4Earth Farms has been built on a foundation of Social and Environmental responsibility, which applies to our packaging as well. We have worked hard to make sure our packaging is eco-friendly.
With technologies currently available in the market place, plastic remains necessary for the majority of our packaging. Because it is, we have made concerted efforts to make sure that the packaging we use is recyclable. 97% of our packaging can be recycled with #2 or #5 plastics, and we are doing everything we can to make it 100% as soon as possible.
We have also met with leaders in packaging and attended packaging trade shows in the United States and Europe to find the better solutions. We are excited to see many cutting edge, non-plastic technologies starting to be developed. As they become commercially available, we plan to be early adopters.
Plastic, when able to be recycled after use, does has some very distinct advantages:
To keep produce fresh, the bag film we use is very technical. Besides a coating that keeps excess moisture from building up inside the bag, causing the vegetables to decay, the bags also contain a modified atmosphere to keep the vegetables in a state of suspended animation to slow the decaying process. These technologies allow our products to remain fresh 14-18 days after packing, when sealed.
Also, many people are unaware that by law, Organic and Conventional produce may not touch when displayed or handled. By using plastic as a barrier, stores that don’t have enough space to have a dedicated Organic store set are able to provide consumers a wide selection of both Conventional and Organic produce.
For food safety, the plastic allows us to clearly indicate the packed on date, country of origin and the Lot Number. This information allows us to have careful control and traceback of our products to make sure the products you serve your family are safe.
If you have any suggestions as to how we could improve the way we bring our products to market,we would love to hear from you.
4Earth Farms focuses on utilizing packaging that has the highest recyclability and reusability.
See below to learn what type of recyclable packaging we use for our products. Be sure to clean each package before recycling.
Our packaging does not contain any BPA.
BPA (Bisephenol A) is an industrial chemical used in making certain plastics and resins and can cause possible health effects.
Our packaging is microwave-safe.
Our produce can be safely steamed in the bag in minutes when you heat them in the microwave.
Find out what the numbers mean
before you recycle.
PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate
— soda bottles, water bottles, food packaging
The easiest of plastics to recycle into bottles and polyester fibers.
PP – Polypropylene
— clothing, bottles, tubs, ropes, diapers, straws
Widely accepted by curbside pickups and can be reused and recycled.
HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene
— detergents bottles, bleach bottles, milk bottles, motor oil bottles, toys, some plastic bags
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins and other products that require durability.
PS – Polystyrene
— cups, foam food trays, packing peanuts, egg cartons
Can be reused, but recycling is not widely available. PS easily pollutes the environment due to its light weight and should be avoided due to health risks.
PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
— plastic piping, toys, furnishings,
Can be repurposed, but difficult to recycle since it contains numerous toxins.
Other
— baby bottles, water cooler bottles, car parts
Cannot be recycled and should be avoided.
LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene
— plastic wrap, grocery bags, sandwich bags, dry cleaning bags, bread packaging
Safe for use and reusable, but not commonly recycled.
Sourced from Green Living Tips & Eartheasy
Find out what the numbers mean
before you recycle.
PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate
— soda bottles, water bottles, food packaging
The easiest of plastics to recycle into bottles and polyester fibers.
HDPE – High-Density Polyethylene
— detergents bottles, bleach bottles, milk bottles, motor oil bottles, toys, some plastic bags
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as picnic tables, plastic lumber, waste bins and other products that require durability.
PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride
— plastic piping, toys, furnishings,
Can be repurposed, but difficult to recycle since it contains numerous toxins.
LDPE – Low-Density Polyethylene
— plastic wrap, grocery bags, sandwich bags, dry cleaning bags, bread packaging
Safe for use and reusable, but not commonly recycled.
PP – Polypropylene
— clothing, bottles, tubs, ropes, diapers, straws
Widely accepted by curbside pickups and can be reused and recycled.
PS – Polystyrene
— cups, foam food trays, packing peanuts, egg cartons
Can be reused, but recycling is not widely available. PS easily pollutes the environment due to its light weight and should be avoided due to health risks.
Other
— baby bottles, water cooler bottles, car parts
Cannot be recycled and should be avoided.
Sourced from Green Living Tips & Eartheasy
FILM BAGS & POUCH BAGS
PP – Polypropylene
Widely accepted by curbside pickups and can be reused and recycled.
NETTED BAGS
Before recycling netted bags, discard labels and tags.
HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as other products that require durability.
CLAMSHELLS & FLOW WRAPS
Before recycling plastic packaging, discard labels.
PETE – Polyethylene Terephthalate
The easiest of plastics to recycle into bottles and polyester fibers.
HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
Also readily recyclable into more bottles and bags as well as other products that require durability.
