ITALY: Grocery chain chooses corn-based packaging

Northern Italy-based supermarket chain IPER has signed a deal to source the packaging for its fresh-food range from US firm Cargill-Dow. Minnetonka, Minn.-based Cargill-Dow produces NatureWorks PLA, a natural polymer made from corn. Mario Spezia, IPER sales director, explained: "Our goal is to offer quality products to consumers without causing a negative impact on the environment."

May 28, 2002

Northern Italy-based supermarket chain IPER has signed a deal to source the packaging for its fresh-food range from US firm Cargill-Dow.

Minnetonka, Minn.-based Cargill-Dow produces NatureWorks PLA, a natural polymer made from corn.

Mario Spezia, IPER sales director, explained: “Our goal is to offer quality products to consumers without causing a negative impact on the environment.”

IPER is to launch the natural-based packaging this summer, and it said that it would use in-store signage to educate consumers about the role of NatureWorks in the packaging. After a test period, the chain will explore using the natural packaging for its private-label products.