Mushroom packaging specifications and options (MU23007)

This project is exploring the commercial viability of PVC alternatives for mushroom packaging to determine if sustainable packaging solutions can be adopted by the industry without compromising product quality, logistics, or consumer acceptability.  

The ultimate project goal is to ensure the mushroom industry can meet sustainability targets, specifically the Australian Packaging Convent Organisation’s (APCO) 2025 targets, which require 100 per cent resusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging, while maintaining operational and market efficiency.  

Challenge  

The Australian mushroom industry faces growing pressure to adopt sustainable packaging in line with regulatory, retailer, and consumer demands. This pressure includes meeting the APCO's 2025 targets, eventhough current alternatives to PVC films, a key component in mushroom packaging, are not yet commercially viable. The industry needs to be capable of meeting sustainability requirements, whilst maintaining product integrity, logistical suitability, and marketability. 

As producers transition their packaging infrastructure, they also face the risk that future changes in technology, materials, recycling infrastructure, or regulations may outpace the return on investment for new equipment. Thus, decisions must also consider the future trajectory of technology and consumer attitudes toward sustainability, which can influence adoption timelines. 

Response  

Building on prior research and investments by Hort Innovation, this project adopts a multifaceted approach to assess feasible alternatives to PVC film. Solutions will be evaluated with consideration of producer’s varying capacities, as well as the emerging technologies and recycling infrastructure that support sustainable packaging. The project will identify potential packaging options through a global technology scan and conduct life cycle assessments to ensure the environmental and practical impacts of new materials are fully understood. 

The project’s findings will inform a clear timeline for the adoption of sustainable packaging, guiding producers on when and how to make the transition.  

Benefit  

The project will equip mushroom producers with the information needed to make informed decisions on sustainable packaging solutions, helping them align with future regulations and consumer preferences. By building a strong business case, the project will help producers justify the continued use of PVC in the short term, until alternatives become commercially viable, ensuring the industry's long-term sustainability, competitiveness, and compliance with APCO’s 2025 targets.