Advancing Sustainable Fresh Produce Packaging: Graphic Packaging Joins 2026 IFPA Packaging Innovation Cohort

Advancing Sustainable Fresh Produce Packaging: Graphic Packaging Joins 2026 IFPA Packaging Innovation Cohort

June 15, 2026

Advancing Sustainable Fresh Produce Packaging: Graphic Packaging Joins 2026 IFPA Packaging Innovation Cohort

Graphic Packaging International has been selected as one of seven participants in the 2026 cohort of the International Fresh Produce Association's Packaging Innovation Program, a USDA-supported initiative designed to accelerate packaging technologies for U.S. fresh produce exports. The program is implemented in partnership with Clemson University and is focused on solutions that can extend shelf-life, reduce waste and respond to changing packaging regulations in global markets.

The project will center on paperboard packaging concepts intended to help exporters move fresh produce farther while maintaining product quality. Shelf-life extension is a key priority for produce such as berries, particularly in export channels where longer transit times can increase the risk of spoilage, shrink and product loss.

The dual focus on pack performance and sustainability is especially important as packaging rules continue to evolve in markets such as Europe. In addition to extending shelf-life, the team is targeting structures that can help customers transition away from single-use plastic and better align with emerging international compliance requirements.

"This project is an exciting opportunity to combine shelf-life extension with more sustainable packaging design," said Jayme Walton, new business development senior manager at Graphic Packaging.

"By exploring technologies that can be integrated directly into paperboard, we're aiming to support produce exporters with solutions that help protect product quality while aligning with evolving regulatory requirements."

Designing performance into paperboard

Unlike conventional plastic formats, where shelf-life technologies are often added separately, for example as labels, the paperboard concepts under development could allow performance features to be built into the packaging itself. In practice, that could mean applying functionality through coatings or inks on paperboard rather than relying on inserts or added components inside the pack.

The development work is being carried out on a tray-and-lid format designed as a paperboard alternative to a traditional clamshell, with one-handed closure functionality. The team is also designing with compostability in mind, using Graphic Packaging's KraftMax™ uncoated, unbleached paperboard as the base material and planning compostability testing once the preferred structure has been finalized. Learnings from the project are also expected to inform wider applications across the company's fresh produce packaging portfolio.

Collaboration to accelerate innovation

The initiative is being supported by a global internal team, including colleagues in Europe, and also benefits from the collaborative structure of the IFPA cohort. According to IFPA's press release, the second cohort brings together a diverse mix of seven companies developing packaging innovations for U.S. specialty crop exports, with support that includes funding, industry access and guidance on market readiness, life-cycle assessment and regulatory issues.

For the Company, participation in the program represents an opportunity to accelerate the commercial development of paperboard fresh produce packaging that meets both customer expectations and regulatory demands. As export requirements continue to shift, the project is expected to generate insights that support future packaging innovation across multiple fresh produce applications.

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