A new egg carton that offers increased marketing opportunities and is sustainable has been launched in the U.S. market by packaging company Cascades Inc.
The packaging features sleeve openings that allow consumers to view the eggs without opening the carton, differing from the traditional egg carton format. Additionally, the sleeve offers a 95% increase in brand exposure opportunities.
The carton itself is made of 100% recycled fibers with a certification from recycling group How2Recycle. The base of the packaging is formed from molded pulp and the sleeve is made from coated recycled board. According to tests run by the company, the packaging is rigid and able to be stacked with other cartons without crumbling.
The carton is currently only available in a 12-egg format.
Sustainable packaging in the U.S.
Even though most poultry packaging in other countries such as Europe is already sustainably produced, the process is becoming more popular in the U.S. market and many companies are launching new packaging for their products.
For example, in 2022, packaging company Tekni-Plex introduced an updated version of its Dolco ProPlus egg carton, which comprises 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) foam polystyrene. Its egg carton is composed of a resin that can be reused after being recycled and performs to the same level as conventional resin.
In 2023, Tyson Foods announced that its Jimmy Dean egg bites and frittatas will be packaged in AmPrima – a forming/non-forming flexible film. After being recycled, AmPrima packaging has a 70% reduction in carbon footprint, compared to other standard packaging options that use film, and an 80% reduction in non-renewable energy demands.
Additionally, sustainable poultry packaging laws, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, have been implemented in multiple U.S. states over the last few years. These laws are meant to hold meat and poultry manufacturers responsible for packaging recycling and recovery through fees and materials management.
