Every year the UK generates more than two million metric tons of plastic packaging waste. This equates to roughly around 36kg of waste per person.
We’re all trying to lessen the impact we have on the environment. A study by Aviva found that more than half of UK adults say they are more environmentally conscious than they were pre-pandemic.
One of the most prominent issues we face in our quest to help the planet is plastic. Whether it’s disposable coffee cups or the packaging our food comes in, we’re unlikely go a day without using it.
The Government are cracking down on this problem, and from April 1st a new bill will be coming into effect called Plastic Packaging Tax. Businesses will have to pay tax for any plastic packaging made in the UK or imported which does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic.
Businesses will need to act swiftly and adapt their plastic suppliers in order to avoid having to pay heavy tax bills on their products.
But today, we wanted to highlight those brands who are ahead of their curve and are already using sustainable packaging for their business needs.
Nu+ was founded in 2016 by three industrial engineers – Christian Fenner, Thomas Stoffels and Mathias Tholey. Their goal was to create a chocolate bar that was a healthier alternative for both the consumer and the planet. The vegan bars are made from nuts, seeds and acerola cherries and sweetened with a pinch of coconut blossom sugar.
It’s not just the chocolate that has been created with sustainability in mind. It is packaged in compostable cellulose film, meaning it’s completely plastic free. The business has also pledged to plant one tree for every bar sold with their partner Eden Reforestation. This initiative has helped plant mangrove trees in Madagascar, helping to prevent land from being eroded and washing into the ocean. With one mangrove sequestering 308.3 kg of CO2 over a life span of 25 years, the positive impact is huge.
Certified B Corporation Kencko was founded by Tomas Froes and Ricardo Vice Santos. It offers premade smoothie mixes that help people get their recommended fruit and vegetable intake. You don’t have to worry about any artificial additives either, as the only ingredients are organic plants and water.
The single-serving smoothies come in packets that are made from a plant-based film that is compostable after use, meaning it doesn’t create harmful microplastic residues. The inner boxes are also made from sugar fiber, and their outer boxes are made from 100% recycled paper, so no new trees are cut down to make the packaging.
Based in Sweden, Oumph’s range includes the classic burger, smoked BBQ chunks and the spiced kebab. But unlike the names suggest, they’re all 100% plant-based and created using soybeans. In comparison to their meat counterparts, they are touted as having a climate impact so low they can be eaten every day.
At the start of this year, Oumph announced they are phasing out plastic packaging in favor for recyclable cardboard packaging. Not only does it make for easier stacking in the freezer, but it is also limiting the environmental impact.
Founded in 2005, Seed and Bean’s goal was to create an ethical range of confectionary using organic ingredients and small-scale suppliers. With a vast array of 18 different flavours ranging from coconut and raspberry to lemon and cardamom there’s something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
Wrapped in 100% compostable foil, Seed and Bean was the first UK chocolate brand to have fully compostable packaging. Made from NatureFlex, a flexible cellulose film made from eucalyptus wood pulp, they’re a brand that is at the forefront of the zero-plastic movement.
If you’re a sustainable brand in need of a PR strategy, please get in touch today to see how our team of experts can help you achieve your goals.
