Australia's potato and onion category leader Mitolo Family Farms has partnered with Coles and global innovators in sustainable packaging solutions Detpak to create what is believed to be Australia's first kerbside recyclable paper bag for fresh potatoes.
The packaging innovation will see Mitolo Family Farms' premium Gourmandine potatoes sold in new paper bags, delivering a 64 percent reduction in plastic, with 8.2 tonnes less plastic being used each year (compared to the previous packaging for this product).
The new Gourmandine paper packaging extends on previous sustainability steps taken by Mitolo Family Farms, having cut its use of plastic packaging by 60 tonnes in 2022 by reducing the thickness of the plastic used to bag potatoes.
The packaging innovation results from more than three years of rigorous development, and it's hoped it may lead to other fresh produce items being packed in a way that makes it easy for consumers to support recycling efforts.
"This bag may sound like a simple solution, but it has taken immense work to ensure there is absolutely no compromise to the quality of the potatoes while allowing us to achieve the sustainability outcome we were seeking," Mitolo Family Farms Managing Director Frank Mitolo said.
"We had to consider everything from lux lighting levels in the supermarket to breathing holes that don't tear, new sealing solutions, bag strength and more."
Mitolo continued that the business knew Australian consumers were increasingly looking for sustainable supply chains for the products they purchase. Mitolo was proud to lead the way and partner with Coles for a product that so many families love cooking and sharing.
Detmold Group General Manager of Innovation and Sustainability Tom Lunn said Detpak applied proprietary technology to deliver sustainability and efficiency outcomes for Mitolo Family Farms, Coles and the end consumer.
"We're very pleased to have been able to draw on our in-house development capabilities to assist Mitolo Family Farms with their desire to transition their Gourmandine product away from plastic packaging," said Dunn.
"Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of making responsible choices when it comes to choosing which brands to buy from, and packaging plays a significant part in those decisions."
Mitolo Family Farm's Gourmandine potatoes are exclusively available in Coles supermarkets.
Coles Business Category Manager for Vegetables Tim Nitschke said Coles was pleased to work with Mitolo Family Farms to develop the innovative paper packaging solution for the Gourmandine range.
"Coles has partnered with the Mitolo family for over 25 years, and we are pleased to work closely with them to develop this innovative paper packaging solution for the Gourmandine range available exclusively at Coles," Nitschke said.
"We are always looking for ways to reduce unnecessary and problematic plastic packaging in our stores, as well as reduce food waste, and this innovative new paper bag helps to achieve these sustainability ambitions."
