Conagra Brands is to make 100 per cent of its current plastics packaging renewable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
To achieve its goal, the company plans to reduce waste derived from packaging through “thoughtful design” and by using renewable and more readily recyclable or compostable materials.
“Conagra is committed to being a caretaker of the environment,” said Katya Hantel, director, sustainable development for Conagra Brands. “As part of this commitment, we are constantly challenging ourselves to more sustainably source packaging materials, generate less waste for disposal and help preserve our planet and its resources.”
In 2017, the US packaged foods company introduced plant-based bowls for its Healthy Choice Power Bowls products. Made from fiber, the bowls have cut Conagra’s use of plastics packaging by more than 2.1 million pounds.
Over the next few years, the company aims to avoid the use of an additional 33 million pounds of plastics through further development of plant-based packaging options and other packaging innovations. Conagra also plans to ensure all packaging features a How2Recycle label to provide clarity to consumers, so that more materials are put into recycling bins.
“As a food company, packaging is an integral part of our product. That’s why we are committed to making packaging decisions with the environment in mind,” said Corey Berends, senior vice president, research and development for Conagra Brands. “We’ve set an ambitious goal and we look forward to working with our suppliers and others in the industry to identify innovative solutions that maintain food safety and freshness while also reducing our packaging footprint.”