Strawberry Fields Organic Farm grows an extensive range of vegetables and herbs but had struggled to find a supplier of compostable bags at an affordable price until they discovered the C BAG from flexible packaging and lidding films supplier KM Packaging and their partner Treetop Biopak.
The C BAG is from KM Packaging's C-Range of compostable bio-plastic packaging with similar properties and look and feel as conventional plastic.
Pam Bowers of Strawberry Fields said: “As well as not being able to source compostable bags at an affordable price, no one seemed to be able to supply on a wicket which is essential for our way of working. The C BAG was the ideal solution. Also, what we like about the bags is they immediately look different to their plastic counterparts so the customer is able to tell at a glance they are compostable.”
Watts Farm, Kent-based growers, packers, and distributors of fresh produce, had also been searching for some time for a cost-efficient compostable packaging solution. They chose the C BAG due to its lower cost and compostable qualities.
Verified as compliant non-GMO
Both Watts Farm and Strawberry Fields were keen to replace existing packaging with a compostable alternative.
And Strawberry Fields were particularly concerned about GMO in some compostable packaging during their search for a supplier. They were also aware that the UK Soil Association requires organic-certified growers to use compostable packaging with no GMO.
The C BAG from KM Packaging has been verified as compliant with the Soil Association Food & Drink standards. It is now being used to pack Strawberry Fields' Rainbow Chard, Red Oakleaf, Green Oakleaf, Romaine, Red Batavia, and Green Batavia lettuce.
The key features of the C BAG include:
· Home compostable.
· Guarantee non-GMO raw materials.
· Meets the Soil Association Standard for packaging materials.
· Excellent mechanical properties.
· Very good impact and puncture resistance.
· Excellent water resistance.
· Suitable for manual and automatic bagging lines.
· Good material perforation, keeping fruit and vegetable fresh.
· Printable.
The bio-plastic C-Range products from KM Packaging have been developed in partnership with Treetop Biopak.
Treetop owner Amir Gross said: "As growers of fresh produce, Strawberry Fields and Watts Farm are very conscious about the environment. They, therefore, sought a suitable compostable packaging solution. The C BAG is ideal for them; from plant to pack and then back to compost."
Customers can compost the bag at home, including any vegetable leftovers, which will accelerate the bio-degradation process. Alternatively, if the local council offers kerbside collection of organic food waste, the bags can be used as caddy liners.
The C-Range of bio-plastic packaging materials includes shrink wrap, stretch wrap, adhesive tape, and bags. It enhances KM’s portfolio of sustainable flexible packaging solutions and offers customers a wider range of choice.
For more information:
Natalya Barker
KM Packaging
Tel:+44 (0) 1832 274 944
Email: natalya@kmpack.co.uk
www.kmpackaging.com