customers such as D'Arrigo California to design packages that reduce the impact on the environment, allowing them to meet their sustainability goals."