Ferrero aims to make plastic fantastic

The Ferrero Group has now become a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, taking part in the New Plastics Economy Initiative (NPEC) and joining a group of leading businesses from across the entire plastics value chain, all committed to a common vision of a “circular economy” for plastic, in which the material never becomes waste or pollution. A Ferrero spokesperson said that becoming a participant organisation of the New Plastics Economy initiative marks an important step in the Group’s work towards making 100 per cent of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.

Key to the New Plastics Economy initiative are cross-value chain collaborations between businesses, aimed at developing at-scale solutions. Ferrero will play an active role in the New Plastics Economy Initiative, working on shared R&D and innovation projects, including efforts to continue driving the transition to a circular economy for plastic.

Ferrero has also joined the 4evergreen alliance, which aims to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy to minimise climate and environmental impact. Through the 4evergreen alliance, Ferrero says it will engage and connect with industry members from across the fibre-based packaging value chain, from paper and board producers to packaging converters, brand-owners and retailers, technology and material suppliers, waste sorters and collectors.

“We’re pleased with our latest progress in the UK,” said Levi Boorer, Customer Development Director at Ferrero UK. “As one of the world’s leading confectionery companies, we’re committed to finding long-term sustainable solutions for packaging and playing our role in tackling this global issue as we know it is not a simple matter of being plastic or plastic-free.

“Each product we make requires a specific packaging approach and a careful selection of materials with the dual aim of maintaining product quality and food safety while minimising the environmental carbon impact.”