Eldridge Fresh Organics Cultivating Change with URTHCOR Boxes

Eldridge Fresh Organics, a family-owned farm in Murray Bridge, South Australia, has taken a bold step toward sustainability by partnering with Disruptive Packaging to use innovative URTHCOR® fresh produce boxes. Operating for over 25 years and proudly Australian Certified Organic, they recognise the importance of packing their vegetable lines in cartons that reinforce their environmental stewardship.

Photo: Shane Eldridge, Eldridge Fresh Organics

The Growing Demand for Sustainable Options

Organic farming is on the rise, with more Aussies choosing fresh, chemical-free produce, however, it has yet to become fully mainstream. According to the Australian Organic Market Report 2023, the organic industry now contributes A$851 million directly to the national economy — and a massive A$2.6 billion when flow-on effects are considered.

As consumer preferences shift toward healthier, organic options, growers like Eldridge Fresh Organics are rethinking their packaging solutions.  The goal? Find solutions that perform well, protect produce, and support sustainability — all while keeping operations efficient and profitable.

One of the challenges the industry faces is the reliance on waxed cardboard packaging — which is often single use, lacks closed-loop recyclability and only performs moderately well in terms of moisture resistance and insulation.

That’s why Eldridge Fresh Organics saw an opportunity to do things differently — to protect their produce, cut waste, and reduce their carbon footprint.

Designing a Smarter Solution

Working closely with Disruptive Packaging, the grower helped design a veg box that ticks all the boxes (pun intended). Through hands-on R&D, Shane Eldridge and his team provided valuable feedback that shaped the final URTHCOR® design — strong, reliable, and built to last.

Made from sustainable materials, these boxes can be reused multiple times, reducing the need for single-use packaging.

These boxes deliver major benefits:

• Freshness Preservation: Designed to maintain optimal temperature and humidity, reducing spoilage.

• Durable & Reusable: Built to withstand long road journeys from South Australia to Western Australia.

• Freight Efficiencies: Flat-packed design allows for greater pallet optimisation and space savings.

• Closed-Loop Recyclability: 100% closed-loop recyclable, supporting the farm’s sustainability goals.

• Cauli-wow-er Branding: High-quality print showcases the farm’s unique cauliflower imagery when the produce reaches supermarkets and green grocers.

Shane Eldridge sums it up perfectly: “It’s a shiny, good-looking box that helps sell in the wholesale market.”

By embracing these sustainable practices, Eldridge Fresh Organics is not only reducing waste but also inspiring other growers to follow suit.

Streamlining the Supply Chain

The benefits don’t stop at sustainability. URTHCOR® boxes have also made operations smoother and more efficient.

Key efficiencies include:

• Lower Transport Costs: Lightweight yet strong, cutting down on freight expenses.

• Better Storage: Stackable and flat-packed, saving valuable space in trucks and warehouses.

Farming for the Future

Eldridge Fresh Organics’ move to URTHCOR® boxes shows just how committed they are to sustainability and innovation. By putting environment responsibility first, they’re not only improving how they operate but also inspiring others in the farming community to do the same.

As more growers see the value in sustainable practices, the industry is set for an exciting and positive transformation.