Packaging company Tekni-Plex introduced an updated version of its Dolco ProPlus egg carton that comprises 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) foam polystyrene at the 2022 International Production and Processing Expo.
The egg carton is composed of a new resin that contains recycled post-consumer waste. The egg carton’s new material can be reused after being recycled and performs to the same level as conventional resin, explained Jay Arnold, Dolco Packaging vice president and general manager in a recent press release.
“We have a responsibility to lead the way by innovating products that help maintain the integrity of the food supply chain while also minimizing environmental impact,” said Arnold. “This exciting new venture into polystyrene PCR is another alternative we can now offer customers.”
Dolco Packaging, a business unit of Tekni-Plex Consumer Products, uses advanced plastics and rubber polymer technology to create compounding, tubing and packaging options for egg producers. The company produces 100% PCR PET egg cartons, as well as cartons and trays made of polystyrene, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and pulp.
“We are excited to team up with our customers to contribute to the mainstream usage of PCR material. As consumers demand more packaging options from packers and retailers, we want our customers to know we have the capabilities to support their business goals,” stated Arnold.
“If all plastics were properly collected and recycled, the packaging industry could use more PCR resin, saving resources while still providing economic, high performance packages to the market,” he concluded.
Other sustainable egg cartons
Tekni-Plex is not the only company to release sustainable egg packaging in the last year.
In September 2021, Wegmans Food Market started using 100% paper pulp egg cartons for its store brand eggs. The packaging is made of 100% post-consumer recycled newsprint and paper products, allowing the grocer to eliminate 625,000 pounds of foam from their store locations each year.
In February 2021, Hickman’s Family Farms announced it was recycling over 1 million plastic bottles weekly to make its own egg cartons. The cartons are produced at the company’s facility in Avondale, Arizona. The plastic comes from 100% post-consumer plastic which is sourced from Global Plastics located in Perris, California.
