US Ferrara company pledges major drive on plastics recycling
US-based sweet snacking company Ferrara has committed to ensuring all its confectionery packaging is 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, reports Neill Barston.
As a key part of the process, the Chicago business (pictured at last year’s Sweets and Snacks Expo), has become a signatory of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s and UN Environment Program (UNEP)’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, joining 500 firms and governments for a vision of a circular economy for plastic in which it never becomes waste or pollution.
Furthermore, it confirmed that it will engage its complete organisation, suppliers and partners to implement a series of initiatives including eliminating unnecessary plastic packaging, maximising use of recycled materials suitable for consumers, as well as moving from single-use to reuse models where relevant by 2025.
Its additional moves include piloting new business models and solutions, including reuse models, redesign, innovation and new delivery models, as well as encouraging the wider packaging industry to move to more sustainable options. This will also be accompanied by a consumer engagement programme on recycling.
“For more than 100 years, Ferrara’s diverse portfolio of leading brands has shaped the industry. With that legacy comes a responsibility to use the power of those brands to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our environment,” said Todd Siwak, CEO, Ferrara.
“Today, through our commitment to identify and capitalise on innovative solutions that reduce plastic waste in our products and packaging, we continue to focus on growth that is sustainable and responsible as we strive to be a better global citizen.”
“The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment unites businesses, governments and others behind a clear vision of a circular economy for plastic. We are pleased Ferrara is joining us by setting concrete 2025 targets,” said Sander Defruyt, New Plastics Economy Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation. “Our vision is for a world where plastic never becomes waste or pollution. It will be a challenging journey, but by coming together we can eliminate the plastics we don’t need and innovate, so the plastics we do need can be safely and easily circulated – keeping them in the economy and out of the environment.”
