Continuing to lead the transition to alternative solutions
Plastic pollution is one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. When plastic is used only once or is not properly recycled, it damages our environment, pollutes our oceans and can enter the food chain. We recognise our responsibility to be part of the solution on designing out waste and ensuring less plastic ends up in nature.
Our scale means we can drive change quickly and we are well placed to provide customers with trusted and objective advice on complex issues.
Our commitments
Taking further action on packaging and products
Today
We will support our customers to remove, replace and reduce single use plastics.
Tomorrow
We will significantly increase the amount of recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging supplied to our customers to help them meet their targets.
Beyond
Every single packaging product and disposable in our range will be offered with an alternative that is recyclable, reusable, compostable or renewable.
Leading a shift to alternative packaging materials
The majority of packaging products we supply are recyclable, compostable, renewable or reusable – only 2% of our Group revenue is currently attributable to consumables facing regulation. 85% of Group revenue is attributable to non-packaging products or packaging products made from alternative materials that are well suited to a circular economy.
We have a strong track record of helping our customers transition to alternatives successfully and we’re well positioned to benefit from the transition to alternative products.
Notes:
- Packaging refers to packaging and other products within the foodservice, grocery and retail sectors which are facing legislation or consumer pressure
- We continue to exercise judgement to allocate the sales in 2023 to non-packaging products and the four packaging categories shown, which are taken at a point in time in the context of rapidly changing legislation and changes in product composition across a vast range of products. As a consequence, category adjustments are likely.
Leading a shift to alternative packaging materials
The majority of packaging products we supply are recyclable, compostable, renewable or reusable – only 15% of our revenue is currently attributable to single-use plastic packaging and 51% of our packaging is already recyclable, compostable, renewable or reusable.
We have a strong track record of helping our customers transition to alternatives successfully and we’re well positioned to benefit from the transition to alternative products.
Notes:
- 2019 revenue taken as the base reference year given 2020 data materially disrupted by pandemic
- Packaging refers to packaging and other products within the foodservice, grocery and retail sectors which are facing legislation or consumer pressure
- We have exercised our judgement to allocate the sales in 2019 to the four packaging categories shown
The types of packaging and products we supply
Consumable products facing regulation
Plastic products most commonly being addressed by legislation in our markets (e.g. straws, stirrers, plates, bowls and cutlery).
55%
of packaging made from alternative materials in 2023
Consumable products likely to transition to alternative materials
Plastic products that have measures and legislation in place to control their usage, for example a charge for using plastic bags (e.g. carrier and fresh produce bags, coffee cups, cold drink cups).
10%
of the Group’s revenue attributable to single-use plastic consumables which are likely to transition to products made from alternative materials
Packaging and products made from alternative materials
Products that are widely recyclable or compostable (in line with national guidance), made from a renewable resource, for example palm leaf or sugar cane or reusable products such as 'bags for life' or refillable coffee cups.
85%
of Group revenue attributable to non-packaging products or packaging products better suited to a circular economy
Supporting a more circular economy
Supporting smart material choices
We develop new packaging strategies for customers and provide alternative products that meet customer targets and product requirements.
Designing for circularity not waste
We’re supporting our customers to adapt to new legislation and transition to recyclable, compostable, renewable and reusable products.
Promoting responsible packaging usage and reusable options
We’re working with our customers to rationalise the products they use.
Partnering to support closed-loop solutions
We’re supporting our customers’ circular initiatives and recycling practices.
