Sacramento, Calif. – The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) welcomed new member Emerald Packaging to the organization today. For 60 years, Emerald Packaging has been reinventing produce packaging and is the largest flexible packaging manufacturer for produce in the U.S.

“I am excited to welcome Emerald Packaging to CMTA’s network of members,” said Lance Hastings, President & CEO of CMTA. “The company is a leader in sustainable packaging and exemplifies the forward-thinking approach that drives California’s manufacturing sector.”

The company has led the industry in addressing plastic waste for more than 20 years, and most recently helped shape California legislation that addresses the need for a better recycling infrastructure. Emerald Packaging introduced the first compostable packaging in the produce industry 15 years ago and continues to be recognized in the manufacturing sector for its innovation.

“We are excited to join CMTA and proud to be part of its influential network,” said Kevin Kelly, CEO of Emerald Packaging. “As a leader in sustainable packaging, we share CMTA’s commitment to driving innovation and shaping a brighter future for manufacturing in California.”

Emerald Packaging is also one of the few flexible packaging companies in the U.S. to become an Ellen MacArther signatory. Under its MacArthur commitments, the company will help drive the adoption of post-consumer recycled resin (PCR) in food packaging and has committed to taking steps to make reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging in accordance with the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment (NPEGC).

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About CMTA

The California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA) has advocated for pro-growth laws and regulations before the California legislature and administrative agencies since 1918. The total output from manufacturing in California is $300 billion per year, roughly 10 percent of the total economic output of the state. Manufacturers employ 1.3 million Californians paying wages more than $2,500 higher than other non-farm employers in the state.

About Emerald Packaging

Emerald Packaging has been reinventing produce packaging for 60 years and is the largest flexible packaging manufacturer for produce in the U.S. The company specializes in fresh produce and bagged salads for many of today’s leading food companies nationwide. For over two decades, Emerald Packaging has led the industry in addressing plastic waste, most recently helping shape legislation in California that addresses the need for a better recycling infrastructure. Emerald is one of the few manufacturers to win California Green Business certification for its waste, water, and energy reduction efforts. It introduced the first compostable packaging in the produce industry 15 years ago and continues to test and experiment with new materials as they become available.