With staffing challenges in schools being the new norm, there has been a need to provide meals in single-serving packaging to reduce the amount of preparation and handling needed.
A result of this has been the introduction of a significant amount of single-use plastic.
Ohio-based DNO Produce provides fresh fruit and vegetables to school nutrition programs in 17 states, currently, and has introduced new packaging utilising film packaging with enhanced biodegradation as well as compostable cups for its individually packaged produce.
The company estimates that this new packaging will replace more than 945,000 pounds of traditional plastics annually.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for individually packaged produce surged, and we saw an opportunity to innovate our packaging to reduce landfill volume for the generations that come after us. Our goal has always been to demonstrate the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship to the students we serve, and this new packaging is a major step forward”
Alex DiNovo, President – DNO Produce
Before the end of 2025, the majority of DNO’s packages will be using either the biodegradable films or the new compostable cups, and the new packaging will not affect shelf life or change the price for customers.
