Closing the net-zero gap Berry Global

We recently asked Berry Global some searching questions concerning their ongoing commitment to the circular economy and net zero. As you will see, their response was well worth reading!

How ‘sustainability-aware’ would you say your company is and what recent measures have you taken to improve your overall contribution to the circular economy?

As an industry leader, we are heavily invested in advancing a circular, net-zero economy, with access to over 600 million lbs. of circular resins per year by 2025 across mechanical and advanced recycled plastics. We recently disclosed our progress in our 2022 ESG report.

In relation to sustainability, what would you say have been your most important milestones?

Since 2019, we’ve reduced our Scope 1+2 GHG emissions by an impressive 21%, exceeding the pace necessary to achieve our science-based target of a 25% reduction by 2025. In 2022, we also increased our purchases of post-consumer recycled plastic by 28% compared to 2021.

In your opinion what have been the most significant developments in terms of recycling and bio-degradable packaging?

Advanced recycling is an emerging technology that gives value to plastics that currently go unrecycled. Unlike other recycling technologies, this promising technology offers the ability to use the resulting material in any application, including food-grade packaging.

What do you consider to be the most promising market opportunities for your company at this time?

We’ve made significant investments in our proprietary Cleanstream® PCR material from our new Leamington Spa, UK facility to support our customers. Cleanstream® recycled PP has received an FDA letter of no objection for use in food contact applications.

What are the key drivers for change in your industry sector and how much is the on-going pressure for greater sustainability and recycling affecting your productivity?

We know the future is circular and net-zero. While we manage the short-term in a strategic, balanced manner, we prioritize long-term investments and innovations for circularity –offering an attractive portfolio for our customers and driving growth, jobs, and stability.

As we are keen to understand more about the latest trends shaping the packaging industry in your sector, what do you consider to be the most significant recent developments?

Many of our customers have set ambitious goals to use 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025. These brands turn to us to help deliver on their priority business needs while ensuring sustainability improvements are economically viable.

Can you describe your product portfolio and its sustainability credentials?

From renewable films and compostable wipes to 100%-recycled plastic bottles, our B Circular Range allows us to achieve More Together with our customers, offering widely recyclable packaging, reuse and refill options, and recycled, renewable, and lightweight products.

Are you planning the launch of any new products in the foreseeable future that you can tell us about?

Our newly launched multidose antimicrobial dropper, Activated Rispharm™, was awarded for its ability to help prevent eye microbial infections while achieving full recyclability - reducing plastic waste for one month of treatment by 16 times more than monodose solutions.

How has the Covid 19 pandemic affected your production and manufacturing capabilities?

During the pandemic, we maintained operational strength with a diverse and robust global portfolio, local delivery model, and global raw material supply to meet future trends leveraging plastic’s light weight, protective, low-carbon benefits.

SPN: Berry Global are at the forefront of the movement towards the circular economy and net zero – we think that this is clearly demonstrated here with their response to our broad-based and searching questions!

For more information on Berry Global and their innovative solutions visit: www.berryglobal.com/en/