From upcycled barley straw cartons to paper soda bottles, manufacturers are testing a range of options to minimize their ecological footprints. Here are some of the most novel approaches.
Sustainability may seem like a buzzword in the food industry today. But a s consumers demand more environmentally friendly practices from companies and brands, there has been a rush of pledges and action around cutting carbon emissions throughout the supply chain, supporting regenerative farming and tackling food waste.
One of the biggest opportunities for action has opened up around packaging. From recyclable to compostable options, brands are developing innovative ways to wrap their goods that not only ensure freshness, convenience and food safety but also minimize their ecological footprint.
In the months leading up to Earth Day 2021, several companies have announced new and novel approaches to sustainable packaging, including beer cartons made of upcycled barley straw and molded pulp rings for soda cans.
This past year, Boxed Water swapped out the plastic caps on its packaged water with one made from pine tree waste. This update made the entire packaging 92% recyclable. And just this past week, Lamb Weston’s Alexia brand announced new packaging for its Organic Sweet Potato Fries and Yukon Select Puffs made from corn and potato starches — byproducts from making French fries. The packaging, which was two years in the making and will launch this month, will eliminate the equivalent of 252 trash bags from landfills and 14 barrels of oil each year, according to the company.
In recognition of Earth Day, here's a selection of the different approaches that food and beverage brands have taken over the past year in their shift toward more sustainable packaging.
The beer brand's upcycled six-pack cartons will launch in South America in 2021. It hopes to eliminate the need to harvest virgin timber to produce cardboard. Read the full article ➔
The new cups are part of the CPG giant's commitment to make all of its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. Read the full article ➔
The General Mills brand did not patent the packaging technology and welcomes other snack manufacturers to adapt it to their products. Read the full article ➔
The Frugal Bottle has a carbon footprint up to 84% lower than a glass bottle and a third less than a recycled plastic one. Read the full article ➔
The soda and snacks giant said the trial of the new material in Sacramento for a month will replace plastic that is typically used on the company's 7.5-ounce six-packs of Pepsi and Sierra Mist. Read the full article ➔
Berry Global said it will provide packaging containing reused plastic for the snack maker's popular brand. Read the full article ➔
If the post-consumer plastic boards being tested on two factories work well, the CPG company may someday be repairing its facilities with packaging from the products it makes. Read the full article ➔
The alcohol giant will launch the 100% plastic-free packaging for Johnnie Walker whisky early next year, while PepsiCo and Unilever are developing it for their products. Read the full article ➔
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Natural and organic foods have caught a brisk tailwind during the pandemic, as consumers increasingly seek out food options with a health halo.
The ice cream, which faces mounting competition, is switching to ultra-filtered milk to create a creamier feel while keeping the same taste and low-calorie count.
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Topics covered: manufacturing, packaging, new products, R&D, and much more.
Natural and organic foods have caught a brisk tailwind during the pandemic, as consumers increasingly seek out food options with a health halo.
The ice cream, which faces mounting competition, is switching to ultra-filtered milk to create a creamier feel while keeping the same taste and low-calorie count.
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Topics covered: manufacturing, packaging, new products, R&D, and much more.