The Kraft Heinz Company has set a commendable goal for 2023, as they announce their determination to reduce the use of virgin plastic in their global packaging portfolio by 20% by 2030. This ambitious step is a testament to their commitment to sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By pursuing this initiative, they aim to eliminate approximately 100 million pounds of virgin plastic, which is equivalent to the weight of nearly five Eiffel Towers. Such decisive actions will undoubtedly pave the way for more sustainable product packaging options in the future.
This objective is a natural progression of the company’s previous efforts to minimize plastic usage and achieve their comprehensive packaging targets. Among these pursuits are the ambitions to attain 100 percent recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025, as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by 2050, with a midpoint reduction of emissions by 2030. Through these ongoing investments and commitments, the Kraft Heinz Company demonstrates its dedication to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility, positioning itself as a leader in the pursuit of a greener future.
“To achieve our ESG goals, including to reach net-zero GHG emissions, we can’t continue to do things as we have in the past,” said Rashida La Lande, executive vice president, Global General Counsel, and chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer at Kraft Heinz. “We are investing in innovative technologies and partnerships that are critical to helping us redesign packaging, eliminate unnecessary plastic, increase our use of recycled content, and influence the adoption of reuse models. This is one more way we’re renovating our product portfolio to not only offer more sustainable options but to deliver on our consumer expectations.”
Replacing virgin plastic with recycled content:
Kraft Heinz is expanding upon its ongoing collaboration with the U.S., Canada, and U.K. Plastic Pacts, aiming to enhance the integration of recycled materials in its packaging. The company’s objective is to incorporate post-consumer recycled content into 15% of its U.S. PET rigid plastic packaging collection by the year 2025.
- KRAFT Real Mayo and MIRACLE WHIP plan to transition packaging to 100% recycled content in the United States beginning in 2024 in an effort to eliminate approximately 14 million pounds of virgin plastic.
- HEINZ moved to 30% recycled content in most of its bottles in Brazil, the U.K., and Europe.
- HEINZ partnered with specialists in the U.K. to create recyclable HEINZ Beans Snap Pots from soft plastics that were returned to Tesco by consumers. The recyclable pots are food-safe and made with 39% recycled plastic.
Material elimination or reduction:
Kraft Heinz is identifying packaging solutions that use less plastic, such as eliminating unnecessary plastic components.
- SHAKE ‘N BAKE removed its plastic “shaker” bag from its signature packaging last year to help eliminate 900,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. Effective across its full product portfolio, this was the brand’s first step toward a more sustainable future and an easy way for consumers to make a difference.
- HEINZ launched an eco-friendly multipack paperboard sleeve to replace plastic shrink-wrap in the U.K., eliminating more than 1 million pounds of plastic in 2022.
Exploring material alternatives:
Kraft Heinz is also exploring the use of alternative materials like fiber-based packaging with the hope that these cutting-edge innovations could be used for other packaging formats in years to come.
- HEINZ announced a pilot with Pulpex in 2022 to develop a paper-based, renewable and recyclable bottle made from 100 percent sustainably sourced wood pulp for HEINZ Tomato Ketchup – a first in the sauce category. The company is currently testing the prototype to assess performance before bringing the bottle to the market.
- NABOB coffee in Canada replaced its non-recyclable flexible plastic coffee bags with recyclable canisters made from 80 percent paper fiber from renewable resources this year. This change is estimated to eliminate approximately 2.5 million plastic bags annually.
Guided by its core value, “We do the right thing,” Kraft Heinz is fully committed to reducing its operational footprint and making a positive environmental impact. These initiatives act as a driving force for future endeavors, as the company seeks to expedite innovation and growth through strategic partnerships.
