At Atlantic Packaging, we’re committed to helping customers find sustainable packaging solutions that protect their products while also being the best choice possible for the planet. Today, we’re seeing companies across the globe seek out alternatives to single-use plastics and non-circular materials.
One recent partnership that highlights this shift is our work with Cherrystone Aqua-Farms, a family-run business on Virginia’s Eastern Shore that has been farming clams and oysters for more than 100 years. Cherrystone’s values are rooted in stewardship of their pristine waterways, and they knew their packaging needed to reflect the same care and responsibility.
The Challenge: Shipping Live Shellfish Sustainably … And Successfully
Shipping live shellfish is uniquely challenging. Oysters and clams have to remain within a narrow temperature range, even as they travel thousands of miles across the country. The packaging must be durable enough to withstand both freezing and sweltering conditions, all while maintaining food safety standards and ensuring the product arrives fresh.
Traditionally, aquaculture shipments have relied on EPS foam coolers, a material that’s difficult to recycle and contributes to plastic waste. Cherrystone wanted a solution that could deliver performance without compromising their environmental values.
The Solution: Cruz Cool + Testing at the Packaging Solution Center
That’s where Atlantic’s Packaging Solution Center came in. Our team partnered with Cherrystone to rigorously test sustainable packaging alternatives under real-world conditions. We simulated temperature extremes, shipping stresses, and product handling to ensure the packaging could deliver both performance and sustainability.
Through this testing process, the Cruz Cool sustainable shipping cooler emerged as the top-performing material. This innovative bio-based foam cooler met the high-performance standards required for live shellfish while aligning perfectly with Cherrystone’s sustainability ethos.
The Results: Performance + Sustainability
The switch to Cruz Foam packaging has transformed Cherrystone’s e-commerce shipping and unboxing experience. Customers now receive a beautifully branded box with clear instructions for recycling and responsible disposal. The packaging not only protects the shellfish inside but also reinforces Cherrystone’s commitment to sustainability, a message that resonates strongly with their customers.
For Atlantic, this project is a prime example of how we work alongside customers to find and validate sustainable solutions that truly work. By leveraging our Packaging Solution Center, we can provide confidence that innovative materials will perform under the toughest conditions.
A Shared Commitment to Stewardship
Cherrystone’s story is proof that when businesses make conscious choices, they can protect their products and make the best choice for the planet. At Atlantic Packaging, we’re proud to support that vision by sourcing and validating sustainable packaging innovations that help companies meet their sustainability goals.
As we continue to expand our sustainable packaging portfolio, our dedication remains the same: to be a trusted partner for customers who want to do better for their businesses, their communities, and the environment.
