Melbourne-based MOD Appliances has reduced the plastic packaging associated with its cold press juicers by 95 per cent in less than 12 months, and its focus now shifts to doing the same across its entire product range.
“When we started questioning why appliances are packed with so much plastic, we found much of it was unnecessary,” says Toni-Marie Aston, marketing manager, MOD Appliances.
“As our business grew, we were then able to take our innovative capabilities to start implementing the change to plastic-free packaging. Initially there was resistance from our manufacturing partners, however, since we pushed the new packaging policy through, it has been an easy change to adopt.
“While there are some large appliance manufacturers that are reducing their plastics, we’re not aware of other smaller Australian businesses stepping up to make the change.”
One example of the changes MOD has made was to replace the protective, plastic bag around the juicer with a jute (or burlap) bag that’s reusable, biodegradable and compostable.
Biodegradable paper is now also used for added protection instead of plastic packaging.
As a further step, MOD also recently replaced the plastic flask that accompanies the cold press juicer with a glass flask.
“The process of designing and implementing the new packaging took around three months and several different prototypes to achieve,” explains Aston.
“We were also keen to ensure it made a positive visual impact for the customer opening the box.
“Our new biodegradable paper showcases engaging fruit-based icons that customers may even choose to reuse in their own gift wrapping. We have also worked to ensure that the jute bag is practical and sturdy, perfect for a trip to the farmers market or shops.
“We chose jute as it is produced using much less water than cotton, so it’s better for the environment in multiple ways. We started this process with the cold press juicer, and we will roll it out to the blender range soon as well.”
MOD encourages its customers to share their unboxing experience with a monthly ‘MOD Unbox’ competition, where the winner is awarded a pack of environmentally friendly accessories.
In line with Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, MOD is aiming to be plastic-free and using biodegradable packaging for its multi-award-winning juicer by September 2021.
