Meijer revealed Thursday that it is the first retailer to carry Earthbound Farm Organic Mini Peeled Carrots packaged in compostable bags by Bolthouse Farms. The product is available at all Meijer locations.
The partnership with Bolthouse Farms reflects the company's preference for offering its customers more sustainable packaging options, said Ron Lovelace, director of produce at Meijer.
"The decisions we make today impact the world we live in, which is why we're committed to continual improvement through smart partnerships and innovations that benefit our customers and communities," said Lovelace in a statement. "We've been clear and vocal with our suppliers that we want to offer more sustainable packaging options, and if they can develop the packaging, we will partner with them."
The packaging is made from 100 percent renewable sources of canola and soy and is certified home-compostable by TUV, a global leader in sustainable packaging. It is certified to bio-degrade at least 90 percent by 26 weeks and 100 percent by 52 weeks in a backyard compost heap or bin.
"Bolthouse Farms and Meijer have long been partners in innovation and progress," Bolthouse Farms Marketing Director Karen White said in a statement. "Together, we're turning the page to a greener future, celebrating our shared aspirations for sustainable produce packaging and an exciting journey for our beloved carrot."
The addition of Bolthouse Farms' sustainable packaging is the next step in the retailer's journey to integrate environmental initiatives into its processes. The retailer is currently transforming its Meijer brand packaging to be 100 percent recyclable, reusable, or compostable, and is encouraging its suppliers to improve the recyclability of their packaging, according to the company.
"We're committed to partnering with our suppliers on innovations that push the industry forward," said Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer, in a statement. "We're willing to go the extra mile to do what is right for the environment around us not because we have to, but because it's the right thing to do."
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