US food group Conagra Brands has announced a plan to make 100% of its plastic packaging renewable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
The Chicago-based business, behind brands such as Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s and Reddi-wip, said the new target sits alongside current efforts to reduce the overall use of plastic and is part of the company’s broader commitment to “shaping a better planet”.
Katya Hantel, director for sustainable development at Conagra, said: “Conagra is committed to being a caretaker of the environment. 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.”
Conagra aims to reduce waste derived from packaging through “thoughtful design” and by using renewable and more readily recyclable or compostable materials.
The company suggests it has already made progress against its sustainable packaging goal with the introduction of plant-based bowls used in Healthy Choice Power Bowls products.
“Made from fibre, these bowls have helped Conagra avoid the use of more than 2.1m pounds of plastic packaging since being introduced in 2017,” it said.
Over the next few years, the company aims to avoid the use of an additional 33m pounds of plastic 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.
