CHICAGO —Conagra Brands Inc. is striving to make its plastic packaging renewable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
While packaging serves a critical role in maintaining food freshness and safety, waste from packaging is becoming a growing problem, according to Conagra. The company aims to reduce packaging waste through thoughtful design and by using renewable and more readily recyclable or compostable materials.
"Conagra is committed to being a caretaker of the environment," said Katya Hantel, director of sustainable development for Conagra Brands. "As part of this commitment, we are constantly challenging ourselves to more sustainably source packaging materials, generate less waste for disposal and help preserve our planet and its resources."
Conagra has started these efforts with the release of plant-based bowls used in its Healthy Choice Power Bowls products. The bowls are made from fiber and have helped Conagra avoid using more than 2.1 million pounds of plastic since they were introduced in 2017, according to the company.
"We've set an ambitious goal, and we look forward to working with our suppliers and others in the industry to identify innovative solutions that maintains food safety and freshness while also reducing our packaging footprint,” said Corey Berends, senior vice president of research and development for Conagra Brands.
Conagra Brands, Chicago, is a major North American branded food company. Its brands include Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender’s, Reddi-wip and Slim Jim.
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