Mondelēz International has announced a new commitment to make all packaging recyclable and provide recycling information on its products, including Cadbury’s in the UK and Oreo cookies in the US, by 2025.
The confectionery giant said it will work in partnerships so that packaging can be collected and recycled in markets around the world.
This latest announcement reflects the company’s new purpose to empower people to “snack right by offering the right snack, at the right time, in the right way”.
Targeting zero-net waste packaging
- In the UK, Cadbury Heroes tubs were redesigned to use 17% less plastic resulting in 30% fewer trucks to transport them.
- In Asia, Middle East and Africa, improvements to secondary packs and shippers for chocolate products saved more than 1 million kg of corrugated paper.
- In the US, Oreo cookies packaging were made 23% thinner, which reduced the need for nearly 1.5 million kg of cartons annually.
In a statement Mondelēz said the initiative includes ensuring that the company’s products are made with ingredients that are “sustainably sourced, produced and delivered, with positive impact along the supply chain”.
This new commitment is part of the company’s strategy for a circular packaging economy and will help deliver its long-term vision for zero-net waste packaging.
Circular economy for packaging
“As the global snacking leader, we’re committing to using sustainably-sourced materials and recyclable packaging as part of our active contribution to reduce packaging waste and establish a circular economy for packaging,” said Rob Hargrove, executive vice president, Research, Development, Quality and Innovation.
“Plastic waste and its impact on the planet is a broad, systemic issue that our consumers care deeply about, and which requires a holistic response. Together with partners from across the industry, as well as public and private entities, we can help to develop practical solutions that result in a positive environmental impact.”
Mondelēz has already made substantial progress (see panel) to minimize the environmental impact of packaging. Most of the company’s packaging is already recycled, recyclable or recycle-ready. Around 75% of its packaging is comprised of glass, paper or metal and around 70% of paper-based packaging is from recycled sources.
The company says that recycling information for consumers will be provided by 2025. Mondelēz also says it will work to make it easy for consumers to recycle or re-use product packs after use given the vast array of local recycling systems around the world.
To learn more about the company’s efforts to deliver positive impact for people and planet, go to the 2017 Impact For Growth Progress Report.
