Clearly Clean has built its reputation on a simple but powerful principle: deliver packaging solutions that meet the highest standards of performance while advancing sustainability. What began as a focused effort to improve protein packaging has evolved into a broader mission—helping customers transition away from traditional materials and toward fully recyclable alternatives without disrupting operations or increasing costs. “At our core, we are focused on delivering value to our customers while helping them meet their sustainability goals,” says Paul Huckins, CEO, Clearly Clean. “Everything we do is built around performance, reliability, and innovation.”

The company first made its mark in poultry packaging with its patented rolled-edge PET tray, a design that addressed long-standing issues with durability and leakage. By enabling material down-gauging while improving structural integrity, the tray reduced overall plastic usage and enhanced product protection throughout the supply chain. This innovation quickly positioned Clearly Clean as a trusted partner for processors and retailers seeking practical, scalable alternatives to polystyrene foam. That foundation has since expanded into new markets, including red meat, seafood, and produce. This growth reflects both the adaptability of Clearly Clean’s technology and the increasing demand for recyclable packaging solutions across the food industry. As regulatory pressures intensify—driven by extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, foam bans, and internal sustainability targets—companies are seeking solutions that align with both compliance requirements and consumer expectations. “Customers today are balancing multiple priorities,” Huckins explains. “They need packaging that meets sustainability requirements, enhances product presentation, and remains cost-effective. Our fully recyclable PET solutions are designed to deliver on all three.”

Clearly Clean’s product portfolio continues to evolve in response to these demands. A key area of investment is Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) trays, which allow processors to extend product shelf life by controlling the internal environment of the package. By reducing spoilage and preserving freshness, these trays help minimize food waste across the supply chain—an increasingly critical component of sustainability efforts.

In parallel, the company has developed advanced PET tray technology with enhanced biodegradation characteristics. These trays maintain the clarity, strength, and food safety performance required for protein packaging while incorporating materials that allow for more effective breakdown under certain environmental conditions after disposal. This approach enables customers to retain the operational advantages of PET while addressing concerns about long-term environmental impact.

Clearly Clean has also engineered PET trays compatible with multiple lidding seal options, including innovative designs that incorporate adhesive coatings to enhance seal strength. These solutions maintain PET’s rigidity and transparency while ensuring efficient sealing and product protection. Importantly, all of these offerings are designed as drop-in replacements for foam packaging, allowing customers to transition seamlessly without major process changes. “Simplicity and efficiency are critical,” says Huckins. “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for customers to move to recyclable packaging without disrupting their operations.”

Quality and compliance remain central to Clearly Clean’s operations. The company utilizes FDA-compliant materials to ensure food safety and maintains rigorous manufacturing standards, supported by BRC certifications and an A+ rating. These credentials reinforce its commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality products that meet both regulatory and customer expectations. At the same time, sustainability is deeply embedded in the company’s long-term strategy. Clearly Clean has set ambitious goals for 2030, including achieving a 95% diversion rate from landfills, eliminating 90% of production waste, and reaching zero-waste operations through reuse, recycling, and repurposing. The company is also targeting 25% post-consumer recycled content across its product lines. “Sustainability has always been a core principle for us,” Huckins notes. “It’s not just about meeting requirements—it’s about driving meaningful change in how packaging is designed, used, and recovered.”

Clearly Clean’s contributions extend beyond individual products to the broader concept of a circular economy. By offering fully recyclable PET trays, the company enables customers to reduce landfill waste and participate in closed-loop systems. Its drop-in replacement solutions further simplify this transition, helping organizations adopt sustainable practices without compromising efficiency or performance. Operational excellence is another defining characteristic of the company. With a 99% On-Time, In-Full (OTIF) delivery performance, Clearly Clean provides the reliability that processors and retailers depend on. This consistency, combined with a strong Voice of the Customer approach, ensures that product development remains closely aligned with market needs. “We listen closely to our customers and let their feedback guide our innovation,” Huckins emphasizes. “That’s how we stay ahead and continue to deliver solutions that truly make a difference.” This customer-first mindset has been particularly valuable during industry transitions, such as the shift away from foam packaging. Clearly Clean has supported customers through these changes by expediting product availability, assisting with trials, and ensuring consistent quality—demonstrating both agility and scalability.

The company continues to invest in its capabilities to support growing demand. A recent expansion at its Greensboro, North Carolina facility highlights its commitment to scaling operations while maintaining the flexibility to respond quickly to customer needs. At the same time, Clearly Clean is broadening its product portfolio to address emerging requirements across multiple food categories.

Packaging decisions today are influenced by a combination of regulatory developments and evolving consumer preferences. Shoppers are paying closer attention to materials, clarity, and overall presentation, with PET increasingly viewed as a higher-value alternative to polystyrene. Clearly Clean’s solutions are designed to meet these expectations while delivering the performance required for modern food distribution.

At its core, Clearly Clean’s success is driven by its ability to combine innovation with practicality. Its products not only meet the technical demands of food packaging but also support customers in achieving their sustainability objectives without added complexity. “We’re proud of the role we play in helping our customers move forward,” Huckins concludes. “By staying focused on performance, sustainability, and customer needs, we’re building solutions that have a lasting impact.”