Safeway Adopts Recyclable Produce Containers

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway announced on Wednesday it is replacing corrugated boxes with reusable product containers for shipping many produce products along the supply chain.

Safeway started testing recyclable product containers for produce distribution in 2010 and already uses these containers for other products like milk, bread and soda.

"This expansion into produce is a natural extension of best practices in logistics," said Safeway Vice President of Transportation Tom Nartker in a press release. "Safeway will continue to look for opportunities to expand the usage of RPCs into additional categories to have an even greater positive environmental impact."

This move will eliminate 17 million pounds of corrugated boxes and will cut down truck trips since the recyclable boxes can be stacked higher and denser, according to Safeway.