Different Approaches to Reducing Environmental Impact
This series is an insight-driven look at environmental issues facing the CPG industry. Each month, we survey media, handpick relevant stories, and interpret them for you. Sustainability Watch aims to spark conversation and inspire the CPG industry to help solve the planet's environmental problems.
Welcome to the seventh edition of Invok's Sustainability Watch series. We share relevant news and insights on the CPG industry's pressing issues here. We hope these articles will spark conversations among your team and inspire you to consider how our industry can participate in long-term solutions to environmental problems.
Is Vac Pack Just Hot Air?
Amidst Criticism, Sainsbury’s Defends Vac Pack Ground Beef
Back in February, Sainsbury’s made headlines when they announced that they would be the first UK retailer to vacuum pack all of their mince (aka ground beef) – something they expect to save 450 tons of plastic each year. Though the new vacuum pack uses 55% less plastic than traditional packaging, the once-positive news story has taken a bit of a turn recently as consumers have complained about the change. Campaign group A Plastic Planet, the new packaging “is no more green than changing from a petrol to a diesel vehicle.” While they save in plastic weight, hurdles still exist for consumers to recycle the packaging.
The switch from hard plastic trays to vac packs will not save our planet, but credit Sainsbury’s for embracing innovation and looking for new ways to reduce their environmental impact. “It’s true that you can’t pick it up at the curb yet,” admitted Sainsbury’s head of fresh food, Richard Crampton, but that was the case with their previous packaging as well. “It’s the same problem, but now there’s a lot less plastic.” It’s not the final solution (and perhaps some lessons can be learned from our next story), but it is a step in the right direction.
As we have said in our Sustainability Watch articles, we need commitment from governments, corporations and consumers to make meaningful change. You can see how a ripple turns into a wave with improved recycling facilities and greater consumer adoption.
If innovation isn’t a bit scary, if it doesn’t force people to reconsider their actions, then is it really innovative at all?
Learn more here from the BBC’s article, Sainsbury's defends vac-pack mince after complaints.
Retail & CPG Rally to Reduce Waste
Albertsons and Kellogg Celebrate Earth Day with In-Store Recycling Campaign
As part of Albertsons Companies Recipe for Change, many stores under their banner feature in-store recycling bins allowing shoppers to drop off plastic bags, wraps, and film that cannot be placed in residential curbside bins. To help drive awareness and celebrate Earth Day 2023, the grocery chain joined forces with Kellogg to create special in-store signage (featuring iconic Kellogg characters Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam) and host a series of events to promote the in-store recycling program.
By educating and empowering customers to recycle products properly, Albertsons is doing a great job of taking charge and trying to make a real difference in their communities.
This partnership with Kellogg is also exciting, highlighting how retail and CPG can work together towards a common goal.
“Providing solutions like this are important to making real change,” said Oli Morton, U.S. chief customer officer at Kellogg. “We recognize the power of partnerships, and that’s why we are proud to partner with Albertsons Cos. on this initiative, as together we can make a positive impact on the planet.” We need more brands to follow suit and ensure these programs are not one-offs or special events.
Learn more about this in-store awareness program from the Progressive Grocer
Find and read all of the Sustainability Watch issues on our website.