News
Ball and Summit Announce Bio-packaging Agreement

July 10, 2008, West Chicago, Il – Ball Horticultural Company and Summit Plastic Company announce an agreement to manufacture and market sustainable packaging options for the horticulture industry.

Ball Horticultural Company and Summit Plastic Company announce an agreement to manufacture and market sustainable packaging options for the horticulture industry. Coming after two years of cooperative research and development in the United States and Europe, the agreement reflects both companies’ commitment to providing their customers with practical, completely biodegradable, environmentally preferable choices.

“It is estimated that, while 48 per cent of consumers place their plant pots and trays in their community recycling programs, most of that plastic still ends up in a landfill,” according to  Bill Doeckel of Ball Horticultural Company. “Ball is committed to changing those statistics, and we’re pleased to have a partner, Summit, that shares our goals.”

Using “bio-resin” exclusive to Ball under international licensing and patenting agreements, Summit will produce a wide range of bio-packaging products. The bio-resin retains the characteristics of traditional plastic, making it simple for growers to choose “green” options.

Comprehensive research and development processes have demonstrated that the bio-resin is operationally compatible with Summit’s tools and equipment and ensures that growers can easily use the new products without altering their preferred packaging sizes, existing growing practices or automation systems.

Under the agreement, Ball and Summit will work together to commercialize new products developed by both companies, providing many new options for growers to use in sustainable production. “We have technology available to us that can dramatically reduce the amount of petroleum-based plastic that’s used in horticulture,” says Doeckel. “Our partnership with Summit will make that technology more accessible to growers.”