Clif Bar Invests in University of California’s First Organic Research Institute
Photo: Pexels
Originally Appeared in Presence Marketing News, February 2020
By Steven Hoffman
With a $1 million endowment from Clif Bar & Company and University of California (UC) President Janet Napolitano, the university will establish the system’s first-ever institute for organic research and education. The California Organic Institute will accelerate the development and adoption of tools and practices for organic farmers and those transitioning to organic by building on the capabilities of the UC Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources’ (UC ANR) Cooperative Extension and Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the university said in a release. “California's organic farmers already benefit from UC ANR's pest management, irrigation and crop production research, and this partnership with Clif Bar will give UC more capacity to focus on challenges specific to organic farming,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president of agriculture and natural resources in the release. “The California Organic Institute will serve many of the organic producers we depend on for ingredients like almonds and figs, as well as farmers outside our supply chain,” added Lynn Ineson, VP of Sustainable Sourcing for Clif Bar. “We recognize that the future of our food company depends on the ecological and economic success of organic and transitioning farmers.” According to UC ANR, California has the most organic farms in the U.S., with 3,000 certified organic farms in the state representing 21% of all certified organic acreage in the U.S.
Plant-based Foods Are Hot, Getting Hotter
Photo: Pexels
Originally Appeared in Presence Marketing News, February 2020
By Steven Hoffman
The growth of plant-based foods will continue to skyrocket into the new decade, resulting in a continued decline in traditional meat and dairy products, reports Forbes Magazine. The article cites SPINS data commissioned by The Good Food Institute showing that retail sales of plant-based foods in the U.S. increased 31% over the two-year period ending July 2019 to reach nearly $4.5 billion. According to Forbes, plant-based milk is driving the category with total dollar sales of $1.86 billion in April 2019; plant-based meat alternatives totaled $801 million, followed by ready to drink beverages at $103 million. According to Forbes, investment bank UBS predicts that U.S. sales of plant-based protein and meat alternatives will grow from $4.6 billion in 2018 to $85 billion in 2030, and sales of plant-based dairy alternatives could reach $27.5 billion by 2025. Forbes noted that U.S. chocolate company Hershey recently launched two plant-based jerky varieties under the Krave brand, a meat snacks company it acquired for $200 million in 2015.
Customers Name Seven NCG Co-ops as their States’ Top Independent Grocers
Photo: Pexels
Originally Appeared in Presence Marketing News, February 2020
By Steven Hoffman
Using data from Yelp and Google Trends, market research firm 24/7 Tempo recently released a ranking of top supermarkets and grocery stores in each state. In seven U.S. states, customers ranked retail food co-ops, all members of the National Co+op Grocers Association (NCG), as their favorite independent grocery stores, reports the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA). “Unlike corporate grocery chains, food co-ops are totally independent and owned by the community members who shop there. Instead of focusing on investors, food co-ops focus on providing fresh, healthy food for shoppers, creating sustainable jobs for employees, building a strong regional food system for everyone, and giving back to their community,” said C.E. Pugh, CEO of NCG, told NCBA. “It’s no surprise that so many shoppers appreciate the value of their community-owned food co-op, but few industries are as competitive as the grocery business, so that makes us especially proud of our member co-ops achieving these hard-earned rankings. It’s a true testament to our co-ops working diligently to serve their members and communities, and toward the day when everyone has the fresh, healthy food they deserve,” she added. Customers voted the following seven retail food co-ops as their favorite independent grocery store.
• Alaska: Co-op Market Grocery & Deli, Fairbanks
• Maine: Portland Food Co-op, Portland
• Nevada: Great Basin Community Food Co-op, Reno
• New Mexico: Mountain View Market, Las Cruces
• North Carolina: Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market, Wilmington
• Tennessee: Three Rivers Market, Knoxville
• Vermont: City Market/Onion River Co-op, Burlington
Naturally Bay Area Entrepreneurs Gather for Natural Products Pitch Slam Showdown
Naturally Bay Area’s Premier Industry Event Showcases Top Finalists Competing for More Than $30K in Prizes, Plus a Powerhouse Panel of Special Guests and Judges for its 2nd Annual Pitch Slam Competition and Celebration, Held During the Winter Fancy Food Trade Show, January 19, 2020, in San Francisco, CA
SAN FRANCISCO, CA (January 9, 2020) – Naturally Bay Area, a vibrant and thriving business community comprised of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and leading brands in the natural and organic products industry, is proud to announce its all-star panel of judges, presenting finalists and keynote speakers for the organization’s premier event of the year, The 2nd Annual Naturally Bay Area Pitch Slam. The event, held in conjunction with the Winter Fancy Food Show on Sunday, January 19, 2020, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Mission Bay Conference Center, San Francisco, CA, will provide a unique evening for networking and mingling with A-list industry leaders.
