Columbus-based DNO Produce has eliminated traditional single-use plastics from its FRESHEALTH product line, officials said in a news release.

The family-owned fresh-cut produce manufacturing company has been able to accomplish the feat by using integrated film packaging with enhanced biodegradation and compostable cups for its individually packaged fresh food products.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for individually packaged produce surged, and we saw an opportunity to innovate our packaging to reduce landfill volume for the generations that come after us,” DNO President Alex DiNovo said in prepared remarks. “Our goal has always been to demonstrate the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship to the students we serve, and this new packaging is a major step forward.”

The FRESHEALTH line of products offers individually packaged produce tailored for school nutrition programs, featuring items designed to encourage kids to  eat fruits and vegetables.

Company officials said there remains a large unmet need for individually packaged, pre-portioned food at many schools.

DNO’s prepared produce spares schools from having to sort, wash, pre-cut and portion offerings to students, the release provided. The company currently services school nutrition programs in 17 states.

Previously, the majority of the company’s pre-portioned products were distributed in plastic bags and cups. The shift to more biodegradable packaging should replace more than 945,000 pounds of traditional plastic currently used in DNO operations annually, officials said.

Beginning this fall, 94.3 percent of DNO’s single-serve school offerings will transition from plastic bags to a more sustainable film that breaks down in landfill conditions within 10 years, compared to traditional plastics, which can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade, the release continued. The remaining 5.7 percent of DNO’s single-school servings, previously packaged in plastic cups, have been switched to compostable cups. The cups have maximum environmental benefit when diverted into compost waste streams, the company said.

The company noted that the change in packaging will not affect its product offerings, the shelf life of products or raise prices.