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As the holiday season is a time for reflection and giving, we’re sharing insights on how sustainable packaging can bring meaningful change—not just to businesses but to the planet we call home. This week, let’s unwrap the gift of knowledge and dive into Sustainable Packaging: Innovations and Best Practices.

With businesses and individuals increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly solutions, this special edition highlights inspiring case studies, actionable insights, and festive tips to make sustainability part of your holiday traditions.

This week’s ProcWee™ is supported by Roku: Insights for Smarter Advertising

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In today’s email

  • NEW: Listen to our weekly episodes as Podcast

  • This Week’s Topic: Sustainable Packaging: Innovations and Best Practices

  • SCM Takeaways

  • Exclusive Partner Deal

  • Recommended Reading

  • C2B Takeaways

Please let us know which content you are the most interested in by clicking in the bullet points below. We miss your opinion and drive - looking forward to your vote!

This Week's Topic:

Sustainable Packaging: Innovations and Best Practices

🚀NEW: Case Studies

🚀 NEW: The ProcWee™ Podcast Show is here!

Let's take a look at the forecast for the global sustainable packaging market before we start:

Sustainable packaging market size (Source: Precedence Research, 2024)

Point 1: Compostable Materials

Compostable materials break down into natural elements in a compost environment, leaving no toxic residue.

Case Study: Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle Initiative


Situation:

By the late 2000s, Coca-Cola faced growing scrutiny over its reliance on petroleum-based plastics, a major contributor to environmental pollution. To address these challenges, Coca-Cola committed to finding sustainable alternatives to traditional PET bottles.


Tasks:

Coca-Cola set out to:

  • Reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

  • Develop a recyclable and renewable alternative to conventional PET plastic.

Maintain the durability and cost-efficiency of their packaging.


Actions:

Coca-Cola introduced the PlantBottle in 2009, a PET plastic bottle partially made from renewable plant-based materials like sugarcane. The company also:

  • Invested in partnerships with bio-based technology firms.

  • Ensured the new packaging could be recycled within existing systems.

Promoted the PlantBottle as part of its marketing efforts.


Results:

By 2020, Coca-Cola achieved notable success:

  • Over 35 billion PlantBottles were distributed in 40 countries.

  • Reduced dependency on petroleum-based PET by more than 30%.

  • Enhanced brand reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation.
    This initiative showcased Coca-Cola’s ability to combine sustainability with business growth, inspiring other companies to explore bio-based materials (Coca-Cola, 2020).

Point 2: Recycled Content

Using post-consumer or industrial waste in packaging production.

Case Study: Unilever's Dove Bottles Made from 100% Recycled Plastic


Situation:

Unilever faced criticism over its use of virgin plastics, which contributed to ocean pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. As part of its commitment to sustainability, the company sought to integrate recycled content into its packaging.


Tasks:

Unilever’s goals included:

  • Eliminating virgin plastic use across its product portfolio.

  • Reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining product quality.

Creating a closed-loop system for packaging materials.

Actions:

In 2019, Unilever launched Dove bottles made entirely from recycled plastic. The company also:

  • Partnered with recycling firms to secure high-quality post-consumer plastics.

  • Invested in advanced sorting and processing technologies.

Educated consumers about recycling through awareness campaigns.


Results:

By 2022, the initiative led to:

  • A 50% reduction in the brand’s plastic waste footprint.

  • Improved recycling infrastructure in key markets.

  • Stronger customer loyalty driven by sustainability commitments.
    Unilever’s approach exemplifies how businesses can reduce environmental impact while enhancing brand equity (Unilever, 2022).

Point 3: Lightweight Packaging

Reducing material use while maintaining durability.

Case Study: Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging Program


Situation:

Amazon encountered rising criticism over excessive packaging waste, particularly from customers receiving oversized boxes for small items. Recognizing the opportunity to lead in sustainable packaging, Amazon launched its Frustration-Free Packaging initiative.


Tasks:

Amazon aimed to:

  • Eliminate unnecessary packaging waste.

  • Reduce shipping costs and carbon emissions.

Improve customer satisfaction through simplified designs.


Actions:

The company introduced lightweight, recyclable packaging designed for e-commerce. Specific steps included:

  • Eliminating plastic clamshells and twist ties.

  • Partnering with manufacturers to redesign product packaging.

Incentivizing suppliers through a certification program.


Results:

By 2020, Amazon achieved measurable outcomes:

  • Reduced packaging waste by over 33%.

  • Saved 500,000 tons of materials annually.

  • Enhanced its reputation for prioritizing environmental responsibility.
    Amazon’s program demonstrates how lightweight designs can align environmental goals with operational efficiency (Amazon, 2020).

Point 4: Edible Packaging

Packaging that is safe for human consumption.

Case Study: Notpla's Seaweed-Based Edible Packaging


Situation:

With global plastic pollution at critical levels, Notpla, a UK-based startup, identified an opportunity to revolutionize packaging by creating edible alternatives from seaweed.


Tasks:

Notpla focused on:

  • Developing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

  • Scaling production of edible packaging.

Demonstrating the viability of seaweed-based solutions in diverse applications.