Hundreds of natural products entrepreneurs will gather to cheer on the Pitch Slam finalists who will share their companies' innovations and brand strategies. Each competitor in the Naturally Bay Area Pitch Slam are founders of emerging local, natural and organic brands that are creating unique better-for-you food, beverage and personal care products and services.
Pitch Slam Finalists
There are six Naturally Bay Area Pitch Slam finalists who will participate in this year’s Pitch Slam competition. Each Pitch Slam finalist will present a timed business pitch to a panel of select expert judges who will vote for the final top-three winners. The six finalists include: A Dozen Cousins, Bread SRSLY, Down to Cook, Dr Hops Kombucha, Outlaw Soaps, and Renewal Mill.
Pitch Slam Judges
Naturally Bay Area has identified a select group of industry experts who will serve as the Pitch Slam panel of judges. Each judge will have an opportunity to ask questions, sample the products and vote on the winners. The powerhouse panel of judges includes:
Kevin Cleary: Principal, Big Rock Growth Advisors (Former President/ CEO, Clif Bar & Company)
Kevin is a results-driven, people leader with a successful track record at private and public companies. His focus on vision and strategy is brought to life by successfully aligning all executional elements throughout an organization. Currently, as Principal at Big Rock Growth Advisors LLC, he helps CEOs and companies drive and manage growth, while developing healthy cultures to ensure long-term success. Much of his advisory work is in leading organizations through the strategic planning process while also helping them create highly effective C-Suite teams.
Aditi Dash: Partner, CircleUp Growth Partners
Aditi is an investor and operator with a passion for food and tech consumer goods. At CircleUp Growth Partners, Aditi applies her applied experience in investing, operations, product innovation, tech, B2C, growth equity, and capital raising to help emerging brands scale with purpose.
Danny Rubenstein: Managing Partner, Mista
Danny brings a unique combination of skills, abilities, and relationships to MISTA and its members. He’s held every C-Suite role, and he has served as a board member, investor, and advisor for startups and early-stage companies multiple times over. Add in his big CPG company background and experience, and you have a mind that’s able to switch gears easily between where you are and where you want to be, and can help develop a strategic path between them.
Robyn Rutledge: Founder & CEO, SBG Growth
Robyn’s nearly two decade-long career in finance and investing has been concentrated in the consumer industry, with a focus on food, beverage, and wellness-oriented companies. Robyn is the Founder & CEO of SBG Growth, a consumer-focused investment and advisory business. Robyn also currently advises investment firms, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders on the consumer market landscape. Prior to launching SBG Growth, Robyn spent close to a decade with TSG Consumer Partners, a leading investment firm. She was also a member of the investment team at Thoma Cressey and prior to that, worked in M&A at Goldman Sachs in New York.
Patrick Wyman: Local Forager, Whole Foods Market Northern California and Reno
Patrick has 28 years of experience in the natural foods industry, and 18 with Whole Foods Market. He started with the company in a store support role for the grocery department, moved through grocery leadership, and now oversees the Northern California region’s local purchasing program and local vendor partnerships. In his current role, Patrick helps guide vendors through the logistics of bringing a product to market including topics like packaging, distribution, financing, and compliance with company and governmental standards.
Keynote Speakers & Fireside Chat
Prior to the showdown, attendees will hear insight from two successful women entrepreneurs, Lisa Curtis, the Founder and CEO of Kuli Kuli and Miyoko Schinner, CEO/Founder of Miyoko's Creamery. Lisa will serve as this year’s Host and Master of Ceremony. Miyoko will present the evening’s Keynote presentation and provide her insightful entrepreneurial story leading up to the successful evolution of Miyoko’s dairy-free, plant-based cheese brand and how it competes in the fastest growing category.
