ElastiTag: A Smarter Alternative to Rubber Band Tags for Fresh Produce

In produce farming, timing is everything. When a crop is ready to harvest, delays in packaging can throw off distribution schedules and affect product quality. As supply chain disruptions and long lead times from overseas suppliers continue to challenge the industry, growers are increasingly reevaluating the tools they rely on—right down to how they tag their product.

One packaging component getting new attention is the rubber band tag. While common for small produce bunches, rubber band tags often come with challenges: inconsistent color matching, unclear print quality, and unreliable lead times. For growers trying to maintain efficiency and brand consistency, those issues can add up.

A Shift Toward U.S.-Based Solutions

In response to the industry demand, Bedford recently developed a new ElastiTag® size. This U.S.-manufactured tag offers a comparable solution in terms of size, performance, and price point—while addressing some of the shortcomings of traditional rubber band tags.

Produced in Minnesota, the new ElastiTag size is intended for smaller bunches like green onions, cilantro, parsley, radishes, and dill. The tag is FDA approved for direct food contact, supports accurate barcode scanning, and is available in 22 elastomer colors for custom branding.

More importantly for many growers, it’s available quickly: Bedford estimates a 4-week turnaround on initial orders and 2-3 weeks for reorders, depending on volume. In a market where every week matters, that speed can be a game-changer.

Sustainable Substitute

Another factor influencing packaging decisions today is sustainability. Bedford’s ElastiTag products, including the new size, are eligible for the company’s TagBack® program—an initiative that collects used tags and upcycles them into PolyScape® recycled plastic lumber. Since its inception, the program has diverted more than 226,000 pounds of material from the waste stream.

This circular approach to packaging aligns with a broader trend in agriculture: finding ways to balance productivity with environmental responsibility. While switching to a different tagging method might seem like a small change, it can be part of a larger shift toward smarter, more sustainable operations.

What to Consider When Evaluating Your Tagging Strategy

Whether you’re managing a large farm operation or a smaller-scale growing program, here are a few questions worth asking:

• Are you experiencing delays due to packaging supply issues?
• Do your current tags support the branding and visibility you need in retail environments?
• Could a domestic supplier reduce friction in your ordering and production timelines?
• Are there opportunities to make your packaging more sustainable?

Reassessing something as basic as your produce tags might not be top of mind—but in a season where timing, branding, and sustainability all matter, small changes can make a meaningful difference.