Study: Bedford Industries Reduces Plastic by Up to 76% in Produce Packaging

WORTHINGTON, Minn. — New data from Bedford Industries finds its bag closures and produce packaging can reduce plastic use by up to 91% on select goods, the company reported today.

Bedford Industries is a global leader in designing, developing, manufacturing and distributing tag and tie products for the produce, bakery, coffee and medical markets. Within the fresh produce industry, each year, the company manufactures millions of produce tags and ties for hundreds of growers.

“Over the past five years, half of the growth in CPGs has come from sustainably marketed products, and we know our produce growers want to meet that demand with improved packaging solutions,” said Jay Milbrandt, president of Bedford Industries. “They are feeling the pull from retailers and their customers, and we are delighted to help growers meet these needs.”

According to Bedford’s recent research:

• Its PushTag® product reduces plastic packaging by 76% on a head of cabbage, compared to the traditional cabbage overwrap.
• Its ElastiTag® Band reduces plastic by 70% compared to banana bags, often used for organic bananas.
• ElastiTag also reduces plastic by 68% compared to vegetables wrapped in plastic.
• EcoTwist™ reduces plastic by 91% compared to a common plastic tab-style bag closure.

Bedford conducted the research in October 2019 in a weight-by-weight comparison of select produce items featuring its tag products and traditional packaging products.

Bedford further committed to sustainable products in fall 2019 when it launched its in-house separating system, TagBack®.