Across the globe, brands are making ambitious commitments to sustainable packaging as they strive to support the transition to a circular, net-zero economy. Recognizing the increasing influence of sustainable packaging on consumer purchasing decisions, many brands are aiming for 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging. To achieve these goals, they are turning to suppliers who can design for circularity and develop products that are made to be remade.
Sustainable packaging has become a significant factor in consumers’ choices, with eco-friendly packaging prompting 69% of U.S. online shoppers to shop with a brand again in 2022, according to Dotcom Distribution’s study. A joint study by McKinsey and NielsenIQ further revealed that products claiming to be environmentally and socially responsible experienced an average cumulative growth of 28% from 2017 to 2022, compared to 20% for products making no such claims.
However, to earn consumer trust and make meaningful progress towards Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, brands must go beyond mere claims and address potential greenwashing. Certification systems, such as the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS, provide the necessary verification and transparency. ISCC PLUS offers benefits such as validating commitments, expanding market access, enhancing brand visibility, and providing detailed information about certified materials and mass-balance approaches.
The mass-balance approach plays a crucial role in tracking renewable and recycled materials in complex value chains. It allows companies to monitor and account for the use of circular, bio-circular, and bio materials, attributing them to the amount of certified content in end products.
Berry Global, committed to achieving 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable fast-moving consumer packaging by 2025, recognizes the importance of certifications like ISCC PLUS. With 68 certified manufacturing sites across three continents, Berry Global delivers circular products at scale. Examples include Wendy’s drink cups incorporating 20% ISCC-certified recycled plastic and Heinz Beanz Snap Pots made with 39% ISCC PLUS-certified recycled flexible film. Berry Global’s investment in technology and certifications enhances transparency and enables the provision of circular resin to customers.
As the demand for packaging made from certified circular feedstocks continues to grow, Berry Global plans to certify more sites worldwide to meet the needs of its food and consumer packaging customers. By embracing ISCC PLUS certification, brands like Berry Global are driving continuous improvement and providing customers with sustainable solutions that align with their circularity goals.