Riverford Organic Farmers has been in the vegetable box distribution business since 1987 when Guy Singh-Watson began growing a variety of vegetables and delivering them locally to customers in Devon.
In a bid to be as sustainable as possible, Riverford Organic Farmers came to Atlas Packaging looking for cardboard vegetable boxes that are reusable, recyclable and strong enough to withstand multiple uses.
Search for reusable cardboard vegetable boxes
We’ve worked with Riverford Organic Farmers for many years, teaming up to develop vegetable packaging boxes that are reusable, recyclable and seriously sturdy.
Riverford wanted cardboard vegetable boxes that could be reused as much as possible either by being used to package vegetables or by customers at home for storage. That aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainability, so we were eager to get involved.We created sturdy solid board boxes printed with water-based inks.
Mark Leverton, Atlas Sales Director: “The veg box is one of our ‘stars’ here at Atlas Packaging. We’ve created a great example of sustainability in action. Not only is our box moisture resistant and sturdy, it can be easily recycled at the kerbside, but more importantly it can be reused again and again to save natural resources, energy and reduce costs.”
Balancing vegetable packaging with sustainability and strength
Riverford wanted to become more sustainable in their production process, and they wanted a natural product that could be used up to 10 times. To guarantee the boxes lasted long enough to be reused so many times, we knew the strength and durability of the design had to be taken to the next level.
Dave Gillon told us: “We’re always looking with the technologists that we’ve got at Riverford and the technologists that you’ve got at Atlas, that everyone is striving to look at the next best thing. Trying to reduce the carbon footprint and trying to reduce all the costs and everything else that comes with trying to deliver a dynamic and different product throughout the country.”
Riverford is always striving for innovation, and right now it’s focussing on reducing its carbon footprint and packaging costs. At Atlas Packaging, we share this goal, so we set to work designing cardboard vegetable boxes offering the perfect balance of durability, protection and sustainability.
Cost-effective and reusable cardboard vegetable boxes
The cardboard vegetable packaging boxes we designed are extremely sturdy, so much so that Riverford can usually get 10 trips out of each box when they collect them back in from customers.
We’ve provided Riverford with a cost-effective packaging solution that not only allows the reuse of boxes – minimizing the need for regular replacements – but also reduces waste. This supports Riverford’s commitment to sustainability and enhances its appeal to consumers who priorities their impact on the planet when choosing which brands to buy from.
As well as focusing on reusability, we also considered branding. For Riverford, we opted for a printed box design to enhance brand recognition among customers. The coatings also allow the box a fair degree of moisture resistance and are fully recyclable at the end of their use.
Streamlining vegetable packing, shipping and sustainability
The cardboard vegetable boxes are made using weather- and tear-resistant materials, ensuring durability even in challenging conditions. That means the boxes can withstand exposure to moisture, temperature changes and handling during transit, ensuring they can be reused multiple times without impacting the quality of the box.
Plus, the stackable design of the vegetable packaging boxes ensures streamlined storage and transportation.
