Leading by example

WHAT:

Many consumers who buy organic fruits and vegetables in European supermarkets are frustrated by the fact that these wonderful, sustainably farmed products are often packed in environmentally unfriendly plastic. Through Natural Branding, whereby some of the pigments from the outer layer of the peel of the fruit are removed, we can ensure the organic product can be identified at the check-out counter making it unnecessary to pack in plastic.

WHERE:

The Netherlands

WHO & HOW:

In supermarkets, organic fruits and vegetables are usually packed in environmentally unfriendly plastic foil to distinguish them from the non-organic alternative. This is important for supermarkets because they want to ensure that there is no misunderstanding at the checkout counter as to whether someone is buying an organic or non-organic product.

Through Natural Branding we are addressing this issue and offering a sustainable solution.

What happens is that a high definition laser removes part of the pigment from the outer layer of the peel of the fruit or vegetable leaving a permanent mark. As this mark is clearly visible it is no longer necessary to pack the products in harmful plastic foil.

Natural Branding is a contact-free method that has been approved by EU Organic certifier SKAL. The method is completely safe and no additional substances are used. Furthermore, the method is so superficial that it has no effect on taste, quality or shelf life. The energy needed for a marking is less than 1% of the energy needed for a sticker.

Through Natural Branding Eosta is saving tons of plastic. Just for one product line for one customer, we are saving over 750,000 packaging units which is enough foil to go around the world twice! Similarly, measured in CO2, it is equivalent to an average car driving 1.3 times around the world.

MORE INFO
Natural Branding Eosta, Watch the video