| Store's new deli trays made entirely from corn
- May 1, 2006
Baesler's Market is leading area grocery stores by introducing a new corn-based, environmentally friendly deli packaging.
Storeowner Bob Baesler said these clear plastic trays, made entirely from corn, will be used for cut fruit, the salad bar, pre-packaged salads from the deli, and some bakery products.
"We're happy to bring this remarkable packaging to our customers," Baesler said. "It looks and feels like traditional plastic but its base product is corn, making it a benefit to corn farmers, as well as being visually appealing."
Baesler said people have told him that food packaged in these containers actually tastes better. "That's true, because the material has a flavor and aroma barrier that keeps food fresher," he said. "And we like the fact that it is less detrimental to the environment than traditional plastic because it can be composted."
According to NatureWorks, LLC, the company that created the new packaging, the technology to produce the material harvests the starch stored in natural plant sugars, then ferments it into lactic acid, which is used to make a clear plastic called polylactide (PLA) that can be shaped into bottles, containers, trays, film and other packaging.
Production of NatureWorks PLA, the world's first greenhouse-gas-neutral polymer, uses 68 percent fewer fossil fuel resources than production of traditional plastics. The company terms the packaging's appeal to consumers as "natural-in-natural" -- presenting natural foods in natural packaging.
In the future, Baesler has plans to use NatureWorks PLA in other areas of the store. "Just like my family, many of our customers are concerned about the environment, so this packaging is a natural for Baesler's," he said. "We like it because it performs well; it's strong, durable and crystal clear, making our already fresh foods look and taste fresher, and of course it's earth friendly."
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