Paper’s the Star of Dole’s Frozen Food Packaging RedesignPaper’s the Star of Dole’s Frozen Food Packaging Redesign

Dole Packaged Foods is putting sustainability in the foreground with new paper-based packaging for Dole Smoothie Bowls. The new packaging design reportedly eliminates 97% of the plastic from the products’ packaging.

The new design began appearing on store shelves in July 2024 and will continue rolling out through the year. The product line is sold in only the US market. Retailers carrying the product include Walmart, Publix, and Wegmans.

The exotic-fruit Dole Smoothie Bowls are frozen fruit-based treats with a honey-oat granola topping. The previous package, a plastic tub and lid, included a rigid plastic insert to separate the frozen smoothie from a plastic pouch filled with topping.

The new package’s container and lid are made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paperboard. A plastic, tamper-evident film seals the bowl, and the plastic pouch of topping is still part of the package design.

Alerting consumers to the change, a green call-out on the front of the package announces, "New! Paper Based Bowl.”

The prior design used a plastic-tub. Image: Dole Packaged Foods

Dole is working with organizations like How2Recycle, a Dole brand partner, to optimize the recyclability of its packaging and reduce waste.

The Smoothie Bowl paperboard packaging does not currently include the How2Recycle label because of the varying recyclability capabilities and guidelines across municipalities. However, Dole is exploring the possibility of using the How2Recycle label on the packaging as municipal recycling evolves.

Related:Plastic or Paper? A Nuanced Sustainability Story

Dole estimates that switching to paper packaging for this product line will eliminate 130 metric tons of plastic from its operations annually, supporting the company’s sustainability goal of moving to zero fossil-based plastic packaging by 2025.

“The transition to paper-based packaging for Dole Smoothie Bowls is a significant step forward as consumers prioritize planet-friendly products and brands that are investing in sustainability initiatives,” says Orzse Hodi, president for Dole Packaged Foods USA.

She adds, “As part of our global Promise, we’re committed to delivering delicious and nutritious products while minimizing our environmental impact.”

Products affected by the packaging redesign include two Dole Ready To Eat Smoothie Bowl flavors, Mango Gets Mangosteen and Strawberry Meets Aronia, as well as Dole Açaí Bowl Original and Dole Açaí Bowl Protein. The package’s net weight is 5.8 oz to 6 oz.