What was it all about?

In 2023, this desktop review identified alternative sustainable packaging options for the nashi industry to meet the requirements of domestic retailers and support long-term market access, focusing mainly on substitutes to the plastic sock (sleeve) currently in use to protect nashi while in transit.

The research team gathered insights from desktop research, international networks and stakeholder feedback to determine what sustainable products and practices are currently in use around the globe.

Based on this information, the research team then selected what approaches could be a solution for achieving solid protection of a very sensitive fruit (nashi) and meeting the sustainable credentials for compliance within Australia.

The identified options were shared and discussed with the nashi industry through a draft report, presentation, and a virtual session to select the two that would best meet their strategic goals. The chosen two were the compostable sock as a direct swap with the existing one and a box with a moulded press paper tray that could protect the fruit while eliminating the use of the sock. The first option fits into the compostable targets, and the second option is a fully recyclable solution collected and processed through existing paper and cardboard streams.

The costs and benefits of these two options were assessed and compared to today's packaging. The results show that, although both represent a slight or significant cost-saving, the difference in benefits currently favours the adoption of a compostable sock. The research team recommends a proper performance test on the paper tray solution to determine its ability to preserve nashi quality and integrity.