USA – US-based food company McCormick has partnered with plastic packaging company Berry Global to advance its commitment to making all its packaging recyclable, repurposable or reusable.
The collaboration leverages Berry’s expertise and access to mechanically recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).
The new McCormick Assorted and Neon Food Color bottles are made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and will begin appearing on shelves across North America.
The switch to fully PCR plastic bottles will enable McCormick to improve its packaging circularity and reduce its associated carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 86.8t compared with bottles made from virgin material.
This 59% reduction in CO₂ emissions is equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 18.7 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.
McCormick chief sustainability officer Michael Okoroafor said: “By collaborating with key suppliers like Berry, we gain access to valuable recycled content.
“This 100% PCR bottle furthers our journey towards our emission reduction goal through packaging.”
The two companies have set sustainable packaging goals and science-based emissions reduction targets for 2025 in an effort to support the 2050 global net-zero emissions target.
Berry is using its scale to acquire more than 600 million pounds of recycled plastic by 2025. The company aims to separate packaging solutions from fossil fuels through recycling advancements and the use of responsibly sourced renewable resourced bioplastics.
Berry Global sustainability Vice-President Robert Flores said: “Deadlines for achieving sustainability goals are fast approaching, and brands want partners who can provide effective, impactful ways to reach those commitments quickly.
“Berry’s sustainability expertise, coupled with access to recycled content, provides the ability to commercialize sustainable packaging solutions with a lower carbon footprint.”
McCormick & Company takes responsibility as a leader in the global food industry by ensuring investments have tangible benefits.
The Company’s 2021 Purpose-led Performance Report emphasizes progress toward delivering industry-leading financial performance while doing what’s right for people, communities, and the planet we share.
The report details a series of commitments and clear performance targets for 2025, and beyond, aligned with the global UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – reinforcing commitments to sustainable sourcing and raw material procurement, as well as limiting their environmental impacts.
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