Graphic Packaging International, a global leader in sustainable consumer packaging, is celebrating the recognition of its ProducePack™ Punnet tray, which has won the ‘Fiber-Based Packaging Products Designed for Circularity’ category at the Circularity Success Stories awards. 

Organized by the 4evergreen alliance, a cross-industry alliance dedicated to advancing circularity in fiber-based packaging, these awards honor projects that turn circular design principles into real-world impact. 

A Game-Changer for Fresh Produce Packaging 

Launched by several major European retailers as a replacement for PET trays, the ProducePack Punnet tray is ideal for berries, grapes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and baby sweet peppers. Its adoption has led to the removal of approximately 17 million plastic trays per year by one UK retailer for berries alone. 

Outstanding Circularity Credentials 

The tray impressed the judges with its exceptional circularity profile: 

• Over 85% sustainably sourced renewable material  

• Meets UK OPRL guidelines for recyclability in household waste streams and the requirements for collection with paper & cardboard packaging waste in the rest of the EU 

• Passed the CEPI recyclability test with a score of 90, demonstrating best-in-class performance for printed packaging 

• Classified as “green” in the UK recyclability assessment methodology (RAM) 

• Compatible with reprocessing in conventional paperboard manufacturing facilities according to 4evergreen circularity by design guidelines 

• Lower carbon footprint than virgin PET trays¹ 

• Can meet the SUPD plastic-free definition (depending on raw materials selected) and is also expected to enable retailers and fresh produce packers to comply with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations on single-use plastic packaging for unprocessed fresh produce under 1.5kg  

Designed for Real-World Success 

The ProducePack Punnet tray supports Graphic Packaging’s aim to create packaging solutions that are not only more circular but also more functional, and more convenient than replaced alternatives. It’s engineered to run on existing plastic tray forming and sealing equipment, removing a major economic barrier to adopting more circular solutions. Available in a range of paperboards, coatings, and top films, the punnet tray is available from stock or can be customized with high-impact, high-quality graphics. 

Extending Shelf Life and Reducing Waste 

The punnet tray has been shown to extend shelf life by significantly slowing mold growth² compared to plastic trays — a benefit valued by both retailers and consumers. 

Setting a New Benchmark 

The development of the ProducePack Punnet tray is demonstrable proof that paperboard alternatives to plastic not only deliver on sustainability promises, but can also outperform traditional solutions in functionality and convenience — setting a new benchmark for circular packaging in the fresh produce sector. 

1. Thinking Outside the Box
2. Washington State University study