Stevens, PA – Eberly Poultry Farms has announced it has begun using Back2Earth certified compostable trays on all its branded tray poultry products, effective September 6. A pioneer and long-time leader in the organic poultry segment, Eberly made the change to better reflect the company’s earth-friendly ethos and chose Back2Earth because the two companies’ values were aligned. Eberly, distributed throughout the east coast and selected overseas markets, features Back2Earth for all its tray-packed chicken parts, including breasts, legs, thighs and others. Produced from 100% wheat stalks, Back2Earth offers a complete line of sustainable, certified compostable, eco-friendly packaging to industry and consumers, such as meat trays, take-out containers, plates and more.
Commenting on the packaging switch, Dave Nagle, Eberly’s General Manager, said the company’s long-time organic focus, initiated long before it was fashionable, means they are always seeking to improve the product offerings. After reviewing various alternatives to move away from Styrofoam, Back2Earth’s compostable trays were chosen because of their quality presentation, look and size options. “Given our passion and drive for organic, we have always been uncomfortable offering our high-quality product in Styrofoam packaging, which most people wish to avoid,” he said. “Back2Earth gave us an ideal alternative and is a perfect fit for our product. Now Eberly’s high-value product is presented to consumers in a high-value tray.”
Heather Gilmore, Back2Earth’s Brand Manager, noted that, not only are Back2Earth trays great for the environment, they also make Eberly chicken stand out in the display case. “In a sea of Styrofoam, Back2Earth’s natural kraft color sets Eberly Poultry apart.”
Nagle noted that while the poultry industry is about $28 billion in size, only about 1% of the market is organic. A pioneer in the organic market, Eberly was given a USDA grant of inspection in 1983, processed natural poultry in 1984, and was Certified Organic in 1991. The company is aligned with J. I. Rodale's conviction that Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy People. Today Eberly’s organic products are distributed to earth-oriented grocery retailers, including Mom’s Organic Markets in the Baltimore and Washington, DC markets; Kimberton Whole Foods in the Philadelphia market; and Mrs. Green’s in New York.
Initial response to the Back2Earth packaging has been very favorable, according to first reports. Both grocers and consumers are very pleased with the package, which serves the same purpose but in a sustainable, compostable way that is increasingly important to consumers and their concern for the environment. While Eberly is the most recent poultry supplier to use Back2Earth trays, other green-focused poultry and meat purveyors are expected to embrace the brand, as consumers demand it and costs are only marginally higher than Styrofoam.
About Eberly Poultry Farms
Eberly Poultry is a pioneer in organic and specialty poultry and was the first processor of organic poultry on the East Coast under USDA inspection. Family owned and operated since 1947, Eberly Poultry has been bringing superior quality poultry to dinner tables across the country for four generations. All of its organic products are raised on small sustainable farms in the Amish country of central Pennsylvania. Eberly is associated with and supports PASA – Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture – and also supports the Rodale Institute. Eberly Poultry was Certified Organic in 1991 and certified by PCO – Pennsylvania Certified Organic – in 1998. The company currently ships its organic and specialty poultry products throughout the U.S. and exports to Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hong Kong and Singapore.
To learn more about Eberly Poultry Farms, please contact Tom Mikus, Sales Manager, by phone at 717-336-6440, email at tmikus(at)eberlypoultry(dot)com or visit http://www.eberlypoultry.com.
About Back2Earth
Back2Earth offers a complete line of sustainable, eco-friendly packaging. Produced from 100% wheat stalks, Back2Earth packaging is biodegradable, GMO-free, certified gluten-free and compostable – thus returning back to the earth, not a landfill. Its biodegradable meat trays, take-out containers, plates and sushi trays are used by green-focused grocery retailers, restaurants and consumers. Custom and private label packaging is also available. Back2Earth is part of Katama Foods.
To learn more about Back2Earth products, please contact Heather Gilmore by phone at 888-227-2137, email at heather(at)back2earth(dot)net or visit http://www.back2earth.net.
Source: Back2Earth