South Australian packaging leader Detpak has been honoured with the prestigious APPMA Packaging Design Innovation Award for their groundbreaking Kerbside Recyclable Paper Bag for Fresh Potatoes.
Detpak, a subsidiary of the South Australian third-generation family-owned Detmold Group, secured recognition at the APPMA (Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association) Awards of Excellence 2024 held in Melbourne.
The event, which serves as the pinnacle of achievement in the Australian packaging and processing industry, celebrates excellence, innovation, leadership, and best practices.
The award-winning innovation from Detpak, developed in collaboration with national leading potato and onion producer Mitolo Family Farms and Coles, introduces Australia’s first kerbside recyclable paper bag tailored for fresh potatoes.
Launched last year after three years of development, the paper-based bag has revolutionised packaging for Mitolo’s Gourmandine potato range.
Notably, it has led to a reduction in plastic usage by an impressive 64 per cent, equivalent to eliminating 8.2 tonnes of plastic annually.
Detpak said its pioneering RecycleMe technology not only upholds product quality and extends shelf life but also offers kerbside recyclability, in alignment with guidelines set forth by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation.
Roman Bolzon, Detpak general manager – Sales, expressed pride in receiving the APPMA award, highlighting Detpak’s commitment to eliminating 100 percent plastic packaging in fresh produce and catalysing industry-wide sustainability transformations.
Bolzon stated, “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.”
He further emphasised Detpak’s dedication to innovation for sustainable change in the packaging industry, expressing gratitude to APPMA for the recognition of their contributions to sustainability and packaging across Australia.
“We would like to thank APPMA for the Award, and sponsor Ranpak, for recognition of our contribution in sustainability and packaging across Australia,” Bolzon concluded.
Over the preceding couple of years, the Detmold Group has actively pursued its dedication to creating eco-friendly packaging options, resulting in several notable initiatives.
This includes partnering with Subway, a major sandwich chain, to develop a new catering platter made entirely from fibre-based materials, ensuring it is fully recyclable at curbside, thus replacing traditional plastic takeaway trays.
Additionally, Detmold Group achieved a significant milestone by being the inaugural Australian enterprise to introduce a wide assortment of compostable plates, bowls, and containers crafted from sugarcane, devoid of any added PFAS, under the brand name Vanguard.
Furthermore, the company collaborated with Uber Eats, a popular food delivery platform, to roll out smaller-sized paper bags designed for single orders, a move aimed at mitigating waste and contributing towards environmental sustainability efforts.
