Packaging and Recycling

Why do you use plastic? 

Lundberg uses single-use plastic packaging and we would love to have an alternative that would minimize weight for shipping, while providing a protective environment for the product itself so that it doesn’t spoil before you are able to consume it. Finding an alternative to plastic is a challenge for the entire food industry, and we are collaborating with other food manufacturers to find reliable alternatives. (see question below for details on organizations we are working with).

If we choose an inferior packaging material—one that breaks or allows insects or doesn’t keep out moisture—we cannot deliver products safely to our consumers. Inferior packaging would cause us to waste a tremendous amount of resources, for nothing. Lundberg understands the need to find ways to lessen the impact on the planet and will continue to use the best options available.

You can read more about our packaging here: Sustainability FAQ Page.

What are you doing to make your packaging more recyclable or sustainable? 

We’re currently exploring alternative packaging materials that protect the planet and the integrity of our products. Right now, we’re participating in a packaging trial to transition from #7 to #4 rice pouches, which are more widely recyclable. As the recycling and composting infrastructure in the US grows, we’ll continue to investigate other packaging options that would benefit both people and the planet.

Does your facility recycle or is it sustainable? 

About 75% of a food product’s carbon footprint is generated in the production of that product from the fields to the point of packaging, while around 12% of a product’s footprint can be attributed to the packaging itself. With this in mind, we prioritize the integrity of our product and take a holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring our products are created sustainably every step of the way, from seed to shelf.

Check out our Sustainability Report here: https://www.lundberg.com/blog/sustainability-report-2021

What are the 1 and 2 lb packages made of?

The bags are all made of inert polyester and polyethylene films.

(The 1-4 lb bags are #7 plastic (PET /PE coextrusion – majority polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, with polyethylene coextrusion – or a mixture of polyethylene plastics).

Our rice bags don't contain vinyl, PVC, BPA or plant products are used in these bags. This includes: corn, potatoes, beets and wheat. 

What is the Velcro made of?

The Velcro is made from a food grade blend of polyethylene and it does not use any adhesive that would contain gluten. 

What are the 12 lb bags made of?

The 12 lb bag is #4 plastic (Low-density polyethylene and or LDPE). Main takeaway - #4 plastics are one type of plastic, #7 are usually a mixture, making it much less readily recyclable).)

Our rice bags don't contain vinyl, PVC, BPA or plant products are used in these bags. This includes: corn, potatoes, beets and wheat. 

What is the inner rice cake bag and the clip made of?

The inner film is a combination laminated film consisting of an acrylic coating, polypropylene core, and a sealable PVdC coating. It is considered a #7 for recycling purposes, and is generally not recyclable in most recycling streams.

The Kwik Lok clips are Polystyrene (#6).

What is the Thin Cake plastic made of? 

It is a multi-layer structure. Primarily polypropylene, with a thin acrylic outer coating for printing/sealing, and a thin interior coating for shelf-life. It is BPA-free.

Do your 90 Second pouches contain Ethylparaben or BPA and are they safe to heat up? 

The 90 Second microwavable package is made of safe, food-grade plastic materials that are designed to handle heat. It does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or Ethylparaben, which are chemicals people sometimes worry about. Because of this, and since the pouch is labeled BPA Free, there is no evidence that it gives off microplastics when heated in the microwave. It is made to be safe for heating food.

Is there BPA in the Rice Bowls?

BPA (Bisphenol A) is not a component used to manufacture our film or packaging.

What is the ink on your packages made of?

The ink is food-grade inks. We use a solvent based flexographic ink, meaning it can be applied and dried on a flexible surface.

Are there heavy metals in your ink?

Our packaging, including the ink used, is in compliance with US Toxics in Packaging (formerly CONEG) and EU 94/62/EC heavy metals legislation.

Where do you purchase your rice pouches from?

We aren't able to share our packaging partners, but we can share that the main one is based in Canada. We also have partners in Thailand, China and the US.

Is this recyclable? 

View the Sustainability article here!