Green packaging, or sustainable packaging employs materials and manufacturing techniques or processes to reduce energy use and hence minimizes undesirable negative impacts of packaging on the environment such as greenhouse emissions produced.
Examples of Green Packaging include environmentally friendly, biodegradable and recyclable materials such as bioplastics, or plant-based plastics, recycled paper and plastics etc
At ZENXIN, we always resolve to do our best when balancing the environmental impact of the packaging against the impact of food waste that would occur without the use of packaging.
Uncompromised Organic Quality With Less Plastic
Organic fresh produce requires maximum effort to reach your table from the farm, they take valuable time to grow, harvest, to be packaged before being delivered to your doorstep.
At this point, packaging is a necessary evil to ensure that valuable organic harvests are at their optimum freshness before travelling to get to your table. Packaging also functions as a barrier to avoid cross-contamination.
Generally, the type of packaging selected for most of our fresh produce is plastic as it allows for produce to be transported in and out of the fridge without turning soggy.
While eliminating plastic entirely is virtually impossible at the moment, ZENXIN has applied alternative sustainable packaging options to as many of its organic offerings as possible, without compromising the quality of fresh produce so that our farmers’ efforts are not wasted.
1. Compostable Cellulose Net
Certified with ‘OK compost’ conformity mark by TUV Austria, this cellulose net is 100% compostable in the home or industrial composting environment. In other words, the net is able to disintegrate completely into carbon dioxide, water and biomass, which can be turned into valuable compost in 6 months under an industrial composting environment.
Whilst under the home compost environment, such as burying in the backyard, more than 90% of this cellulose net can be degraded within 12 months. The cost of this cellulose net is 6 times higher than the usual plastic net, but at ZENXIN, this is definitely worth the investment as with this, elimination of 95% of plastic use can be made possible.
2. PLA-Laminated Paper Tray and 100% Paper Tray
Polylactic acid (PLA) plastic is derived from renewable resources or biomass such as corn, sugar cane, cassava etc, making it a more sustainable alternative than the traditional petroleum-based plastic. When incinerated, the PLA does not give off toxic fume emission. By switching PET and Oxium plastic trays to PLA-laminated paper trays that are compostable, ZENXIN is able to achieve 70-80% reduction in plastic usage. In addition, ZENXIN is also using a new type of paper trays to pack fresh produce, these newly introduced 100% paper made trays have the ability to store produce firmly even in a heavy moisture.
3. Biodegradable Tape
Made from biodegradable film and adhesive, this tape is biodegradable, recyclable and non-toxic to the environment. Compared to the PVC film, usage of the biodegradable tape can reduce 65% of non-degradable plastic that could end up in landfill or oceans.
4. Natural Branding
ZENXIN’s Organic Avocados are spotting a new look with the application of Natural Branding, a contact-free method of labelling approved by EU Organic certifier SKAL. A high definition laser removes part of the pigment from the outer layer of the peel of the fruit or vegetable, leaving a clearly visible mark. This method does not require the use of additional substances, is completely safe and there is no adverse effect on taste, quality or shelf life. With Natural Branding application, 95% of plastic use can be eliminated.
ZENXIN’s green efforts do not end here, on our way to making the planet healthier, we are actively exploring many other sustainable packaging options, especially for leafy vegetables which are fragile and susceptible to moisture loss.
To support our cause and our commitment to the SDGs, make a conscious effort to consume organic produce starting from today. You can make a difference.