Kraft Heinz’s Pioneering Plastic Reduction Drive: A Step Towards Greener Packaging

In a visionary move, The Kraft Heinz Company has set its sights on a remarkable global reduction of over 100 million pounds of virgin plastic by 2030. This commitment is aligned with their overarching environmental goals and marks a significant stride towards a more sustainable future.

The strategy hinges on a three-pronged approach: streamlining components, ramping up recycled content, and embracing alternative materials. By doing so, Kraft Heinz aims to curb the consumption of virgin plastic in its worldwide packaging assortment by an impressive 20%. Rashida La Lande, EVP of Global General Counsel and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasised the transformational shift, stating, “To achieve our ESG goals… we can’t continue to do things as we have in the past.”

By redefining packaging, the company intends to slash its reliance on fossil fuels and usher in more eco-friendly packaging solutions. These intentions are seamlessly integrated into their ongoing objectives of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and attaining net-zero status by 2050. A commitment to making all packaging 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025 further solidifies Kraft Heinz’s dedication to environmental stewardship.

One of the key tactics involves substituting virgin plastics with recycled materials. Collaborations with the US, Canada, and UK Plastics Pacts stand as testimonies to this endeavor. By 2025, the goal is to integrate post-consumer recycled content into 15% of PET rigid plastic packaging in the US. Notably, Heinz has already successfully introduced the Beans Snap Pots in the UK, which boasts a 39% recycled plastic composition derived from soft plastics returned by consumers to Tesco outlets. Their bottles sold across various markets similarly incorporate 30% recycled content, a testament to the company’s commitment.

The forthcoming years will witness significant milestones. In 2024, the Kraft Real Mayo and Miracle Whip mayonnaise brands are slated to feature packaging with a remarkable 100% recycled content, eliminating a staggering 14 million pounds of virgin plastic from circulation. Furthermore, the brand is stepping up its game by eliminating unnecessary materials. A prime example is the removal of the plastic ‘shaker’ bag from its Shake ‘n Bake product line, predicted to eliminate 900,000 pounds of plastic waste annually. A triumph in the fight against plastic waste.

Notably, Kraft Heinz’s pioneering spirit extends beyond conventional solutions. The brand is on the brink of introducing innovative packaging formats using fiber-based and alternative materials. In a pioneering move, a partnership with Pulpex led to a 100% sustainably sourced wood pulp-based paper bottle for Heinz Tomato Ketchup. This prototype, a first for sauce products, is a testament to Kraft Heinz’s pioneering spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable packaging.

The industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, and Kraft Heinz is at the forefront. Canadian coffee brand Nabob, in conjunction with Kraft Heinz, is gearing up to replace non-recyclable flexible plastic coffee bags with renewable canisters, foreseeably eliminating 2.5 million plastic bags annually. Furthermore, the monumental strides made by PepsiCo in the packaging domain underscore the collective commitment towards greener packaging practices.

Kraft Heinz’s dedication to sustainability has earned them a coveted spot as a finalist in the Sustainability Awards 2023, recognising their cutting-edge mono-material dispensing closure, Balaton, in the Recyclable Packaging category.

In a world teetering on the brink of an environmental crisis, Kraft Heinz’s resolute efforts signal hope. Their multifaceted strategy, from recycled content integration to inventive packaging materials, paints a promising picture of a greener future—one where every pound of plastic saved is a step towards a more sustainable planet.