Switching from plastic to paper packaging for Dole Smoothie Bowls reduces the lineup’s plastic use by 97%.
Dole Packaged Foods is making significant strides in sustainability by transitioning its popular Dole Smoothie Bowls from traditional petrochemical-based plastic packaging to a new, environmentally friendly paper-based design. This redesign supports Dole’s ambitious goal of phasing out petrochemical plastics by 2025.
Introduced in July 2024 and currently available in select U.S. retailers, including Walmart, Publix, and Wegmans, the new packaging replaces the previous plastic tub and lid. The innovative paperboard container and lid are crafted from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified materials, demonstrating Dole’s commitment to responsible sourcing. This change is projected to eliminate an astonishing 130 metric tons of plastic annually, as the new packaging design reduces plastic usage by 97%.
Dole Smoothie Bowls are frozen fruit-based products topped with honey-oat granola, previously packaged with a rigid plastic insert for separation. While the new design retains a plastic, tamper-evident film for sealing and continues to include a plastic topping pouch, the majority of the packaging has successfully transitioned to paper.
To inform consumers of this significant change, the new packaging prominently features a green call-out stating, “New! Paper Based Bowl.” Although the Smoothie Bowl packaging does not currently display the How2Recycle label due to varying local recycling guidelines, Dole is actively collaborating with partners to explore future packaging enhancements and optimizations.
Through these initiatives, Dole Packaged Foods is taking substantial steps towards reducing its environmental footprint and fostering a more sustainable future.
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