2030 is pivotal for sustainable packaging goals, and infographic of the week
CPG brands are continuing to make strides in how they offer a functionable, and sustainable packaging while also engaging customers to reduce confusion around recycling. In general, from a packaging standpoint 2030 (or sooner) could be a pivotal year that could potentially shape the future of recycled, reusable, and compostable packaging.
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Here’s a quick summary of some of the recent progress and commitments from several brands.
Ferrero Rocher claims ~78% of the plastic films in its packaging portfolio are mono-material. Also by 2025, the company hopes to boost recycled content in plastic packaging to 12% by weight and reduce virgin plastic use by 10%.
Bath & Body Works intends to, by 2025 or sooner, for 50% of all packaging to be recyclable, reusable or compostable and by 2030 aim for 100% of all packaging to be recyclable, reusable or compostable.
GE Appliances intends to eliminate expanded polystyrene (EPS) from all finished goods packaging along with having 100% recyclable packaging. The company is also committed to using sustainable ink in packaging.
Colgate stated goals was to eliminate one-third of new (virgin) plastics (versus 2019) and make all of their packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.Recently the company acknowledged that it may miss its stated 2025 goals. A key challenge the company pointed to was specifically tied to its flexible bags and pouches. According to the company by the end of 2023, it was 89.5% of the way toward its goals and acknowledged the challenge to convert packaging for products like Hill’s pet food bags and personal care pouches.
General Mills has stated its goal to make all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030.
Del Monte Foods intends to convert all plastic packaging to 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2030. The company has stated goals to include 25% recycled content into plastic packaging.
While fully sustainable packaging remains elusive, 2030 is right around the corner. What is not entirely clear yet is how any of these companies will address the logistics of recycling. If there is one thing we have learned from the battery recycling business is that setting up the hubs and spokes to gather post-use materials and products will require a tightly coordinated effort between large companies, local municipalities and small to medium private enterprises. While this progress might seem incremental, it is tough to deny that every little effort will make a difference.
Infographics of the week (there’s two this week):
How people get around offers a glimpse into where the decarbonization efforts should be focused on and what we might be missing. While it is easy to jump to the conclusion that decarbonizing cars and incentivizing this sector of the economy can drive the maximum benefits, not focusing on decarbonizing the public transport - trains, buses, shuttles - is a missed opportunity. Convincing a million people at a time to convert to zero emission cars takes time, valuable resources, and effort. Don’t get me wrong; I am not suggesting that we should not invest time in this market. However public transport is the critical vein that connects low and moderate income as well as historically marginalized communities to urban centers where the jobs, and trading activities are.
Improving public transport infrastructure and connectivity along with moving to zero emission buses, trains, trams, and shuttles, is a market that few governments are undertaking at scale. An equitable and just transition is vital not only for decarbonizing transport but also for creating a more inclusive and integrated transport system and society for all.
Source: Both graphics from Visual Capitalist
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