Plastic reduction is outlined within nearly every ESG report these days, and Chobani is one company making progress against its goals. The yogurt behemoth has introduced new paper cup packaging, marking a major milestone in its efforts to put more sustainable offerings on shelves nationwide.
“We all have a role to play in protecting our planet,” said Founder and Chief Executive Officer Hamdi Ulukaya. “People have been asking for a paper cup, and we welcome this challenge to start reducing our plastic use, and to spark a conversation about how we can drive change together.”
This new paper cup includes 80 percent paperboard, made from responsibly sourced and renewable material. To maintain the quality that Chobani’s yogurt is known for, the cup features a thin plastic lining.
Chobani’s new product innovations such as oatmilk, cold brew coffee, and coffee creamers already come in paper-based packaging that is recyclable. After two years of development, Chobani will now transition its oat yogurt into a paper-based cup, a press release stated. The company plans to continue exploring more sustainable packaging across its portfolio that will use less plastic and more paper.
"While this paper cup is a step in the right direction, it’s just the beginning," said Ulukaya.
The company is being realistic about the complexities of American’s recycling system, which is fragmented across more than 10,000 municipal-run recycling centers, each with unique rules, the press release continued. As part of Chobani’s work in bringing this cup to market, the supplier will continue collaborating with partners, including the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and policymakers to advocate for improvements that expand the recycling infrastructure in the U.S.
The rollout of this packaging will begin with single-serve Chobani® Oat Blend yogurt and the supplier will continue to invest in sustainable packaging initiatives across its product portfolio.
Cheers to this admirable milestone!