In addition, before the Pitch Slam winners are announced, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a fireside chat with Wayne Wu, Partner at VMG Partners. Wayne will interview Elizabeth Giannuzzi, CEO & Co-Founder of Siren Snacks and 1st Annual first place Pitch Slam winner, and Hector Saldivar, Founder of Tia Lupita Foods and second place winner.
Ticket Information
Join the fun: Mingle, Cheer, Learn, and Eat & Drink. Reserve your seat now to make sure you have a spot for the premier event of the year – we will sell out! Tickets: Members, $49. Non-members, $69. Click here for tickets today!
About The Pitch Slam
Natural product companies based in Northern California were invited to compete and pitch amongst a wide selection of brands in the Bay Area. The Naturally Bay Area team narrowed the selection down to six finalists who will compete for prize packages valued at over $30,000, including:
$5,000 cash, courtesy of Aspect Consumer Partners
10'x10' booth at 2020 Natural Products Expo East (the world’s largest natural products trade show on the East Coast), courtesy of New Hope Network
A guaranteed spot to pitch at the 2020 Natural Products Expo East Pitch Slam, courtesy of New Hope Network
A suite of professional services including financial/legal advice, marketing, strategy consulting, and more.
2020 Pitch Slam Competition Sponsors
Aspect Consumer Partners, New Hope Network, Whole Foods, and Compass Natural Marketing.
About Naturally Bay Area
Naturally Bay Area is dedicated to building and fostering a community that nurtures conscious growth, leadership and innovation in the Bay Area natural products industry. Founded in 2018 as a 501c6 non-profit organization, it now has over five hundred members compromised of entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and emerging and leading brands. Naturally Bay Area provides access to cutting-edge business education events and programs, opportunities for meaningful connections and networking, and special celebrations.
Naturally Bay Area is a part of Naturally Network, which supports a national ecosystem to galvanize and grow the natural and organic products industry. Naturally Network serves those who wish to create a more conscious and regenerative economy and culture through the power of business. Our collective goal is to manifest meaningful change for our industry, our society, and our planet.
Visit naturallybayarea.org, LinkedIn or Facebook for more information. For member or sponsor information, please contact us at info@naturallybayarea.org.
Naturally Bay Area Sponsors
Naturally Bay Area is proud to have Premier, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze-level Sponsors. Premier Sponsors include Aspect Consumer Partners, BPM LLP, Clif Bar & Company, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, GABY, Mind the Font, Mista/Givaudan, Navitas Organics, New Hope Network, Propeller Industries, and The Burbank Hafeli Schiller Group. For a complete list of Sponsors, visit here.
Contact
Vanessa Toy, Naturally Bay Area, vanessa@cultivatecreations.com
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural Marketing, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
# # #
BeyondBrands® Brings Innovation to Winter Fancy Food Show with National Retail Launch for Three Conscious Product Innovations: Cool Beans, mood33, & Petal
Innovative Food & Beverage Accelerator Represents Leading Brands, Recruits New Talent and Invites Brands to Join the Conversation at National Trade Show, Booth #5745, January 19 - 21, Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
San Francisco, CA (January 16, 2020) – BeyondBrands® is gearing up for a successful and busy Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco and is excited to announce the national retail launch of three innovative consumer packaged goods products: Cool Beans, mood33 and Petal. BeyondBrands, known for their high-level CPG experience and upper-level sales strategies to create, lead and deliver results for emerging brands in the marketplace will showcase these three up and coming brands at the World Finer Foods Booth #5745, North Hall, Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA, January 19-21, 2020.
Cool Beans
Global flavors, vegan and gluten-free? Yes, yes, and yes. Full of plant protein, fiber and nutrients, Cool Beans frozen wraps draw flavor inspiration from around the globe, serving up satisfying, portable eating for vegans, flexitarians or those who simply want to try something new. Plus, they’re easy to make. Just microwave and enjoy.
mood33
mood33™ brings the synergistic superpowers of all the beneficial hemp plant nutrients in a convenient, natural beverage. These herbal teas are mindfully sweetened to create six fruit-forward flavors, whether it’s Joy, Peace, Calm, Energy, Passion or Wellbeing. mood33 herbal teas are blended with flavorful botanicals that are carefully selected to harmonize with full-spectrum hemp extract.
