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Giving Acme packaging a second life
By: Acme Smoked Fish
Here at Acme, we are working hard to reduce our environmental impact, including through the lifecycle of our product packaging.
Today, some of our packaging is curbside recyclable, and some is not (yet!). The most important thing that we can do collectively is sort our waste correctly. That means that when you’ve finished enjoying your smoked salmon, whitefish salad or pickled herring, you know how to properly dispose of the package it came in. What we want to avoid is called “wishcycling”, or the well-intentioned act of putting items in the recycling bin and hoping they're recyclable when they’re not. Unfortunately, this can contaminate the recycling process and sometimes send entire loads to the landfill.
So, while we’re working behind the scenes to improve our packaging – making it more recyclable and exploring innovations with plastic alternatives and low-impact materials – we’re asking for your help to sort each item into the proper waste stream.
Quick note: Recycling rules vary by town or waste service provider. When in doubt, follow the guidelines in your local area. You can search for local recycling solutions here: https://search.earth911.com/ or on your local waste provider’s website.
How to recycle your Acme Smoked Fish packaging in 3 easy steps
Empty remaining food contents
But let’s be real, is there actually anything left?
Quick Rinse
Doesn’t need to be spotless
Sort by material
Put items into correct stream
Packaging by product:
Film Pouches:
- Our most common packaging, these are unfortunately not recyclable (yet!). Most multi-layer flexible pouches aren’t accepted in curbside recycling programs.
Boards:
- These boards are actually made using recycled materials! But because they combine a multi-material board with a plastic film layer (and can absorb fish oils over time), they’re difficult to recycle through standard curbside programs. Toss it in in the trash for now.
Cartons, Bowls and Lids:
- The poke bowls themselves are compostable
- Sleeves, boxes, or any fiberboard is curbside recyclable
- Lids are curbside recyclable
- Plastic packaging found within the products are not recyclable (sauce packets, rice pouch, other flexible films)
Salad Tubs:
- Recyclable in most areas with a quick rinse! Make sure your local jurisdiction takes #5 plastic for curbside recycling – most do, but it’s always best to check.
Glass Jars:
- Recyclable with a quick rinse! Or even better, repurpose around the house!
Every piece of packaging you sort correctly helps reduce contamination and keeps valuable materials in circulation. While we work towards making as much of our packaging recyclable as possible, your efforts today are making a real difference in reducing waste.
We appreciate you being on this journey of continuous improvement with us. As a ready-to-eat smoked fish company, packaging plays an essential role in food safety and quality – but we are committed to minimizing its impact through material innovation, responsible sourcing, and smarter design.
Do I need to clean everything perfectly?
No – an empty and quick rinse is great.
Why does sorting matter?
When non-recyclables end up in recycling streams, they can contaminate loads, damage equipment, and reduce the amount of material that can be recovered. The best outcome is clean, acceptable material, even if that means some items go into the trash until better options exist.
Why aren’t pouches recyclable?
Pouches are not recyclable because they are made of two polymers, nylon and polyethylene, which can’t be separated for recycling. The nylon blocks oxygen and moisture from passing through the film, which is what helps keep your fish fresh, safe, and shelf-stable. The polyethylene protects against punctures. Until we find an alternative that meets the same food safety standards, these go in the trash.
Will Acme switch to recyclable pouches?
There's exciting innovation happening in the packaging space to reduce environmental impact, including from a winner of our Chilean Seafood Industry Climate Awards focused on just this. We'll continue testing materials that improve recyclability, reduce environmental impact, and maintain our high standards of food safety and quality.
How do I know if my local waste service provider accepts these materials?
The best starting point is your local municipality or waste hauler's website. Most have a searchable guide.
What if my recycling program doesn't accept #5 plastic?
Check out HowToRecycle.info or Earth911 to find nearby drop-off locations that may accept #5 plastics. Some grocery stores and retailers also participate in flexible plastic take-back programs.
Can I recycle the labels/stickers?
Labels and stickers are generally not recyclable on their own and are too small for most sorting equipment. If they're on a recyclable container, like a glass jar or plastic tub, leave them on. Most recycling facilities can handle small labels during processing. Just make sure the container itself is clean.