Actions:

The company launched a range of products, including Ooho, an edible water pod for events and marathons. Key steps included:

  • Securing funding for research and development.

  • Partnering with food delivery platforms to test edible takeout containers.

Expanding applications to include sauces and condiments.


Results:

By 2021, Notpla achieved:

  • Commercial use in major events like the London Marathon.

  • Prevented the use of 500,000 plastic bottles.

  • Received accolades for its innovative approach to tackling waste.
    Notpla’s edible packaging highlights the potential for biomaterials to disrupt traditional packaging markets while promoting sustainability (Notpla, 2021).

Point 5: Smart Packaging

Integrates technology to improve functionality and reduce waste.

Case Study: Tetra Pak’s Connected Packaging Platform


Situation:

Tetra Pak identified a growing demand for transparency in supply chains, particularly among consumers seeking sustainable and ethical products. To address these needs, the company developed a connected packaging platform.


Tasks:

Tetra Pak aimed to:

  • Enhance consumer engagement through digital tools.

  • Provide detailed sustainability information for its packaging.

Reduce waste by improving recycling rates.


Actions:

The company embedded QR codes in its cartons, enabling customers to:

  • Trace the sourcing of raw materials.

  • Access recycling instructions.

Participate in loyalty programs rewarding sustainable behaviors.


Results:

By 2022, the initiative delivered:

  • Increased recycling rates in key markets.

  • Strengthened customer loyalty through transparency and engagement.

  • Improved brand differentiation as a sustainability leader.
    Tetra Pak’s smart packaging demonstrates how digital innovation can drive sustainable behaviors and enhance consumer trust (Tetra Pak, 2022).

SCM Takeaways

Sustainable packaging is more than an environmental initiative—it's a competitive advantage. For procurement and SCM:

  • Reduce Costs: Lightweight materials save logistics expenses.

  • Increase Brand Value: Consumers prefer eco-friendly solutions.

  • Enhance Compliance: Stay ahead of sustainability regulations.

Sustainable packaging market size (Source: precedence research, 2024)

Exclusive Partner Deal

We’re thrilled to partner with Blinkist to offer ProcWee™ readers an exclusive discount! Blinkist provides key insights from thousands of non-fiction books, perfect for procurement & SCM professionals looking to stay ahead. You will have both access to book summaries as text and as audio. Click the banner below to claim your 40 % discount and start enhancing your SCM & procurement knowledge today!

  1. Sustainable Packaging
    This book, edited by Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu, provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable packaging practices, discussing health and eco-innovations in food packaging, and presenting case studies from different parts of the world.Springer Link

  2. The Circular Economy Handbook: Realizing the Circular Advantage
    Authored by Peter Lacy, Jessica Long, and Wesley Spindler, this handbook offers insights into transitioning businesses to sustainable models, featuring stories and real-world examples from circular pioneers.Amazon

  3. Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman
    Written by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, this memoir shares the persistence and courage that have gone into being head of one of the most respected and environmentally responsible companies on earth.Amazon

C2B Takeaways

Sustainable packaging isn't just a corporate responsibility—individuals can integrate eco-friendly practices into their daily lives, saving money, reducing waste, and contributing to a greener planet. Here are some actionable tips and hacks inspired by this week's topic:

1. Switch to Reusable Packaging

Hack: Use silicone food storage bags, beeswax wraps, or glass containers instead of single-use plastics.
Tip: Purchase collapsible containers for easy storage when on the go.
Benefit: Reduces waste and saves money over time by avoiding frequent purchases of single-use items.

2. Shop at Bulk Stores

Hack: Bring your own jars, cloth bags, or containers to refill items like grains, spices, and oils at bulk stores.
Trick: Label your containers with weights beforehand to streamline checkout.
Benefit: Minimizes packaging waste and often results in lower prices for goods.

3. Repurpose Packaging at Home

Hack: Transform old jars, tins, or boxes into organizers for your pantry, workspace, or craft supplies.
Tip: Use glass jars as drinking glasses or for planting herbs.
Benefit: Gives packaging a second life, reducing the need to buy additional items.

Bonus Tips for 2025:

4. Choose Compostable and Biodegradable Materials

Hack: Look for compostable trash bags, food containers, and plates for parties or picnics.
Trick: Set up a small compost bin at home to break down these materials easily.
Benefit: Turns waste into nutrient-rich compost for gardening.

5. DIY Smart Packaging for Food Preservation

Hack: Create your own “vacuum seal” effect by placing produce in reusable silicone bags and squeezing out excess air.
Tip: Add paper towels to salad greens to absorb moisture and keep them fresh longer.
Benefit: Reduces food spoilage, saving money and waste.

6. Make Packaging-Inspired Purchases

Hack: Support brands that offer sustainable packaging solutions, such as refills or subscription services with reduced packaging.
Tip: Check for products with smart labels or QR codes for recycling instructions.
Benefit: Encourages sustainable consumer habits while making informed purchasing decisions.

We Learned Today

Key takeaways:

  • Compostable and recycled materials are game-changers for packaging.

  • Lightweight and smart packaging reduce costs and waste.

  • Edible solutions redefine waste management.

Sources

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