Kurt Zuhlke & Associates ready to talk recycling at NEPC
Kurt Zuhlke & Associates ready to talk recycling at NEPC
Although the company won’t occupy a booth at the upcoming New England Produce Council’s Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo, Kurt Zuhlke & Associates expects to get a lot out of attending and walking the show floor.
After all, NEPC is one of the most important produce shows in the Northeast, according to Kurt Zuhlke, president of the company that bears his name and which is based in Easton, PA.
“I like to go and see what’s going on and talk with some customers who are exhibiting and help them with any questions that customers come up with,” he said. “They ask about what our products are made of and how much recyclability it is.”
His company has long been a leader in packaging for the produce industry, and he has been a huge advocate of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET products), explaining that it’s vital to maintain the circle of recycling in an effort to keep materials out of landfills as much as possible.
“Our company’s motto is to ‘recycle and reuse’ and taking the product out there, once it’s been used, clean it, grind it and create new product,” Zuhlke said. “Many growers and suppliers use our products to pack according to their customers’ specifications, but many retailers today repack at the store level in order to customize their offerings. This means that all levels of the industry are important to us.”
The company provides sustainable packaging throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.
“Our packaging offers excellent protection for produce while still allowing consumers to see exactly what they’re purchasing, which is crucial,” Zuhlke said. “When customers can clearly view the product and the price is fair, they’re more likely to buy. However, if the product is covered with barrier film and printed over the top, shoppers may become hesitant.”
For some companies, this is still very important, but Zuhlke is seeing some not care as much as they have in recent years, turning their attention to other things.
“There are a lot of people who are worried about supply issues and tariffs, things that are affecting them,” he said. “The tariff wars are taking the lead on things right now. The packaging isn’t as important to them now.”
One of the challenges with packaging today is prices have gone up, and some people are turning to items imported from China.
“They are a big importer into the U.S. and Canada,” Zuhlke said. “Though they aren’t very truthful in a lot of what they do. A lot of people have to go by the rules and regulation of the U.S. and you find out the product coming in from China shouldn’t be used for produce. And they try to bypass the tariffs by shipping it in through other countries. People need to be aware.”
At NEPC, Zuhlke plans to talk about the pros of the company’s PET products and he’s seen a big interest in clamshell-lidded containers.
While numerous factors have played a role in the continued success of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, the company’s owner emphasizes that it ultimately boils down to hard work and dedication.
“Our approach has always been that the customer comes first, and we do everything possible to meet their needs quickly,” Zuhlke said. “If you deliver a quality product and put in the effort, success will follow.”