Longer-Term: Exploring Alternative Packaging Materials
In response to stakeholder encouragement and to our own desire to utilize more sustainable packaging, we have begun a review of our current packaging to identify design or material changes that could significantly lessen our environmental impacts. As part of this review, we are looking closely at two specific alternative packaging materials: rPET and bio-plastics.
rPET has a better environmental footprint than new or virgin PET, because it requires less energy to produce. However, we face two challenges in utilizing rPET: first, we have been unable to identify an adequate high-quality supply of rPET at affordable and predictable prices for the entirety of a packaging line, due to insufficient consumer recycling programs in the U.S. and rising demand for rPET from China. As a result, supplies are inconsistent and the price is substantially higher than for new PET. Second, further lifecycle assessments (LCAs) are needed to determine if rPET resin is best utilized in new bottles, or instead for other plastic applications, such as clothing or park benches. We are conducting LCAs now, and simultaneously exploring opportunities for packaging with some rPET content in the near-term.
Bio-Plastics Bio-plastics are compostable and biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources, such as corn, soybean, potato and other plant materials. So-called “first-generation” bio-plastics, such as Polylactic Acid, are an important step in creating viable renewable materials. However, the cost, energy use, water use and even post-consumer capture challenges associated with some first-generation bio-plastics have limited their appeal. Moreover, many of these are made from food sources, which we view as problematic when almost one billion people globally are not getting enough food. Today, we are supporting a targeted bio-plastics pilot project test that would promote economically viable systems for the use, collection and composting or recycling of bio-plastics. Moving forward, we will continue to review the environmental impacts of bio-plastics compared to other alternatives, and seek opportunities to invest in second-and third-generation bio-plastic technologies from non-food sources.