DNO Produce Unveils New Packaging, Eliminating Traditional Single-Use Plastics from its School Product Line

The Columbus-based company is a produce manufacturer for school nutrition programs in 17 states

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Columbus-based fresh-cut produce manufacturing company, DNO Produce (DNO), has eliminated traditional single-use plastics from its FRESHEALTH product line, integrating film packaging with enhanced biodegradation and compostable cups for its individually packaged fresh food products. DNO Produce currently services school nutrition programs in 17 states, equipping thousands of K-12 students with fresh fruits and vegetables daily.

DNO Produce is a family-owned business dedicated to transforming how children consume fresh produce in the classroom, the cafeteria, and their communities. DNO's FRESHEALTH product line offers individually packaged produce tailored for school nutrition programs, featuring innovative items that make eating fruits and vegetables fun and accessible for kids. 

Due to staffing challenges many school districts continue to face, there is a large need for individually packaged, pre-portioned food. DNO's prepared produce spares schools from having to sort, wash, pre-cut, and portion their offerings. Previously, the majority of DNO's pre-portioned products were distributed in plastic bags and cups. The switch in packaging will replace more than 945,000 pounds of traditional plastic currently used in DNO's operations annually.

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for individually packaged produce surged, and we saw an opportunity to innovate our packaging to reduce landfill volume for the generations that come after us. Our goal has always been to demonstrate the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship to the students we serve, and this new packaging is a major step forward," said Alex DiNovo, DNO's President. 

Beginning in Fall 2025, 94.3% of DNO's single-serve school offerings will transition from plastic bags to a more sustainable film that breaks down in landfill conditions within 10 years*, compared to traditional plastics, which can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade. The remaining 5.7% of DNO's single school servings, previously packaged in plastic cups, have been switched to compostable cups. The cups have maximum environmental benefit when diverted into compost waste streams.

The switch in packaging will not affect DNO's product offerings, affect the shelf life of products, or raise prices.

FAQs and more information can be seen at www.dnoinc.com. 

*According to the ASTM D5511 standard, testing has shown that the film achieves approximately 100% degradation within 10 years (3,684 days).

Contact: Lydia Weyrich
(740-398-4377), [email protected]

SOURCE DNO Produce