Recyclable packaging is here to stay!

We’ve got exciting news: starting in 2020, truLOCAL boxes are 100% curb-side recyclable. Meat goes in the freezer, and the box goes in the blue bin.

What changed?

Everything! Well – not quite. You’ll still get the black box you know and love, delivered right to your doorstep. Your products will still be kept frozen with a slab of dry ice (so you’ll still have to be extra careful when you unpack your box!) and individually vacuum-sealed for convenience. You’ll still have all the delicious cuts of meat and seafood that you chose online, and you’ll still make all those delicious recipes – and share them with us on Instagram!

But while some things stay the same, others change – and our biggest change yet is here to say. We’ve said goodbye to Styrofoam coolers! Gone are the days of storing them in closets and garages or collecting them for a trip to the dump for proper recycling. truLOCAL boxes are now shipped with paper insulation, and a recyclable (in Alberta and BC) or compostable (in Ontario) plastic insert.

How does it work?

The cardboard outer box and the corrugated paper insulation work together to keep the contents frozen solid and protected from the outside elements. The plastic insert holds the meat inside, and acts as a barrier to prevent any frost or other moisture from compromising the integrity of the paper and cardboard – no one wants a soggy box!

We’ve spent the last year rigorously testing various solutions, and in the last 6 months we were able to roll out a pilot program with our brand-new packaging. We spent months and months testing different packaging options in all kinds of weather – from the 40ºC+ summer days, to rain and sleet and snow. It took us a while, but we wanted to make sure that we were making a change that made sense for the environment, for the customer, and for the business.

Why did we do it?

We heard your feedback! From the earliest days of truLOCAL, one of the most commonly asked questions has been “when are you getting rid of the Styrofoam?”. We love hearing from you – your ideas, comments, suggestions, and concerns help us to understand what matters most to you. Have something you’d like to share? Email us at info@trulocal.ca – we’re all ears!

This change is also something we wanted to implement for our environment. Since day one, it has been our mission to connect consumers with local farms – farms that raise their animals more sustainably. We’ve worked hard to cut down the distance your food travels to land on your plate. It’s been a goal of ours since we started for our packaging to match our mission – locally sourced meat that you can feel good about. With the same incredible products from our beloved suppliers, and new packaging that can be recycled at the curb, it’s time to feel great.

We’re beyond thrilled to announce this massive change – but this isn’t our only big announcement of 2020! Keep an eye out as we’ve got more great things coming your way this year – this is only the beginning.

Posted on July 12th, 2021