Paper packaging for potatoes bags an APPMA award

South Australian packaging company Detpak received the APPMA Packaging Design Innovation Award in Melbourne on 13 March 2024 for its Kerbside Recyclable Paper Bag for fresh potatoes.

Detpak, a subsidiary of the South Australian third-generation, family-owned Detmold Group, has been recognised for developing what is claimed to be Australia’s first kerbside recyclable paper bag for fresh potatoes, in collaboration with national leading potato and onion producer Mitolo Family Farms and Coles.

Following three years of development, the paper-based bag was launched last year for Mitolo’s Gourmandine potato range, reducing plastic usage by 64%, equating to 8.2 tonnes less plastic each year.

Detpak’s RecycleMe technology is designed to maintain product quality and extend shelf life, and offers kerbside recyclability, aligning with Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation guidelines.

Roman Bolzon, Detpak General Manager – Sales, said the APPMA award was a great achievement for Detpak, which is aiming to replace all 100% plastic packaging in fresh produce and help set the stage for industry-wide transformation.

“Detpak is proud to be part of a collaborative groundbreaking packaging design solution that is leading a broader shift towards sustainable practices in the grocery sector as consumers become more environmentally conscious,” Bolzon said.

“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,” he said.

“We would like to thank APPMA for the award, and sponsor Ranpak, for recognition of our contribution in sustainability and packaging across Australia.”

In the past two years, the Detmold Group’s commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions has seen the company:

• work with giant sandwich chain Subway to design a new fibre-based, 100% kerbside recyclable catering platter to replace plastic takeaway trays;
• release a broad range of compostable, no-added PFAS sugarcane plates, bowls and containers called Vanguard;
• collaborate with food delivery platform Uber Eats to produce smaller-sized paper delivery bags for single orders to reduce waste.