Petal
Petal creates unique beverages using the finest natural extracts and essences, with just enough organic sweetness and plenty of sparkles. Their approach is botanical alchemy – an intuitive process that tunes in to the flavorful power of each ingredient by blending florals, fruits and herbs into the perfect refreshment. Petal comes packed with powerful antioxidants in six flavors: Original Rose, Mint Rose, Lychee Rose, Elderberry White Tea Flower, Peach Marigold, and Lemongrass Dandelion.
BeyondBrands is Growing
BeyondBrands is seeking more talent! They are looking for seasoned CPG experts in the Natural Products Industry to join its Conscious Collective. Inquiries can be made by emailing namaste@beyondbrands.org.
BeyondBrands partners are currently booking appointments with companies attending the Fancy Food Show. Interested in discussing a potential partnership? Learn how BeyondBrands suite of capabilities can position your natural products brand for success in the upcoming year by scheduling an in-person meeting, by emailing namaste@beyondbrands.org. For a complete list of BeyondBrand's capabilities, click HERE.
About BeyondBrands
Assembled by Steaz & Good Catch Co-founder Eric Schnell, and Under the Canopy and Institute for Integrative Nutrition Co-founder Marci Zaroff, a team of 20+ senior-level natural lifestyle and eco-conscious experts are Co-Creating the future model of full-service executive-level consulting including brand incubation and acceleration through the agency's networks and affiliates. This Conscious Products Collective – comprised of specialists from the most respected natural and organic food, beverage, fashion, beauty and nutraceutical companies, to the most recognized consumer brands in the world – passionately and collaboratively delivers 360-degree consulting and outsourced management services for its clients. Visit www.beyondbrands.org.
About the Specialty Food Association
Founded in 1952 in New York City, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) is the leading advocate for the $148.7 billion specialty food industry. Representing makers, importers, entrepreneurs, retailers, distributors and others in the trade, the SFA aims to champion, nurture and connect its members to deliver traditional and innovative new products to consumers that expand consumption of specialty foods. With over 3,800 member companies, the Association helps its members through providing information, research, educational events, and celebrating the industry through its awards programs. The SFA is known for hosting the Winter and Summer Fancy Food Shows, and presents the sofi™ Awards honoring excellence in specialty food. Learn more at specialtyfood.com.
Media Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, 303.807.1042, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
# # #
Cool Beans™ Plant-Based Gluten Free Wraps Sizzle into the New Year with National Product Launch at Winter Fancy Food Show, January 19-21, 2020, San Francisco, CA
Innovative Healthy Frozen Food Brand Delivers on Protein and Flavor from Globally-Inspired Recipes, While Meeting Growing Demand for Clean, Balanced, Plant-Based Portable Eating
Chicago, IL (January 14, 2020) – Cool Beans, the latest innovation in the fast growing plant-based food category, is pleased to announce the launch of its three new wraps at this month’s Winter Fancy Food Show, being held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA, Jan. 19-21, 2020. Trade Show attendees will have the opportunity to sample new Cool Beans plant-based wrap flavors including Moroccan Gold, Spicy Chipotle and Tikka Masala at the World Finer Foods Booth #5745.
The three new wraps include:
Moroccan Gold – Inspired by outdoor spice markets, this wrap weaves a unique tapestry of bold flavors and distinctive texture.
Spicy Chipotle – Like the heat of the Mexican sun, this wrap offers bold flavor thanks to a mix of veggies and a kick of poblano chili peppers.
Tikka Masala – A nod to India’s diverse culture, this wrap blends traditional Indian-style spices and coconut milk for a rich and aromatic flavor that’s sweet meets peppery.
Rooted in Whole Food Goodness
Cool Beans blends together the mightiest nutritional legumes with globally inspired recipes that result in clean, balanced food that’s good for you and your karma! Cool Beans’ mission is to help people choose the healthiest whole food, plant-based options while also reducing the amount of meat in their diet.
Vegetarian since childhood, Cool Beans Co-Founder & CEO Eric Schnell sees three major factors driving consumers’ long-term migration away from diets centered around animal products to more plant-based diets: “Whether for personal health, environmental reasons or animal welfare, more consumers are opting for plant-based foods as a long-term conscious choice,” says Schnell.
