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Package of the Month

Grove Bags Releases Eco-Friendly Packaging for Frozen Cannabis

Frozen cannabis in clear ExIce bag

ExIce bags prevent freezer burn and condensation build-up.

ExIce is the only fresh frozen storage solution available on the market that’s completely water soluble.

Grove Bags, the leading provider of USA-Made cannabis packaging powered by TerpLoc® Technology, has announced the launch of ExIce, an eco-friendly storage solution designed to address the unique challenges of preserving fresh frozen cannabis.

ExIce is the only fresh frozen storage solution available on the market that’s completely water soluble. The best part? ExIce fully dissolves in water without leaving any residual microplastics, making it not only biodegradable and compostable but also marine safe — an industry-first that doesn’t sacrifice quality for eco-friendliness.

UV-resistant, antimicrobial, anti-static, and extraordinarily durable, even in sub-zero temperatures, ExIce is engineered to prevent condensation build-up and freezer burn, maintaining the integrity of fresh frozen cannabis by inhibiting ice crystal formation.

Tops of clear ExIce bags

The bags fully dissolve in water without leaving behind residual microplastics.

“ExIce represents a big step forward for cannabis concentrate production SOPs. This first-of-its-kind solution is extremely durable, and doesn’t become brittle in freezing temperatures. Live product remains safe, sound, and ready to extract,” says Jack Grover, Founder & CEO of Grove Bags. “Our commitment to sustainability is exemplified by ExIce’s fully water-soluble composition, bringing an eco-friendly solution to operators that doesn’t compromise on performance.”

ExIce continues Grove Bags' tradition of innovation and excellence, underpinned by the company’s proprietary TerpLoc® technology. With terpene preservation and sustainability at its core, ExIce is the first-of-its-kind to meet the needs of fresh frozen cannabis storage and preservation.

To learn more about Grove Bags, and ExIce, please visit GroveBags.com/ExIce.

Courtesy of Grove Bags

Man holding Cabot Cheese Bar against sky blue background

Cabot Transitions to Sustainable Packaging Solution for 8-oz Cheese Bar Line

Agri-Mark, Inc./Cabot Creamery Cooperative recently announced that it will transition to a 30% post-consumer recycled (PCR) packaging for its flagship 8-ounce cheese bars later this year. This decision follows the completion of a comprehensive sustainable packaging study initiated in 2022 and will result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and fuel requirements by up to 25%, alongside significant water savings during manufacturing of their 8-oz cheese bar line. Study findings will be made available industry-wide with hopes of broadening the positive impact of the grant research.

Cabot partnered with TC Transcontinental Packaging, a leader in flexible packaging manufacturing, to conduct a shelf-life and feasibility study that focused on two popular cheeses: extra sharp cheddar and pepper jack. They completed line trials using three innovative packaging options: a 30% PCR content package, a compostable structure suitable for industrial composters, and a fully recyclable flexible film.

The trials included rigorous testing stages to ensure packaging performance, including assessing integrity during transport, potential leakers, texture, flavor, and color differences.

Cabot simultaneously conducted consumer studies to gauge perspectives on alternative packaging and ensure consistent cheese quality, flavor, appearance, and nutrition. These studies have been crucial for determining the long-term viability of each film type.

Armed with the study results, Cabot’s leadership team decided to make the transition to the PCR film for their eight-ounce dairy bars. The shift will be gradual as the cooperative works through existing packaging supplies. Consumers can expect to see the new packaging in stores by the end of this year.

For more information about Cabot’s findings, visit Cabot Creamery Sustainable Packaging.

Courtesy of Cabot Creamery Cooperative

Assortment of Dole® Smoothie Bowls lined up

Dole® Unveils Sustainable Packaging for its Smoothie Bowls

For National Smoothie Day (June 21), Dole® Packaged Foods announced a significant shift towards sustainable packaging with new paper-based materials for its popular Smoothie Bowl line. Arriving on shelves throughout the summer, the innovative new paper package design eliminates a remarkable 97% of plastic packaging across the entire lineup: Acai Original, Acai Protein, Mango Gets Mangosteen and Strawberry Meets Aronia.

This move removes 130 metric tons of plastic from Dole’s operations annually, aligning with the brand’s commitment to sustainability, as outlined in The Dole Promise to make a positive impact on people, planet and prosperity. The brand continuously explores ways to minimize its environmental footprint and protect the planet, actively researching and piloting viable fossil fuel-free packaging solutions across all its manufacturing operations.

Learn more about Dole® Packaged Foods.

Courtesy of SmartSweets