"Our motto is to recycle and reuse, which embodies our commitment to reducing landfill waste,” Zuhlke said.
The industry has seen a growing awareness among consumers seeking sustainable packaging options, a movement that Zuhlke emphasized has been at the core of his company’s mission for decades.
“Many growers and suppliers tailor their packaging to meet specific customer needs,” Zuhlke said. “Retailers, too, have adopted repacking at the store level to customize their offerings for consumers. Every level of the industry is crucial to us.”
This adaptability speaks to the fluidity and foresight that have defined the company’s approach.
Yet, the secret of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates’ enduring success lies beyond innovative products and sustainable practices; it’s rooted in exceptional customer service.
“You have to meet demand times and deliver products at reasonable prices,” Zuhlke said. “If you’re not servicing your customers right, they’ll go elsewhere. I have customers who have stayed with me for over 40 years; that speaks volumes.”
As a trusted supplier of packaging throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, the company is keenly aware of growing environmental challenges, particularly concerning single-use bags.
“The trend in Europe toward stricter regulations on bags reflects the need to reduce plastic waste,” Zuhlke said, advocating for rigid containers, emphasizing their environmentally friendly potential compared to traditional plastic bags.
This year has been particularly fruitful for Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, with a notable upturn in sales and the benefit of decreasing expenses. A positive outcome for a company that has prioritized consumer visibility, environmental sustainability and customer service as foundational principles.
In a landscape rapidly evolving, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates continues to be a driving force of innovation and reliability in the produce packaging industry.
“I can’t complain,” Zuhlke said.