“All PET packaging is manufactured using crystal-clear PET material made with 10 percent post-consumer recycled content, that is third-party verified,” said Carrie Cline, senior brand manager at the Shelton, CT-based company. “The high clarity allows for complete product visibility from every angle. This transparency helps showcase the quality and freshness of produce while enabling easy inspection by both retailers and consumers.”“By breaking down post-consumer flake to its molecular level and blending it with virgin material, it creates a superior, more sustainable plastic,” Cline said. “The streamlined, three-step manufacturing process of rDPET eliminates six energy-intensive steps compared to traditional PET production, significantly reducing environmental impact.”
Additionally, during thermoforming, any unused plastic sheet is reclaimed as post-industrial flake and reintegrated into the recycled material stream, further minimizing waste.
The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials.
For instance, at its main facility, Inline Plastics harnesses solar energy through over 2,600 solar panels, generating over 15 percent of the plant’s total energy needs — reducing reliance on conventional power sources and lowering their carbon footprint.
This year, Inline Plastics introduced the Safe-T-Fresh 7-inch Rounds, Platters and Inserts, expanding its tamper-evident packaging solutions. Driven by high market demand, the patented Safe-T-Fresh technology now enhances platters, offering unmatched product protection and freshness.
“One of the most exciting innovations is our newly designed inserts, which provide greater flexibility for grab-and-go applications,” Cline said. “These inserts help maintain product integrity by keeping ingredients separate, ensuring longer-lasting freshness and visual appeal.”
For example, she points to a crisp, vibrant salad with bright mandarin orange slices, crunchy noodles and tender sliced chicken — each component perfectly preserved atop a bed of fresh greens.
“Thanks to an anti-migration design, toppings stay in place, even in vertical displays, creating an eye-catching presentation that attracts consumers and enhances the shopping experience,” Cline said. “With these latest innovations, Inline Plastics continues to redefine convenience, freshness and food safety in fresh produce packaging.”
Inline Plastics is actively developing new initiatives to address the evolving needs of the produce industry.
“A key area of focus is the expansion of tamper protection technology to additional solutions, introducing new footprints, sizes, configurations and materials to offer greater versatility and protection for fresh produce,” Cline said. “With increasing demand for food safety, convenience and sustainability, Inline Plastics remains committed to enhancing packaging functionality while maintaining the highest standards of quality.”
Additionally, Inline Plastics continues to invest in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the clarity and durability required for fresh produce packaging. These initiatives will provide suppliers with more efficient, reliable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers.
Learn more about Inline Plastics at inlineplastics.com.
