One of the key drivers of the sustainability movement comes from consumer goods companies committed to reducing packaging.
Mondelez International, an American multinational confectionery, food and beverage conglomerate that comprises the global snack and food brands of the former Kraft Foods, has issued its first sustainability report entitled The Call for Well-Being, 2013 Progress Report. The report details steps Mondelez has made to meet its well-being metrics in the areas of mindful snacking, sustainability, communities, and safety.
Mondelez had earlier made a commitment to eliminate 50 million pounds of packaging by 2015. The company reports that it is on target having eliminated 48 million tons between 2010 and 2013.
“Packaging is part of the joyful experience people have with our brands,” said the report. “It is why we are always looking at new ways to use fewer materials while increasing the amount of recycled content in our packages.”
A number of initiatives have aided Mondelez in achieving its goals to this point. Just two such moves have eliminated nearly 13 million pounds of packaging.
In Australia, Cadbury Dairy Milk bars converted to a new single-layer flow wrap that eliminated 2.8 million pounds of packaging. Jacobs Velvet coffee was relaunched in new packaging that eliminated more than 10 million pounds of packaging weight.
The company utilizes a proprietary Eco-Calculator™ to aid in its sustainability efforts. “The tool helps us create more environmentally conscious packaging by determining the percentage of post-consumer recycled materials, as well as the amount of energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with creating and disposing of a pack,” says the report. The Eco-Calculator is web-based allowing teams worldwide to access the information.
“Our business success is directly linked to enhancing the well-being of the people who make and enjoy our products and to supporting the communities where we grow our ingredients,” said Irene Rosenfeld, Chairman and CEO. “It’s this belief that inspired our Call For Well-being.”
