Kurt Zuhlke & Associates remain dedicated to sustainable packaging

Kurt Zuhlke & Associates Inc., also known as ProducePackaging.com, is a leading innovator of Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly referred to as PETE, packaging for the produce industry.

The company, located in Bangor, PA, is also a strong advocate of environmentally sustainable practices throughout its operation.

Kurt Zuhlke Jr., company president, has designed and developed some of the most highly accepted packaging products known in the produce industry today.

The company uses PETE in the production of the majority of its packaging items.

“PETE is commonly recycled from soft drink bottles and injection molded consumer product containers,” said Zuhlke. “When recycled, it is used in many applications besides packaging, such as in carpeting, clothing and automobile parts. It is also used to manufacture trash and recycling containers.”

Zuhlke said that it is important to maintain the circle of recycling in an effort to keep these materials out of landfills as much as possible. He added that customers want high-quality products today, are tuned into the environment, but also want good service. These initiatives run deep in the company.

“These elements are the top priorities for us,” he said. “Our priority has always been to service our customers and to ship on time.”

Kurt Zuhlke & Associates was started more than 55 years ago by Kurt Zuhlke Sr. Through hard work and dedication he made Kurt Zuhlke & Associates a leader in the produce packaging industry. Along with the help and support of Kurt’s wife, Frieda, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, Inc. continued to grow and meet the needs of the ever-changing produce industry.

As the business grew, Kurt Zuhlke, Jr. joined the business, and in the following years they were joined by Kurt Jr.’s wife, Cindy, along with many long-term and dedicated employees.

Kurt Jr. added earth-friendly ideas to the company’s operation, developed new designs and renewed its dedication to the produce industry. As the industry began to change with the times, so did Kurt Zuhlke & Associates. ProducePackaging.com was developed, and changes were being made to meet the needs of the consumer, retailer, repacker and supplier.

“Our customers are across the produce board,” said Zuhlke. “Many growers and suppliers use them to pack according to their customers’ specifications, but many retailers today repack at the store level in order to customize their offerings. This means that all levels of the industry are important to us.”