05 Aug OZblu® Paper Packaging Steps into the Spotlight for Sustainability

PERTH, 5 August 2021 | Mauritius, like so many island nations, has been heavily affected by land and sea pollution from single-use plastics. In response, the government has taken strong measures to reduce the amount of plastic waste ending up in landfills or its world-renowned marine environment. Non-biodegradable plastic bags have been banned since 2016. This year, the Environment Protection Regulations 2020 (Control of Single Use Plastic Products) have come into effect, phasing in the prohibition of the importation, manufacture, possession, sale, supply and use of single-use plastics.

Leading international blueberry producer and exporter, United Exports, fully supports this important initiative. Their innovative team has leapt into action to create sustainable packaging options to continue delivering their market-leading OZblu^®  blueberries to their consumers on the beautiful island of Mauritius.

Working closely with SKC Surat in Mauritius and Huhtamaki, a global packaging company with Nordic roots, United Exports has developed an innovative paper cup for their OZblu^® blueberries. Although, like all soft fruit, blueberries traditionally don’t do well in paper or pulp because it can negatively affect their shelf-life, the leading OZblu^®  genetics deliver bigger, crunchier and tastier blueberries with better shelf-life. This means that OZblu^®  blueberries are the perfect match for this innovative packaging.

This blueberry packaging enables the company to reduce their use of plastic by an impressive 82%, when using this format. The ground-breaking cup not only meets legislative requirements but opens the door to an environmentally sustainable packaging solution in the fresh produce sector.

Sustainability is a key focus for United Exports and founder Roger Horak says, “Sustainability is indelible to how we operate; it’s not a separate division but underpins and integrates with everything we do. It is so important to me, having been inspired years ago by my then six-year-old son asking if our blueberries were sustainable!”

Dedicated Mauritian OZblu^®  followers have been able to enjoy this season’s blueberries in the new paper cup since 26 July at Food Lovers Market, Super U and Intermart.