Because the migration is being driven by such a powerful consumer sentiment and is multi-generational, Schnell sees a large-scale opportunity for Cool Beans to be sold through natural, conventional, C-stores, colleges & universities and more. Schnell adds, “Vegan choices are no longer a category niche and we are excited to be entering the market at this time. We believe our brand is a natural fit and cost-effective solution for an easy-to-prepare meal that nourishes the mind and body.”
World Finer Foods
All Cool Beans wrap varieties are packed with bean power and made with plant-based protein and nutrients that won’t weigh you down. That’s why World Finer Foods supports the efforts Cool Beans is making to create a product that is not only better-for-you, but one that is environmentally friendly. World Finer Foods, a leader for building brands from around the globe, plans to distribute and market Cool Beans throughout the country.
“We celebrate our growth into the vastly changed and increasingly-important Frozen Food category with the launch of Cool Beans, a brand that delivers a unique and convenient new innovation in plant-based foods,” said World Finer Foods CEO Susan Guerin. “We are proud to leverage our expertise in the distribution of high-quality foods and stand at the forefront of Cool Beans’ journey to success as it enters this multi-billion-dollar industry.”
Ashley Koff Approved!
Cool Beans provides convenient, portable eating that consumers can feel good about whether vegan, flexitarian or in need of a delicious, satisfying gluten-free wrap. Ashley Koff, an award-winning dietitian, looks for products containing whole foods and minimally processed ingredients that deliver on a balance of nutrients. She says, “Not all plant-based products deliver better-for-you nutrition. However, after reviewing and tasting (lucky me!) Cool Beans, I am excited to give it my AKA stamp of ‘better nutrition’ and will be recommending these products to clients and my family to enjoy!”
About Cool Beans
Headquartered in Chicago, Cool Beans was founded in 2018, fueled by a passion to increase the availability of whole food, plant-based, gluten-free and convenient options in the supermarket. Backed by BeyondBrands and Co-Founder & CEO Eric Schnell, known for innovative conscious food and beverage brands including Good Catch Foods and Steaz Tea, Cool Beans is well positioned to meet rising consumer demand for plant-based foods.
Join the Cool Beans Conversation
@luvcoolbeans on Instagram
@eatcoolbeans on Twitter and Facebook
www.eatcoolbeans.com
Media Relations: April Siler, asiler@eatcoolbeans.com, tel 973.338.0300 x 189
# # #
Hemp in The New Year! Register Now for the 2nd Annual Colorado Winter Hemp Summit, January 16, 2020, Boulder Jewish Community Center, Boulder, CO
Hemp industry, community leaders and advocates are invited to a town hall-style summit to recap the hemp industry’s growth and share 2020 market projections and chart a course for future growth
2nd Annual Colorado Winter Hemp Summit
When: Thursday, January 16, 2020, 10 am – 5 pm
Where: Boulder Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg Ave., Boulder, CO 80303 (map)
Register HERE: Tickets are $99 each.
Boulder, CO (January 8, 2020) – Interested in learning more about the ever-changing hemp-derived products industry? The Colorado Hemp Company, producer of the 7th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo, is inviting hemp industry advocates, manufacturers, farmers and the community to its 2nd Annual Winter Hemp Summit on Thursday, January 16, 10 am – 5 pm, at the Boulder Jewish Community Center in Boulder, Colorado. Experts will discuss the state of the hemp industry in a town-hall style meeting and provide insight into hemp’s growth in the past year and what to expect in 2020. Keynote speakers will address hemp regulations and market projections to advancement and certification processes.
The Winter Hemp Summit is the run-up event to the 7th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo (NoCo 2020), scheduled for March 26-28, 2020, at the National Western Complex in Denver. Produced by the Colorado Hemp Company, as well, NoCo 2020 – the world’s largest gathering of hemp industry professionals under one roof – is expected to draw nearly 20,000 visitors. Setting the stage for this highly anticipated trade show and conference, the Winter Hemp Summit kicks off the New Year with the latest market research, forecasts, policy updates and news related to the 2020 growing and production season. View the sizzle reel HERE.
Notable Industry Speakers
The Winter Hemp Summit will feature industry experts including Patrick Goggin from Hoban Law Group; Hollis Glenn, Colorado Department of Agriculture; Wendy Mosher, New West Genetics; and Steven Taormina, NSF International. Their expertise will help clear the air on the FDA and USDA”s messaging, along with identifying opportunities for future growth in the industry.
