South Australian packaging leaders Detpak took out the Packaging Design Innovation Award at the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) Awards of Excellence 2024 held in Melbourne this week.
Detpak was recognised for developing what is believed to be Australia’s first kerbside recyclable paper bag for fresh potatoes, in collaboration with national leading potato and onion producer Mitolo Family Farms and Coles.
The paper-based bag was launched last year following three years of rigorous development, transforming fresh potato packaging for Mitolo’s Gourmandine potato range, reducing plastic usage by 64 per cent, equating to 8.2 tonnes less plastic each year.
Detpak’s RecycleMe technology maintains product quality, extends shelf life, and offers kerbside recyclability, aligning with Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation guidelines.
Roman Bolzon, Detpak General Manager – Sales, says the APPMA award is a great achievement for Detpak, which is aiming to replace all 100 per cent plastic packaging in fresh produce and help set the stage for industry-wide transformation.
“Detpak is proud to be part of a collaborative ground-breaking packaging design solution that is leading a broader shift towards sustainable practices in the grocery sector as consumers become more environmentally conscious,” says Mr Bolzon.
“We are always looking at innovative ways to drive sustainable change across the packaging industry and are continuing to evolve packaging to be better for our environment.”
Detpak is a subsidiary of the South Australian third-generation family-owned Detmold Group.