Tracking Sustainable Packaging Innovation Trends in the Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage industry is accelerating its transition to sustainable packaging to tackle the challenge of plastic pollution. UN data shows that global plastic waste increased from 2 million tons in 1950 to 348 million tons in 2017, with projections to double by 2040. Giants like Nestlé and PepsiCo have committed to making 100% of their packaging recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025. In recent years, Kraft Heinz, Molson Coors, Chobani, and others have introduced paper-based alternatives. Consumer interest and pressure from activist investors are jointly driving this trend, and this tracker will continue to update related innovations.
As sustainability issues gain increasing attention in the food and beverage industry, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies are addressing the significant carbon footprint of their product packaging. According to United Nations data, global plastic waste has surged from 2 million tons in 1950 to 348 million tons in 2017, and is expected to double by 2040.
Reducing the production of single-use plastics is seen as a key measure. Sustainability experts believe that single-use plastics are among the most harmful types of packaging, having led to severe waste accumulation worldwide, especially in the oceans. Companies such as Nestlé and PepsiCo have set targets to make 100% of their packaging materials recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.
Over the past few years, major food companies have announced or launched new packaging designed to completely replace plastic with materials that are less harmful to the environment, such as paper or aluminum. Recent examples include: Kraft Heinz partnering with Pulpex to introduce a ketchup bottle made from 100% wood pulp; Molson Coors introducing paper-based corrugated packaging carriers to replace plastic six-pack rings; and Chobani launching paper-based yogurt cups.
Consumer interest in sustainable packaging, coupled with pressure from activist investors, has jointly driven these efforts by CPG companies in recent years. The increasing frequency of announcements from major food and beverage companies indicates that this trend will only intensify in the coming months and years.
Click on a company or brand name, or a release date, to learn details about packaging innovations from major food and beverage companies since 2020, the materials used, and their launch plans. This tracker will be continuously updated. If you notice any omissions, please contact us via email.