# Compostable Berry Packaging Materials The Elliott ECHO Pads are 100% Plastic-Free By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2024-10-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-pads References: [foodanddrinktechnology](https://www.foodanddrinktechnology.com/news/55459/elliotts-new-compostable-fruit-pads-help-reduce-waste/) & [elliottabsorbents](https://elliottabsorbents.co.uk/food/echo-absorbent-fruit-pads/)  The Elliott [ECHO](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-concept-trike) pads are a new solution from the brand crafted with the needs of berry producers in mind to help mimics food waste and lower overall carbon emissions. The pads are reported to extend shelve life of many berry varieties by up to 12 hours, while maintaining a 100% plastic-free profile that can be [recycled or composted by the consumer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/farmers-fiber-retail-collection). The pads make use of the Tensei second harvest technology, and are crafted with seeds, skins and fiber crops along with perennial grasses and annual crops. Managing Director of [Elliott Absorbent Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/absorbent-pad) Matt Hankins commented on the Elliott ECHO pads saying, "The new pads are a great opportunity for berry growers to extend shelf-life and cut food and packaging waste. By switching to ECHO and utilising crop waste, we can replace 1,280 metric tonnes of plastic or tree-sourced fibre every year." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.2/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 30% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Plastic-free Packaging Solutions:** The trend of using plastic-free materials, like the Elliott ECHO pads, supports efforts to reduce plastic waste significantly. - **Extended Shelf-life for Produce:** Innovations in packaging that extend the shelf-life of produce by up to 12 hours hold great promise for reducing food waste. - **Second-harvest Technology:** Utilizing materials from crop waste through second-harvest technology presents a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Agricultural Products:** Berry producers can benefit from advancements in sustainable packaging to meet consumer demand for environmentally friendly products. - **Sustainable Packaging:** The sustainable packaging industry is evolving to offer more options like compostable materials that also ensure longer product freshness. - **Food Waste Management:** Innovations that prolong the freshness of produce contribute to significant reductions in food and packaging waste, addressing critical environmental concerns. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bio-Based Paper Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paper-food-packaging.md) - [Fully Compostable Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-seed-packaging.md) - [Eco-Friendly Food Coatings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantbased-coating.md) - [Plastic-Free Food Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plasticfree-food-packaging.md) - [Plant Fiber Supermarket Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silphie-packaging.md) - [Recyclable Apple Packaging Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superfresh-growers-1.md) - [Plant-Based Fruit Preservers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/organic-fruit-preserver.md) - [Compostable Snack Bar Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-energy-bars.md) - [Paper-Made Frozen Food Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclable-paper-bags.md)