Markon shifts from plastics to sustainable packaging

Markon, one of the foodservice industry’s premiere sources of fresh produce, refused from plastic strawberry clamshells and offers now recyclable cardboard clamshells.

The company launched this initiative to help move the produce industry away from plastic that will not go into landfills or the ocean, and to increase recyclability.

Mark Shaw, Markon’s Vice President of Operations, said, “By converting the strawberry clamshells from plastic to cardboard, nearly 30 tons of plastic will be saved annually from going into landfills.”

The innovative package was created in collaboration with California Giant Berry Farms, producer of berries. The cardboard clamshells, designed for its Markon First Crop (MFC) 2 lb./0,9 kg strawberries, is made with food grade adhesives and printed with vegetable-based inks. The 4/2-pound pack size are available now in limited supply exclusively through Markon’s member companies.

Shaw explained the company continues to be at the forefront of delivering fresh ideas and culinary innovation. “This new sustainable packaging for foodservice produce is yet another example of how we are actively working to push the industry and our operators forward,” he added. Markon's goal is to inspire their member companies, grower-partners and operator customers to shift from plastics to more environmentally friendly products and packaging.

Based in Salinas, California, Markon serves as the produce purchasing, information, marketing and logistics partner for its five member distributors (Nicholas & Company, Gordon Food Service, Gordon Food Service Canada, Ben E. Keith Foods, and Shamrock Foods) and their North American foodservice customers.

For more information, visit company’s website.