What inspired Clover Sonoma to develop the new paper-based yogurt cups, and how do they align with your broader sustainability goals?
At Clover Sonoma, we are obsessed with being a sustainability leader with a strong focus on reducing our carbon footprint. We believe our dairy products have the best carbon footprint in the industry, with packaging playing a crucial role in this journey. Our dedication to protecting the planet is evident in every step, from on-farm practices to our packaging choices.
We have a proud history of innovation in sustainable packaging, including the introduction of the first fully renewable milk carton in the United States and our use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) gallon milk jugs. Earlier this year, we further advanced our efforts by transitioning our Pasture Raised Organic Low Fat and Cream on Top yogurt cups to paperboard made from 80% renewable materials, reducing plastic use by 83% compared to previous packaging. This initiative is projected to prevent 34,000 pounds of plastic from entering our food system annually.
Sustainable packaging is a key component of our broader environmental commitments, but we believe that a lasting impact means weaving environmental stewardship into all aspects of our business. We are the first regional dairy to join the Environmental Defense Fund’s Dairy Methane Action Alliance, which works with companies to create a more sustainable and transparent dairy industry. As part of our partnership, we released our annual Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and have committed to reducing our on-farm dairy methane emissions by 10% over three years.
Can you walk us through the development process for these yogurt cups — from concept to market launch?
We work with packaging partners to identify opportunities to innovate and implement sustainable packaging solutions. We are leaders in sustainable packaging for our fluid dairy lines. We have over a dozen flavours across our Pasture Raised Organic Low Fat and Cream on Top Yogurt lines, so it made sense to turn our attention there and find a more sustainable option.
The new cups are made from 80% renewable resources and reduce plastic use by 83%. How did your team achieve this balance between sustainability and functionality?
We’re always asking ourselves, “What can we do better?” We transitioned our Pasture Raised Organic Low Fat and Cream on Top yogurts to a new paperboard cup design that maintains our high quality standards our consumers expect while reducing our environmental footprint. The key was to preserve product freshness and quality – which are non-negotiable for us. This innovation reflects our commitment to continuous improvement in sustainability without compromising the quality of our beloved products.
What were some of the biggest technical challenges you faced in creating packaging that significantly reduces plastic while maintaining product freshness and shelf life?
Our primary hurdle was guaranteeing that the new paperboard cups upheld Clover's renowned standards for quality and freshness. Yogurt demands specific barrier properties to preserve its freshness, prevent contamination, and maintain the delicious taste our consumers expect. Meeting these high standards with the new cups was crucial for successful implementation. While creating a highly sustainable and highly functional package presents a technical challenge, often it's easier to opt for conventional methods, but we are committed to continuous improvement. This includes ensuring durability and portability.
How have consumers responded so far to the new paper-based packaging — are you seeing changes in brand perception or purchasing behaviour?
We're encouraged by the positive response from consumers who appreciate our continued leadership in sustainable packaging. As a company that's been innovating in this space for years, our customers have come to expect environmental leadership from us. This aligns with our broader mission as a certified B Corporation.
Clover Sonoma has a track record of packaging innovation, including the fully renewable milk carton and PCR gallon jugs. How do these past initiatives inform your current strategy?
Our approach to packaging innovation is a continuous evolution. We led the way in the United States with fully renewable milk cartons and post-consumer recycled (PCR) gallon milk jugs. These initiatives demonstrated that consumers prioritize environmental stewardship without compromising product quality. By the close of 2025, we will double the annual quantity of milk and cream products in renewable cartons, reaching over 10 million units.
With the projection of saving 34,000 pounds of plastic annually, how do you measure and communicate the environmental impact of these packaging changes?
We drive progress through accountability, which is why we're transparent about our environmental impact. Our partnership with the Dairy Methane Action Alliance demonstrates our commitment to increased transparency regarding our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. As part of our renewable carton initiative, we will replace over 100,000 pounds of plastic with renewable plastic next year. We measure and communicate these impacts in our annual Impact Report.
What’s next in Clover Sonoma’s sustainable packaging roadmap — are there new formats or materials you’re exploring for other product lines?
Our roadmap includes converting additional milk and cream products to cartons made from renewable materials by the end of this year. As the steward of the largest regeneratively farmed organic dairy acreage in California, we see packaging innovation as part of our comprehensive approach to environmental leadership. Every decision we make – from farm to package – reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint while delivering the highest quality dairy products.
How does Clover collaborate with suppliers, packaging engineers, or certification bodies like the FSC to ensure environmental and performance standards are met?
We work with packaging suppliers who share our commitment to both environmental responsibility and uncompromising quality. Our partnerships also extend into the regenerative space through organizations like Kiss The Ground, an audience-supported nonprofit promoting regeneration and healthy soil as a viable solution for our wellness, water, and climate crisis. Together, we are advocating for the wider adoption of regenerative agriculture to ensure our lands can be used and enjoyed for generations to come.
In your view, how important is packaging innovation in driving systemic change within the dairy industry toward a more circular economy?
Systemic change in the dairy industry requires a holistic view, spanning from farm to shelf, with packaging innovation being a crucial component. At Clover, our sustainability efforts encompass regenerative farming, dairy methane reduction, and packaging advancements. We believe industry leaders must invest in solutions that benefit the entire ecosystem. Our pioneering innovations often become industry benchmarks. We demonstrate that environmental leadership and business success are not mutually exclusive, driving real change within the industry.