CPGs Pledge to Reduce Packaging Waste

WASHINGTONFood, beverage and consumer products manufacturers plan to eliminate 4 billion pounds of packaging waste nationwide from 2005-2020, according to a new Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) report.

The report, based on a nationwide survey of CPG companies, revealed more than 1.5 billion pounds already have been avoided since 2005, and another 2.5 billion pounds are expected to be avoided by 2020.  The 4 billion pounds represents a 19-percent reduction of reporting companies total average U.S. packaging weight.

Across the board, the food, beverage and consumer products industry has been vigilant in its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint," said Pamela G. Bailey, president and CEO of GMA. When it comes to eliminating packaging from the supply chain, we have already made significant progress, but we know we can do more.  We look forward to meeting this goal to eliminate 4 billion pounds of packaging by 2020."

The 1.5 billion pounds of packaging avoided since 2005 includes more than 800 million pounds of plastic and more than 500 million pounds of paper. Packaging improvements have spanned most product categories, with no single category dominating. Companies reported that they achieved the 2005-2010 reductions through the success of more than 180 distinct improvement initiatives that included package redesigns and increased use of recyclable inputs.

In eliminating this packaging from the supply chain, we are reducing a significant volume of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, but the benefits go far beyond that. Companies are reporting that packaging improvements are enabling them to ship more units per truckload, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve resources such as water and energy," said GMA Senior Director, Energy and Environmental Policy John Shanahan.