Emerald Packaging, the leading supplier of retail flexible packaging in the produce sector, has partnered with Idaho Package, Wada Farms, and Walmart to launch the first 30% food contact Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) bag specifically designed for the potato category.
This innovative product arose from Walmart’s initiative, Project Gigaton, which aims to eliminate or reduce one billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions across the global value chain by 2030. Potato grower and shipper Wada Farms collaborated closely with Walmart to bring this product to market.
“We’ve worked on sustainable packaging initiatives for over 20 years, and PCR has emerged as the first affordable option ever,” stated Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging. “We developed a supply chain and launched a product that met or exceeded major retailers’ PCR targets. This was accomplished without compromising product performance or significantly impacting costs. Our commitment to PCR aligned seamlessly with Walmart’s objectives to integrate it into their packaging.”
In early fall 2024, Idaho Package and Wada Farms began testing PCR potato bags, and later that year, they launched the product with Walmart’s enthusiastic support. Currently, more than a dozen SKUs utilize PCR resin, resulting in a reduction of over 100,000 lbs. of virgin polyethylene plastic. As of June 2025, Walmart continues to transition additional root category SKUs to PCR. “The three companies are propelling the plastics industry in the right direction,” says Kelly.
“At Walmart, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and providing our customers with more sustainable choices,” said Laura Himes, Vice President of Produce Sourcing at Walmart. “We are proud to collaborate with Emerald Packaging, Idaho Package, and Wada Farms to introduce the first 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) bag for the potato category. This initiative directly supports our goal of minimizing waste through the integration of PCR content in retail packaging and showcases our dedication to partnering with suppliers who share our vision for a more sustainable future.”
For over 60 years, Emerald Packaging has been at the forefront of food and drink packaging innovation and is recognized as the largest plastic packaging manufacturer for produce in the United States. With more than two decades of leadership in addressing plastic waste, the company has significantly influenced legislation in California aimed at enhancing recycling infrastructures. Notably, Emerald is among the select few manufacturers to achieve Green Business certification for their waste, water, and energy conservation efforts.
Both Wada Farms and Idaho Package (IPAK) have established records of integrating sustainability into their operations. Wada Farms emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, including plastic reduction, recycling, solar energy, and water conservation. Conversely, IPAK has a strong history of collaborating with premier packaging manufacturers to promote environmentally responsible solutions through optimization, sustainable methodologies, and innovative practices.
For additional information on Wada Farms, please visit www.wadafarms.com.
