We understand the global need to reduce plastic waste and shift to more eco-friendly packaging options. We have transitioned all Prep products to our paper-based packaging which uses 80% less plastic than standard deli packs. Our new waste-reducing packaging is a first for the pre-sliced meat industry and we are proud to lead the industry to a more sustainable future.
When plastic packaging first entered the market in the early 1900s, it was marketed as a new, innovative material that could solve every packaging challenge. The benefits of plastic were its malleability, sturdiness, and cost effectiveness in production, lending itself useful to the food industry.
This allowed food retailers to safely store and deliver food in air-tight packaging that helped to preserve food freshness and extend shelf life by slowing the growth of bacteria. Due to its positive qualities, companies began to adopt plastic as their choice for packaging solutions.
At the time it was not understood that there are harmful consequences of long-term production and usage of plastic. Today, the world is working to reduce the effect of plastic by moving to more sustainable packaging options.
With the rise of plastic use, came the rise of plastic waste. We are currently producing over 300 million tons of plastic every year, 50% of which is for single-use purposes, such as food packaging. There are not only large quantities of plastic waste, but it also does not have the rapid biodegradable properties of alternative materials.
On average, most plastic products fully decompose after 1000 years of living in landfills or oceans. It’s clear that plastic production and disposal has become a real problem and has many companies looking for more sustainable options such as eco-friendly packaging.
We understand the importance of implementing sustainability initiatives, which is why we have made the commitment to eco-friendly packaging options for all of our pre-sliced specialty meats.
This includes:
This paper-based packaging uses 80% less plastic than standard deli packs. It’s also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures that our packaging comes from responsibly managed forests.
At Volpi Foods, we are not only committed to offering sustainability in packaging but in our sourcing as well. We’re dedicated to creating partnerships with the best local farmers who provide Raised Responsibly™ hogs. This means no steroids, no gestation crates, fed a primarily vegetarian diet, and have the freedom to roam and socialize naturally. From our sourcing to our packaging, we are a leader in the industry and are actively working toward a more sustainable future.