Veg box specialist worked with Parkside to produce innovative new packs
Packaging firm Parkside has teamed up with Riverford to launch a new recyclable packaging solution for fresh produce.
The new bags are made from vertical form-fill seal, kerbside-recyclable paper-based material and incorporate advanced water-based coatings that provide robust moisture and grease resistance.
All of that ensures Riverford’s root vegetables remain fresh throughout the journey from farm to doorstep, according to Parkside. The material is engineered for exceptional durability, offering high tensile strength and resistance to tearing and bursting.
A key feature of the pack is its printed design that imitates the look of kraft paper to enhance brand appeal. Parkside explained that its flexo printing and reprographics capability enables a high-quality, all-over print meaning Riverford could combine a rustic appearance with the clean print finish only possible on coated materials.
That combination of durability, recyclability, and operational efficiency makes this packaging solution unique for high-strength packaging applications, the company pointed out.
The shift from pre-made 100gsm paper sacks to a 90gsm VFFS-compatible paper represents a material saving, and is part of Riverford’s wider mission to reduce resource use at every step.
The change has also improved packing line performance, with packing speeds increasing from 25 to around 35 packs per minute, supporting greater operational efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Matt Mountfield, head of procurement at Riverford, said: “Working with Parkside on this project has been seamless from start to finish. Their technical knowledge and innovative approach enabled a brand-new paper-based design for our root vegetable packaging, suitable for automated form filling. The result is a design that perfectly meets our sustainability goals, improving efficiency and delivering the quality that our customers expect.”
