Tasmanian salmon farmer, Huon Aquaculture, has marked a milestone with the company’s first fully recyclable packaging to roll off its processing line.
The company says it will begin to supply all fresh salmon in the new tray format, with existing clients already transitioning to the new containers.
The new MAP (Modified Atmosphere Packaging) trays are fully recyclable from the film and cardboard to their label. MAP technologies preserve fresh food by decreasing its exposure to oxygen which can cause spoilage. In addition, it extends shelf life without adding chemicals or stabilisers.
Customers can return the used trays to any Coles store or RedCycle soft-plastic bin for recycling. In addition, the new trays are made with a double bottom layer, eliminating the need for single-use soaker pads that end up in landfills.
Natalie Isaac, GM for sales and marketing at Huon Aquaculture, said the company is critically aware of the environmental impact of packaging and has been working on a range of initiatives to generate less plastic and increase the recyclability of necessary packaging.
“Over the past few years, we have transitioned all our hot and cold smoked lines to contain 100 per cent recyclable card replacing foil board,” said Isaac.
“Also, all of Huon’s consumer-facing packaging contains an ARL (Australasian Recycling Label), which provides direction on correct disposal processes.”
Isaac said the company plans to transition to at least 75 per cent of its retail products being fully recyclable over the next few years.
“Huon has a long history of implementing sustainable programs across our business, from finding uses for by-products (pet treats) and organic waste (fertiliser) to the development of award-winning pellet detection technology, and the commitment to fully recyclable packaging is just another step forward,” she concluded.
