Smart Packaging for Produce: How to Cut Waste by 30% at Checkout

In today’s retail landscape, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a requirement. One area where grocery retailers can make a major impact is produce packaging at the point of sale. Traditional bag-on-a-roll systems are familiar but often lead to excessive waste, operational inefficiencies, and customer frustration.

Enter Pinch Pull™, EP Group’s award-winning self-opening produce bag system—engineered to reduce waste by up to 30% while improving the shopping experience.

🛒 What’s the Problem With Bag-on-a-Roll?

Bag-on-a-roll dispensers have been the industry standard for decades. But they come with some hidden costs:

• 🗑️ Excessive waste: Shoppers often pull 2–3 bags by accident

• 🧼 Hygiene concerns: Customers need to moisten fingers or touch surfaces

• 🕒 Slow checkout prep: Tangled bags slow produce weighing and bagging

All of this adds up to lost product, added cleanup, and higher bag usage per store.

✅ A Smarter Solution: Pinch Pull™ Self-Opening Bags

Originally launched in the UK with major grocers, Pinch Pull™ has proven itself with measurable impact:

🔹 30% reduction in bag waste (vs. standard rolls)

🔹 Improved hygiene – no “finger-licking” needed

🔹 One-at-a-time dispensing – less mess, more control

🔹 Refill in seconds – simple 900-bag drop-in packs

🔹 Multiple format options – metal or plastic dispensers, header cards, boxed packs

Whether you’re outfitting new stores or retrofitting old ones, this system can help cut costs while demonstrating your brand’s commitment to sustainability.

🌍 Reusable & Compostable Produce Bag Options

Pinch Pull™ isn’t your only option. EP Group USA also offers a full portfolio of eco-forward produce packaging:

• ♻️ Paper produce bags with glassine windows

• 🌱 Compostable bags (OK Home & EN13432 certified)

• 🔄 Reusable mesh bags made from recycled PET

• 🛍️ Drawstring bags for high-end retail or branded programs

We can help you match the right solution to your customer base, budget, and compliance needs.

🛠️ Real Results in Store

Retailers who adopt Pinch Pull™ or its sustainable alternatives often see:

• 🔽 Reduced reordering frequency

• ⏱️ Faster throughput in produce sections

• 👍 Higher shopper satisfaction

• 📊 Improved ESG reporting on waste reduction

Let’s Cut Waste—Not Corners

With growing pressure to reduce single-use plastics and improve operational efficiency, now is the perfect time to rethink produce packaging. EP Group USA combines global innovation with local support to bring solutions like Pinch Pull™ to North American retailers.

Let’s talk about how to reduce your waste—and your costs—with better produce packaging.

EP Group is a global leader in innovative, sustainable packaging with direct manufacturing control, award-winning designs, and U.S.-based support.