Rustler Produce Limited, one of the UK's leading onion and leek suppliers, is set to launch a revolutionary new packaging concept for onions in the form of elastic netting.

Consumer research carried out by Rustler highlighted the need for different packaging from the traditional polythene bags. Respondents were concerned about the breathability and freshness of onions in polythene bags and liked the idea of being able to see and feel the product rather than doing so through a bag.

The development of the special netting is based on previous experience within the meat industry, where netting has been used for many years as an alternative packaging product. It was felt that there was no reason why this concept could not be transferred to the onion industry.

The 1kg elastic netting not only has a longer shelf life, but also reforms its shape when cut into, allowing the onion netting to be hung in the kitchen even when one or two onions have been taken out, said a Rustler press release One of the big advantages is that the netting can be any size, from a three-pack through to a 1kg net and has the potential to contain different varieties of onion - dependent on the retailers' and consumers' needs.

The value growth of onions in the UK currently stands at just over 20 per cent year on year, and initial trials of the netting at Sainsbury's over the past few months have indicated a promising rise in sales.

'Having spoken to Rustler earlier this year about improving our category and driving growth, we are delighted that they have taken our comments on board and developed this new innovative approach to packing onions', said Alistair Swan, buyer at Sainsbury's.

'This new packaging idea benefits Sainsbury's as a retailer and the consumer, and we are looking to roll this out to all stores over the coming months', he continued.

Rustler's nine growers produce on 1,100 acres of onions and 275 acres of leeks throughout Cambridgeshire and Suffolk.