Audio Version - Deep Dive
Audio Version - Quick Summary
Our Sustainability Journey
Juice is only as good as the land it comes from. At Portland Juice Co., caring for the planet means caring for the soil, farms, and communities that make fresh produce possible. Every choice we make—from sourcing produce to choosing bottles - is guided by one question: how can we nourish people while reducing our impact?
Why Does an Organic Certification Matter?
In 2019, we became one of only four raw juice companies in the country to achieve a USDA Organic certification through Oregon Tilth. Not only are we certified organic, but our certification comes from the organization that invented organic certification and continues to set the gold standard. Based in Oregon, Oregon Tilth allows us to do this work both locally and through the original pioneers of organic standards, giving us the ability to proudly display both the USDA Organic and Oregon Tilth logos. It required more than buying organic produce - it meant detailed documentation for every batch and strict limits on what chemicals and procedures can be used in farming and production.
Where Do We Buy Our Produce?
Whenever possible, we buy local. Often that means sourcing through distributors rather than individual farms. One large truckload uses nearly the same amount of fuel as multiple small deliveries, while freeing farmers to focus on growing nutrient-rich food.
This balance supports growers, reduces emissions, and keeps our supply chain fresh.
What Happens to the Pulp?
Juicing leaves pulp behind, and we’ve tested different ways to use it. Some went to farms as animal feed, some to composting (too labor-heavy), and in 2019 we even tried turning pulp into high-fiber crackers. Without ovens or shelf stability, scaling these products wasn’t possible, but every trial brings us closer to a long-term solution.
Why Not Glass Bottles?
In 2016, we launched smoothies in glass bottles with a $1 deposit. The return rate was less than 5%, and many came back dirty. Using glass also meant heavier transport and thicker and heavier packaging, increasing emissions and material use. Beautiful as glass is, it wasn’t the most sustainable choice for us.
Exploring Alternatives - What Are the Bottles Made Of Now?
We’ve tested a range of bottle alternatives over the years. In 2020, we worked with the Portland chapter of Precious Plastic, a nonprofit that recycles plastic into new products. Caps worked, bottles didn’t. In 2021, we explored PLA bioplastic bottles made from wood pulp that biodegrade naturally - but they weren’t yet available at scale.
Today, every Portland Juice Co. bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, sourced from the same supplier used by major beverage brands and created from containers already collected and reprocessed. Unlike most bottles (often just 15% recycled content), ours are fully recycled and recyclable - giving them a natural tint that marks their recycled origins. Not to mention we are the only juice company in the country to commit exclusively to 100%.
What’s Next?
Not every experiment has worked, but each step moves us forward. Our commitment to sustainability is ongoing, and we’ll keep testing, improving, and sharing openly. We always welcome feedback and questions, as this is a shared journey!