Once focused on packaging, sustainability goals have broadened to include environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies to achieve circularity and to minimise the carbon footprint of packaging, products, and brand owners. Successful ESG programmes divert plastic waste from landfills, save energy, improve productivity, and increase profits. Thus, ESG initiatives have become a key focus for many consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, according to Sustainability and Technology – the Future of Packaging and Processing, a report produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.
To help transition to ESG goals, the OpX Leadership Network, a collaborative group convened by PMMI to develop best practices and protocols, has developed the OpX Leadership Network ESG Framework – Journey to a Successful ESG Programme. This free work product helps CPG companies and OEMs address the demand from customers for ESG commitments. Built around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the document defines ESG, sets a framework, identifies six success factors, and describes near- and longer-term goals, strategies, and tactics for each pillar (environmental, social, and governance).
Introducing new tactics
The Sustainability and Technology report cites four tactics used to achieve ESG goals: installing new equipment to move to a more sustainable packaging format, adopting renewable energy, minimising truck transport, and reducing waste. ESG commitments also include end-of-life disposal and joining efforts such as the Amazon Climate Pledge or 1% for the Planet. Other tactics employed by CPG companies include transitioning to packaging based on renewable sources. Calgee, for example, has introduced a plant-based, recyclable pouch for its 100% vegan Omega-3 dietary supplement. Made from plant-based plastic derived from sugarcane, the resealable pouch boasts a carbon-negative production process. The new packaging saves 240 kg of petrochemical materials, a 70% reduction in reliance on virgin fossil fuel materials (1).
Alternative energy reducing gas emissions
Alternative energy is being pioneered by Bacardi Limited, a family-owned spirits maker committed to reaching Net Zero. Fueled primarily by hydrogen, the glass bottle production process used for a run of its ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur bottle reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 30% (2). Recyclability was the goal behind the replacement of imported, wax-lined produce trays with a locally produced, water-resistant, recyclable paperboard for McCormack Family Farms, an Irish supplier of greens and herbs. A biodegradable coating imparts water resistance, enhances durability, reduces the need for plastic, protects the product, and helps maintain its freshness. Eliminating the need to import trays from Spain cuts transportation costs and carbon footprint (3).
In addition to adopting renewable and recyclable packaging and minimizing GHG emissions, CPG firms and OEMs are taking steps to switch to renewable energy sources. Vetter, a pharmaceutical manufacturing organisation headquartered in Ravensburg, Germany, recently commissioned a photovoltaic plant and converted another heat and power plant at that location to biogas. The photovoltaic plant’s solar panels will generate about 10% of the site’s needs, roughly 700,000 kWh of renewable energy per year. This will result in a reduction of about 330 tons of carbon dioxide per year, while the conversion to biogas will save another 1,000 tons annually (4).
Watch innovation in action!
Innovative sustainability can be seen in action as well as discovering the latest solutions to your packaging and processing challenges at PACK EXPO East 2024 (March 18-20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia). The largest PACK EXPO East to date will feature exhibitors offering crossover solutions to many of today’s biggest manufacturing needs. Visiting companies will find the easy-to-access location ideal for their teams to attend and assess the latest technologies. In addition, they can learn more from leading industry experts, and make valuable connections to meet current or upcoming projects. For more information and to register for the show, simply visit packexpoeast.com.
1 Calgee, “Eco-Friendly from Plant to Package: Calgee’s Sustainable Vegan Omega-3 Supplement,” Press Release, April 19, 2023.
2 Bacardi Limited, “Bacardi Cuts Carbon Footprint of Glass Bottle Production in First for Spirits Industry,” Press Release, Dec. 07, 2023.
3 Smurfit Kappa, “Sustainable Water-resistant Cardboard Box Solution for McCormack Family Farms,” Sustainable Water-resistant Fresh Produce Cardboard Tray Solution (smurfitkappa.com), accessed Jan. 16, 2024.
4 Vetter, “Vetter Joins Science Based Targets Initiative,” Press Release, Dec. 5, 2023