Earlier this month, California-based companies Gem-Pack Berries and Reborn Materials participated in a Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The companies are partnering on the introduction of Full Cycle Hybrid Plastic Packaging. "Together with berry grower Gem-Pack, we aim to create a full cycle system that tracks the use of plastics from production and use to collection and end-of-life conversion," says Jason Kang of Reborn Materials.
It's Reborn's mission to transform plastic from a disposable product into a renewable and measurable resource with a next generation platform, integrating enzyme science, smart waste technology, and energy recovery. Often, the sustainability focus is just on packaging and the consumer because consumer messaging and optics are a quick win. "However, there are so many plastics used in growing as well that we are bringing in all the products that are being used to find an active solution for the entire cycle."
© Marieke Hemmes | FreshPlaza.com
Jason Kang and Michelle Deleissegues at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in the Netherlands.
Long-term game
"Until we met Gem-Pack, I had no idea there was such a big agricultural industry in California and they are the perfect industry to create a full cycle system for," Kang continued. Not only because there are many plastics used in agriculture - from growing to packaging - but also because this is an industry that understands the importance of full cycle sustainability. Agriculture is a long-term industry, and it takes time to see results. That's what sustainability is all about. "There are lots of sustainability products out there that people are selling, but that are not an end-use solution. Going full circle takes time, but we are in it for the long run and want to do it correctly," says Michelle Deleissegues with Gem-Pack.
Real-world testing
In agriculture, Reborn Materials works with Gem-Pack exclusively. Collaboration is key as this is a very long game. "By working directly with Gem-Pack, we have gained valuable insights into how plastics are used, collected and repurposed." The collected data provides so much information. As an example, field testing is performed on the plastics in the ground. The fields are the real-life lab, and this real-world data helps drive truly scalable solutions. "Because of the testing and development, I believe we're game on in finding solutions to truly make changes," Kang shared.
"We want to collaborate and find solutions as an industry. However, we have to start with ourselves," commented Deleissegues. It's Gem-Pack's goal to be responsible, innovative, and ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability. "We are looking for real answers and end of cycle and are willing to be conservative in both time, words, and actions to make sure we do it right. Reborn on the other hand is eager to find real solutions. They are trailblazers, making this partnership a natural fit."
For more information:
Michelle Deleissegues
Gem-Pack Berries
Tel.: +1 (831) 320-8181
[email protected]
www.gem-packberries.com
