Major brands including Kellanov, PepsiCo, and LUSH are significantly reducing plastic in packaging through recycled content and innovative materials while maintaining product quality and meeting 2030 sustainability goals.
- Kellanov reduced plastic by 56,245 kg and corrugated board by 248,568 kg while maintaining food volume, with plastic representing only 12% of packaging footprint
- PepsiCo's Walkers Sunbites launched packaging containing 50% recycled plastic using mass balance approach to eliminate 200 metric tons of fossil-based plastic by 2025
- LUSH repurposed over six million plastic bottles into reusable Knot Wraps inspired by Japanese Furoshiki technique, offering multi-use gift wrapping alternative
- All three companies align initiatives with 2030 sustainability commitments to achieve 100% recyclable or compostable packaging and eliminate virgin fossil-based plastic
- Brands emphasize circular economy solutions through enhanced recycling infrastructure and food-contact recycling technologies to support sustainable packaging transformation
Businesses are trying to set themselves ahead of the rest through finding evermore sustainable ways of increasing the recycled content in their packaging. This is likely driven by sustainability goals and the plastic tax. There have also been a noticeable number of advancements in reducing pack sizes or the volume of plastic being used for packaging, allowing business to market the volume of plastic 'saved.'
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Kellanova's reduced packaging materials for select snack brands positions the company with one of the smallest plastic footprints among peer companies.ThePackHub
Chicago-headquartered snack company Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s) has unveiled a strategic sustainability move by minimizing plastic usage in the packaging of popular snack brands, including Cheez-It Snap’d, Cheez-It Puff’d, and Club Crisps. Despite maintaining the same food volume, the company has successfully reduced plastic and corrugated board by 56,245 kgs and 248,568 kgs, respectively, compared to the previous year. Kellanova’s highlighted that the plastic reduction constitutes only 12% of their overall packaging footprint, positioning it with one of the smallest plastic footprints among peer companies. The initiative aligns with Kellanova’s Better Days Promise commitment, aiming for 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2030 and a 5% reduction in virgin plastic as part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation New Plastics Economy pledge. The company remains dedicated to collaborating with partners and innovators to identify sustainable packaging solutions that prioritize both product protection and environmental responsibility.
PepsiCo's new Sunbites packaging with 50% PCR plastic coincides with a reformulated recipe for the chips.ThePackHub
PepsiCo’s Walkers, the leading potato chip brand based in the UK, has unveiled a significant transformation for its Sunbites range, introducing new packaging crafted from 50% recycled plastic, employing a mass balance approach to eliminate 200 metric tons of fossil-based plastic by the end of 2025. This initiative aligns with Walkers’ broader sustainability goals under PepsiCo Positive, aiming to eliminate virgin fossil-based plastic in chip and snack bags by 2030. Simultaneously, Sunbites’ recipe has been reformulated to be non- HFSS (high in fat, salt and sugar), featuring 100% whole grains and reduced sugar in the chip and less salt in the seasoning. The commitment to healthier snacks complements Walkers’ ambition to have non-HFSS or sub-100-calorie snacks constitute 50% of its sales by 2025, with 30% achieved thus far. The company acknowledges the pivotal role of food-contact recycling technologies and enhanced recycling infrastructure in fostering a circular economy for packaging within the UK’s food manufacturing sector.
 | Read about PepsiCo's further changes to support its PepsiCo Positive sustainability strategy. |
Over 6 million plastic bottles have been repurposed for use in LUSH's Knot Wraps.ThePackHub
British cosmetics retailer LUSH, a company known for its commitment to sustainability, has repurposed over six million plastic bottles into reusable Knot Wraps, offering a waste-free alternative to traditional gift wrapping. Inspired by the Japanese art of Furoshiki, these wraps are available in 100% organic cotton, recycled polyester crafted from discarded plastic bottles, or distinctive vintage fabrics. Knot Wraps is a sustainable and stylish solution that eliminates the need for tape and scissors, making gift wrapping easy and guilt-free. The wraps are not only multi-use but also come in a variety of patterns and colors, enhancing the appeal of any gift. Reflecting LUSH’s dedication to waste reduction, Knot Wraps can be reused and regifted. Additionally, the wraps can be utilised as fashionable hair scarves or practical carrier bags for day-to-day use. Originating from a LUSH take on the Japanese technique, these Knot Wraps present a thoughtful and environmentally conscious gift-giving option.
Learn more about ThePackHub's Innovation Zone here.
