“Like I always say, just give us a call,” he said. “We are always ready and willing to talk to anyone about the many benefits of 100 percent recycled PET materials. We were one of the first companies in the country to get involved with this and get FDA approval for PET recycled packaging. We are in the front lines of helping the produce industry improve the environment.”

Calling education a vital part of the equation, Zuhlke emphasized that the produce industry needs to just follow all the talk in the media about solving the garbage problem around the world to see how important it is to use recycled materials.

“Just look around the world and see what is being done to improve our environment and to protect the world,” he noted. “In Europe, which is ahead of the U.S. in recycling in many ways, some companies are using recycled materials for hundreds of different items that just a few years ago no one even thought about. PET products are like the aluminum can in that they can be used over and over again and that means less waste going into landfills. It also means using less raw materials like oil and that also helps the environment.”

Of course, Zuhlke is also focused on the sales benefits of PET packaging, specifically the benefit of allowing consumers to see all the merchandise inside the package and having the opportunity to see if anything is spoiled before purchasing it.

“Most farmers are very proud of what they grow and they want to make sure the consumer is happy with what they purchased,” he said. “The best way to go is use packaging that allows the consumer to see inside from every different direction. They are paying $3 or $4 or even $5 for that produce, we do not want to see them go home and be disappointed. The key is offering the shopper packaging that eliminates any surprises.”

Zuhlke said that he stills sees many retailers trying a wide range of packaging for their produce items, though most eventually return to clear packaging.

“They like to experiment, which is fine,” he said. “But, in the end, it is all about pleasing the consumer and giving them the quality they expect from your store and to get them to keep coming back. No one wants the consumer to get home and, lo and behold, the strawberries on the bottom are moldy. Clear packaging also allows the store employee to detect any problems as they are putting the product on the shelves and eliminate anything that is spoiled. Retailers are using clear packaging for the bakery and with nuts and candy. They should start using it more for produce.”

Finally, Zuhlke advised the industry to stay ahead of the curve. In Europe, for example, new technology has created incinerators that take garbage and turns it into energy with virtually no leftover waste. “The future of waste is using more recycled materials and taking advantage of technology to eliminate waste,” he said. “Let’s get onboard.”