Private labeling on PETE packaging on the rise at Kurt Zuhlke & Associates
Private labeling on PETE packaging on the rise at Kurt Zuhlke & Associates
Kurt Zuhlke & Associates’ line of polyethylene terephthalate, or “PETE” packaging continues to be a major hit with produce companies in North America.
Kurt Zuhlke, owner and president of the Bangor, PA-based company said when people see the “PETE” emblem on its packages they know they are getting precisely what consumers today are demanding — truly recycled product.
“We continued to develop new ‘PETE’ items for private labeling and manufacturing,” Zuhlke told The Produce News. “These companies want to express their individuality in their packaging, and private labeling enables them to do just that. We have developed numerous shapes and sizes that allow their products to stand out among others and build recognition with their customers.”
Kurt Zuhlke, owner and president of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, displaying the company’s ‘PETE’ packaging.Adding to the growing demand for private labeling on “PETE” packaging is the local trend. Zuhlke said the company is seeing a bit of an up-tick on the East Coast, somewhat due to California’s drought, but mostly because of the demand for locally grown.
“We have been ahead of the recycling and sustainability curve for well over a decade,” Zuhlke pointed out. “Our company has designed and manufactured 100 percent recyclable packaging material since 1994.”
And the company’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t start or stop with the packaging it produces. Everything it does within its company is focused on reducing waste, recycling and reusing.
“Our waste flow is nearly zero today,” said Zuhlke. “No one could use more sustainable practices in their facility, operation and production than we do. And we’ve been doing it since long before government regulations went into effect that supports sustainable packaging.”
He added that consumers’ increased knowledge of the environment and what is required in order for everyone to do their share, and best, at protecting it is helping to drive the retail demand for environmentally safe packaging.
“Retailers are increasingly concerned about their own practices related to environmental initiatives, and their concerns include the types of packaging that contain the products they sell,” Zuhlke added.
He noted that in addition to great packaging products, customers also want good service. These elements are the top priorities for Kurt Zuhlke & Associates. Its priority has always been to service its customers and to ship on time.
“Ours is a vast line that meets every produce packaging need,” said Zuhlke.
