4.4 Packaging

In our RoadMap 2025, we have set circularity goals for packaging. By 2025, our ambition is to make 100% of our packaging either recyclable, reusable or compostable. This ambition is not a global RoadMap 2025 target for Nutreco, but relevant for markets and geographies where conditions and demand exist. The first step in this journey has been to assess where we currently stand. Over the past year, we have created a database containing relevant aspects such as the materials, weight and composition of our packaging.

Our ambition is to make 100% of our packaging either recyclable, reusable or compostable.

Feed bags are our main form of packaging. We split these up into three categories: paper bags, polyethylene bags and polypropylene woven bags. Each has its own set of unique challenges with regards to transitioning towards circular packaging.

The first aspect we evaluated was recyclability. Packaging composed of a single material (“mono- material packaging”), is preferred in the recycling waste stream as it requires the least amount of sorting and processing. Using protocols developed by industry experts, such as CEFLEX, we performed a self-assessment. CEFLEX is a collaboration of over 180 European companies, associations and organisations representing the entire value chain of flexible packaging.

We found that over the past three years, we have achieved a gradual increase towards more recyclable packaging. The majority, category A and B in the following chart, already has excellent value in the recycling waste stream. Our assessment identified the most problematic packaging, categorized in D and F. This segment (15%) is considered not recyclable. Moving forward, we are looking to replace this segment with suitable alternatives and improve on this baseline.

Our database also allows us to make comparisons between Nutreco businesses, which has given us valuable insights into which use lighter and generally better packaging solutions for their products.

Circularity is not only important for our outbound packaging, but also for the inbound packaging that accumulates at our plants. Weare taking first steps in this area. For example, starting in 2022, Trouw Nutrition Deventer will collect its label backing paper separately. Some 200,000 square metres of this special type of paper will be recycled by a company specialised in this waste stream. Going forward, we will continue to look for better ways to manage our inbound packaging.

Case study:

Compostable bags at Skretting Chile

Skretting’s operations in Chile have taken the lead in exploring new developments in packaging to reduce plastic use and minimise impacts on the environment. Working with a commercial partner, the team evaluated pallets of feed packaged in a novel compostable material. They found this new format of bags to be perfectly aligned with our RoadMap 2025 targets to also satisfy a customer’s request to develop new packaging solutions for their feed packaging.

The compostable bag is made from a degradable biopolymer that breaks down in as little as four months under ideal composting conditions. This packaging has already been validated in the manufacturing plant for small feed bags and Skretting Chile is now scaling up the project to review additional parameters and evaluate longevity in storage, temperature sensitivity and safety. 

This project provides clear evidence of Skretting’s strong focus on finding comprehensive solutions to address the industry’s use of plastics and support both our own sustainability initiatives and those of our customers. 

Skretting Chile is working on similar customer trials to scale this initiative during 2022.

Chapters:

4.1 Climate and footprinting
4.2 Natural resources
4.3 Novel ingredients
4.4 Packaging
4.5 Waste and water