At Nutreco, we’re working hard on a complex challenge: to strengthen the sustainability of our overall packaging portfolio. Under our RoadMap 2025 commitment, we pledged that all packaging would be 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025. By the end of 2025, we were able to make 90% of all packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable.
Now we’re collaborating with suppliers to make further progress, and have projects underway across Nutreco to phase out nonrecyclable packaging, introduce recyclable alternatives and optimise specifications to reduce overall material use.
Partnering to make an impact
Our suppliers are important partners in our sustainable packaging efforts – inspiring us, challenging us, and helping us achieve meaningful change. Most of the approximately 10% of our packaging that does not yet meet our requirements for recyclability, reusability or compostability relates to packaging for products that are classified as dangerous goods. For these, we must comply with strict UN packaging regulations that require coatings that limit recyclability. Our suppliers are actively working on solutions that would allow these coatings to become recyclable.
Our suppliers are also partnering on initiatives that enable us to use less packaging. In 2025, Skretting and seafood company Mowi Chile worked together on an initiative to make salmon farming more sustainable. By implementing a bulk feed delivery system at Mowi’s Rauco freshwater site in Chiloé, Chile, they are ensuring feed reaches the salmon in optimal condition. They are currently working is to expand the system to the rest of Mowi’s hatcheries in Chile.
Local efforts taking steps towards our targets
We have initiatives underway in different regions across Nutreco to make more of our packaging recyclable. For example, the team at Trouw Nutrition in Ireland is working to introduce 30% recycled material into small feed bags.
The greatest progress so far has come from our operation in Great Britain, where all polyethylene (PE) bags already contain 30% recycled content and totes are close behind. In contrast, Ireland has successfully transitioned all totes to recycled content and is also working to introduce PE bags with recycled content. Together, these initiatives reflect steady, practical steps toward more sustainable packaging across the business.
In 2025, Trouw Nutrition introduced biodegradable and compostable packaging for its ChickCare products in Africa. The packaging, produced in Ghent, Belgium, leverages Biodolomer® bioplastic technology, which is fully compostable under controlled conditions and breaks down without microplastics. The objective of the new packaging is to reduce plastic flow at the source and enable better end-of-life options for the bags – for example, use as seedling bags. Our livestock feed business line is tackling some challenges with the project in the African markets along the way. For example, any claims made about the recyclability of the packaging must be validated according to the specific rules in each African country where the products are sold. In addition, since composting infrastructure is limited in many regions, Trouw Nutrition is encouraging reuse of the packaging through customer communications
Trouw Nutrition Canada launched a feed-bag recycling pilot, the brainchild of an employee who spearheaded the project, after discovering that conventional recycling centres could not process the OpCo’s multilayer bags. Partnering with Cleanfarms, they established free collection bins at two Alberta mill stores, where customers could return used bags to be processed into plastic pellets for new products. Launched in January 2024, the pilot has seen strong customer uptake, with bins filling faster than expected, and the OpCo plans to expand it to other bag types. The initiative demonstrates how employee-driven ideas can reduce waste, support circularity and deliver added value for customers
It’s always gratifying when our teams’ efforts and commitment to sustainability are recognised externally. Skretting Italy’s journey towards sustainable packaging has been ongoing for years, with the OpCo introducing several measures to reduce the use of virgin plastic and increase the share of recycled material. These efforts earned them recognition by Italy’s National Packaging Consortium, CONAI, in 2025. The Ecopack award celebrates companies that develop innovative, eco-friendly packaging solutions designed to reduce environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.
Looking ahead in 2026 and beyond
In coming years, we will continue collaborating with suppliers to identify alternatives for all packaging that is not yet recyclable. We will also focus on reducing material use by changing specifications, expanding the use of multi-trip (reusable) packaging, and increasing recycled content where feasible. Through other initiatives – such as re-using wooden pallets and shifting from packed to bulk deliveries – we will further strengthen the sustainability of our overall packaging portfolio.