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STEVE’S REAL FOOD BRINGS NEW COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING TO MARKET

Steve’s Continues to be an Industry Leader by Being the First to Use NVIRO® Compostable Packaging

November 1st 2011; Steve’s Real Food continues to reduce their carbon footprint by bringing to market their new packaging created from a revolutionary film comprised of plant and corn starches which can compost in a municipal composting environment in 10-40 days (ASTM 6400). This exciting change for Steve’s is just another illustration of the company’s “green commitment”.

Expectedly, an all natural pet food company would be in touch with mother earth, but Steve’s is one of the first to fully commit to a green way of life.  It starts with locally sourcing their ingredients from smaller family owned farms in the Pacific Northwest. We support the local farmers because “these are the guys that care and understand the importance of sustainable and eco-friendly farming and the positive impact is has on our environment”, says Gary Bursell, president and CEO. Gary also notes that “since day one, Steve’s has focused on using humanely and locally raised animals in all of their products. All of our protein sources are hormone, and steroid free.”

SRF’s believes it is their responsibility to offer their customers products that do not impact the environment negatively. When it came time to update the look of the packaging they decided to look for a packaging material that was eco-friendly.  “We contacted several flexible packaging vendors only to find ‘bio-degradable’ packaging takes at least 6 years to decompose.” says Nicole Lindsley, Project Manager.  “I really wanted a solution that was green, not just one that sounded green. We wanted a product that would decompose more quickly”.  Eagle Flexible Packaging had just that.  They introduced Steve’s to, NVIRO® Flexible Packaging, a ground-breaking product that is green from the zipper to the sealant.  NVIRO® Flexible Packaging utilizes materials derived from renewable resources – corn and plant starches, which allow it to compost in a municipal composting environment. The new Steve’s bag is also produced using water based inks which are lower in volatile organic compounds (less than 5% VOCs).  Nicole notes that in addition to Eagle Flexible Packaging being eco-focused, EFP facilities are fully accredited and US based.  It is unique in the packaging industry to produce products in the USA with ingredients sourced locally. “When picking a vendor it is important that they represent your product’s mission and goals.  You can’t say you support local business but then buy one of your most costly inventory items from China” says Nicole.

The company plans to complete the green packaging project in January of 2012 replacing their 10lb bag with a similar green solution.  They are currently testing the bag strength to ensure it can meet Steve’s future demands.

About Steve’s Real Food

Steve’s Real Food, an industry leader, has been manufacturing all natural raw pet food since 1998.  The super premium pet food is made with 100% ingredients.  Each diet is free of; grains, antibiotics, hormones, steroids and pesticides and is available as either raw frozen or raw freeze dry. 

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