NNZ's Spud Shade bags prevent potato greening

The “green” movement is all the rage these days. And yet, if you’re a retailer or consumer of potatoes, green is the last thing you want.

NNZ Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga., and Walnut Packaging Inc., Farmingdale, N.Y., have joined to manufacture, market and distribute a potato bag they say eliminates the greening of potatoes caused by prolonged exposure to fluorescent lighting.

The Spud Shade bag is designed so that the front of the bag is covered with an opaque poly plastic that inhibits light, while the back side of the bag remains a ventilated clear poly so that consumers can visually inspect product before purchase.

Steve Greenfield, director of sales and marketing for NNZ, said Spud Shade made for a win-win for all parties.

“It’s cost-effective for the packer since it’s a poly bag,” Greenfield said. “And it saves the retailer money by reducing shrink.”

Greenfield added that the opaque front of the bag also “allows a nice marketing real estate” for packers and retailers, allowing for graphics and other print materials.

“And, it allows consumers to see the quality of the product on the back of the bag,” Greenfield said. “All that while preventing greening, too.”