With consumers reaching for more sustainable packaging on the shelf, brands are rolling out more options to meet those needs. Clover Sonoma® is one of the latest suppliers to pursue a more eco-friendly image, launching its first post-consumer recycled (PCR) gallon milk jug in the United States.
“To reach our sustainability goals, packaging innovation is a priority for us as a company,” said Clover Sonoma Chief Revenue Officer Kristel Corson. “Finding sustainable solutions means taking risks and investing in what’s best for the planet. We are focused on improving our packaging across product lines using reusable, recyclable, renewable, and environmentally conscious resources. We encourage the food industry to join us in this effort.”
Starting with 30 percent PCR content on its organic gallon milk line, the Certified B Corporation® commits to increasing the PCR content and extending PCR content use across all Clover Sonoma gallon milk jugs by 2025. Using PCR content in plastic packaging creates a closed loop system for recycling plastic gallon milk jugs and ensures that plastic is neither created nor destroyed, but re-used for a single purpose.
As stated in the release, Clover Sonoma is at the forefront of innovative, sustainable packaging solutions for the food and beverage industry as it announced allegedly the first fully renewable milk carton in the United States in 2020 and also made the conscious decision to reduce plastic waste by saying “no” to plastic caps on paper milk cartons. The first PCR milk jugs will be on shelf in the first quarter of 2022 with a designated logo to educate consumers about the new packaging’s benefits.
“By closing the loop on gallon milk jugs, Clover Sonoma is helping keep packaging out of landfills,” said California Milk Advisory Board Chief Executive Officer John Talbot. “California dairy producers and processors are committed to providing a sustainable, nutritious product while working together to reduce the environmental impact of milk across its entire lifecycle. This initiative is an important step in that journey.”
While all eco-friendly packaging options are a step in the right direction for brands looking to be more sustainable, PCR packaging has unique benefits. PCR packaging matches the quality of regular packaging including the same level of protection, barrier performance, and strength as regular plastic. As noted in the release, PCR content will still block light, oxygen, and other gases from penetrating the package layer and contaminating the product. Overall, using PCR packaging helps reduce Clover Sonoma’s carbon footprint, lessens impact on landfills, and meets overall sustainability goals.
For more information on this latest innovation, click here.
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