The first kerbside recyclable paper bag has been recognised by The APPMA (Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association) Awards of Excellence 2024, held in Melbourne. Detpak, a subsidiary of the South Australian third-generation family-owned Detmold Group, was recognised for developing Australia’s first kerbside recyclable paper bag for fresh potatoes in collaboration with Mitolo Family Farms and Coles, a leading national potato and onion producer.
The paper-based bag was launched last year following three years of rigorous development. It transformed fresh potato packaging for Mitolo’s Gourmandine potato range, reducing plastic usage by 64 percent, equating to 8.2 tonnes less plastic each year.
Detpak's RecycleMe technology maintains product quality, extends shelf life, and offers curbside recyclability, aligning with Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation guidelines.
Roman Bolzon, Detpak's General Manager of Sales, said the APPMA award was a great achievement for Detpak, which aims to replace all 100 percent plastic packaging in fresh produce and help set the stage for industry-wide transformation.
“Detpak is proud to be part of a collaborative ground-breaking packaging design solution that is leading a broader shift towards sustainable practices in the grocery sector as consumers become more environmentally conscious,” said Bolzon.
“We are always looking at innovative ways to drive sustainable change across the packaging industry and are continuing to evolve packaging to be better for our environment.”
In the past two years, the Detmold Group has showcased its commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions, including working with the Subway giant to design a new fibre-based, 100 percent kerbside recyclable catering platter to replace plastic takeaway trays and collaborating with Uber Eats to produce smaller-sized paper delivery bags for single orders to reduce waste.
They were also the first Australian business to release a broad range of compostable, no-add-PFAS sugarcane plates, bowls, and containers called Vanguard.
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