Cascades® EVOK® expands into the US with Johnsonville® fresh sausage products

KINGSEY FALLS, QC, May 4, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Cascades inc. (TSX: CAS), a leader in the recycling and manufacturing of green packaging and tissue paper products, is pleased to announce the arrival of Cascades EVOK^® on the American market in collaboration with Johnsonville Sausage. This is the first national sausage brand to use polystyrene foam trays which are made of 25% recycled content and now manufactured in the United States.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160503/363277)

Launched in Canada in 2013, EVOK^® is now manufactured in Cascades' American installations in order to respond to the needs of numerous businesses eager to reduce their environmental impact. In fact, with a content of 25% recycled material, the greenhouse gas emissions of EVOK^® made in the United States is reduced by 15% compared to regular polystyrene foam. By replacing its regular polystyrene foam trays with EVOK^®, Johnsonville will be able to lower its carbon footprint by an equivalent of 750 metric tons of CO₂ annually, which is equivalent to more than 270,000 round trips to the grocery store in an average-size vehicle.

Cascades and Johnsonville collaborated in the operational improvements which, as of May 1^st, have led to changes that will reduce the environmental impact of their packaging. Back in 2010, Cascades helped Johnsonville transition from a full rectangular-shaped tray to a new innovative curved tray that mimics the shape of its dinner sausages. This improvement led to a 6% reduction in packaging being used, along with adding a distinctive feature that stands out on the shelves. To this date, the initiative has resulted in the decrease of 120,000 lbs. of waste material per year.

EVOK^® trays are used for the packaging of food products such as meat, poultry, fish and seafood, as well as fruits and vegetables. This innovation by Cascades is one of many that subscribe to the objective of reducing environmental impacts.

"This announcement reinforces our leadership position as a manufacturer of environmentally friendly packaging for fresh food and our dedication to being a solution provider of choice for our clients," states Mr. Luc Langevin, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cascades' Specialty Products Group.

To find out more about EVOK^®, visit food-packaging.cascades.com, our website dedicated to food packaging products by Cascades.

The Consumer Products Packaging sector of Cascades Specialty Products Group designs and manufactures packaging for fresh produce that meets the needs of food and fast food markets, including the consumer goods sector. The company specialises in the manufacturing of trays with or without barriers for the packaging of fresh meats, as well as containers for pastries, fruits and vegetables or bulk food products. 

Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs 11,000 employees, who work in close to 90 production units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS.

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SOURCE Cascades Inc.

Image with caption: "Cascades® EVOK®, the first polystyrene foam tray made with 25% recycled material in North America. (CNW Group/Cascades Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160504_C5186_PHOTO_EN_682213.jpg

Hugo D'Amours, Vice-President, Communications and Public Affairs, Cascades inc., 819-363-5164, [email protected]