Co-op opts for breathable box liner over shrinkwrap for cucumbers

The Co-op is to become the first UK retailer to remove plastic shrinkwrap from whole cucumbers.

From 1 October, the group will pack its cucumbers in cardboard boxes lined with Long Life Solutions' SmartLiner breathable membrane.

The East Lothian firm has claimed its technology will keep a cucumber fresh for up to 40 days if its storage guidelines are followed.

A survey by the Cucumber Growers' Association earlier this year found that shrinkwrapped cucumbers stayed fresh for about 14 days.

Long Life Solutions chief executive Andrew Wright said: "The exciting thing from our perspective is not only that the SmartLiner increases the quality and shelf life of the cucumber, but that it also eliminates packaging."

The Co-op estimates it will save eight tonnes of plastic a year by removing shrinkwrap from its cucumbers.

In addition, both the SmartLiner and the cardboard boxes are recyclable.

Kate Jones, head of range development at the Co-operative Group, said: "Our customers have told us they are pleased to see that we are taking steps to reduce packaging, and are more than happy to buy their cucumbers without the usual plastic wrap."

Wright said the retailer aimed to use the SmartLiner for other fresh produce in the future.

The material is also suitable for wrapping iceberg lettuces and cauliflowers and has been found to keep bread, fish, flowers and dairy products fresher than conventional packaging.
Source: packagingnews