US-based Sun Basket has introduced recyclable and compostable packaging solutions to serve the meal kit industry in order to reduce the waste associated with shipping its boxes to customers.
The new solutions, which include insulation, ice packs and compostable bags, are made from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber allowing them to be recycled at home or in a curbside compost bin.
The new solution is part of Sun’s efforts to divert over five million pounds of waste from municipal landfills over the first twelve months and significantly drive the meal delivery industry towards ‘Zero Waste’ zone in future.
The new insulation liner also features recyclable stickers used to roll up the solution.
All ice packs used in Sun Basket’s new solution are filled with 98% water and 2% cotton, and can be composted or thrown in the garbage to evaporate.
Sun Basket CEO and founder Adam Zbar said: "With this new packaging we are taking significant steps toward providing the most eco-friendly packaging to our customers.
"Since day one, Sun Basket has been committed to reducing our impact on the environment, which is why we were the first meal kit service to institute a box mail-back program."
The new smaller clear containers are also made from Greenware, a fully compostable material that can be disposed of through industrial composting methods available in many communities.
Sun Basket user experience head Tyler MacNiven said: "Unfortunately, we found that 90% of Sun Basket's packaging was not being returned and was ending up in landfill.
"With our new solution, which makes it easy for users to recycle and compost at home, we solved this problem without compromising the freshness of our food."
Sun Basket also plans to reduce the waste accrued while shipping its boxes to customers.
Image: Sun Basket launches recyclable insulation, all-natural ice packs and compostable bags. Photo: courtesy of Sun Basket.