“The Colorado Winter Hemp Summit is a premier event that kicks off the New Year with high level speakers and experts. We are encouraging everyone in the region to attend this event to help chart a course for the hemp industry,” says Morris Beegle, Producer of the Winter Hemp Summit and NoCo Hemp Expo. “The timing is now for the hemp industry to remain proactive on all fronts. The Winter Hemp Summit sets the stage for discussions about the opportunity to co-create an industry built on authenticity, transparency, entrepreneurship, innovation, diversity, equal opportunity and cooperation.”
Colorado Winter Hemp Summit 2020 Program Schedule
10:00 am – Doors Open & Registration
11:00 am – Welcome – Morris Beegle & Rick Trojan
11:10 am – 2019 Year in Review and 2020/2021 Looking Forward Policy/Lobbying: FDA, USDA, DEA – State & Federal Regulations
– Garrett Graff, Hoban Law Group
– Patrick Goggin, Hoban Law Group
– Shawn Hauser, Vicente Sederberg
– Cindy Sovine, Sovine Consulting
– Samantha Walsh, Tetra Public Relations – Moderator
12:15 pm – Colorado Hemp Advancement & Management Plan (CHAMP Overview)
– Brian Koontz, State of Colorado Department of Agriculture
– Adam Orens, MJ Policy Group
– Hollis Glenn, State of Colorado Department of Agriculture – Moderator
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Networking Luncheon
2:00 pm – The Business Challenges of Farming Hemp Genetics, Cultivation, Harvesting, Drying, Processing & Getting Contracts
– Joe Hickey, Halcyon Holdings
– Bill Billings, Colorado Hemp Project
– Wendy Mosher, New West Genetics
– Russell Orsborn, Bija Hemp
– Tim Gordon, Functional Remedies – Moderator
3:00 pm – The Path to Getting Hemp Products Certified Organic, Kosher and Other Certifications
– Steve Taormina, NSF International
– Rabbi Yehuda Goldman, EarthKosher
– Annie Brown, Rodale Institute
– Steve Hoffman, Compass Natural – Moderator
3:40 pm – Where the Market is at and Where is it Going Market/Investment Overview & Recap – Patrick Rea, Canopy Boulder
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Healthy Hempy Networking Happy Hour
Ticket & Event Information: Winter Hemp Summit & NoCo Hemp Expo
Tickets are on sale now for the 2nd Annual Winter Hemp Summit for $99.00 each. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit https://winterhempsummit.com/.
Register now and purchase tickets HERE for NoCo Hemp Expo, March 26-28, 2020.
For a complete list of sponsors and supporters visit the Winter Hemp Summit website.
About Colorado Hemp Company
The Colorado Hemp Company, producer of the 2nd Annual Winter Hemp Summit and the 7th Annual NoCo Hemp Expo (NoCo7), is a leading organization for the advancement and advocacy of hemp farming, processing, production, innovation, education, and legalization in the USA. The entire team is committed to researching and developing alternatives so that hemp can once again thrive, prosper, and help individuals and communities throughout America and around the globe.
Contact
Steven Hoffman, Compass Natural, 303.807.1042, steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com
Morris Beegle, Colorado Hemp Company, 970.541.0448, info@nocohempexpo.com
Packaging in 2020: Will CPG Companies Take the Lead on Plastic?
Originally Appeared in Presence Marketing News and New Hope Network’s Idea Xchange, January 2020
By Steven Hoffman
Presenting the theme, “Plastic Free by 2033,” Presence Marketing, in partnership with National Co+op Crocers (NCG), will host a panel on sustainable packaging solutions for natural products businesses at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA.
With its processing facilities and environment overwhelmed by handling nearly half the world’s waste for the past quarter century, China isn’t taking the U.S.’ recyclable waste anymore. And as costs skyrocket, many cities and municipalities across America have stopped plastic and paper recycling programs. As we enter the “post-recycling age,” according to retail innovation expert Piers Fawkes, consumers and businesses are becoming acutely aware that much of the amount of product packaging we generate ends up as waste that is choking landfills and the oceans.
Those of us in the natural products market may be more aware of these issues than much of the population, but as owners and operators of consumer products companies, we also are responsible for much of the single-use plastic packaging making its way into the environment.
Certainly, sustainable packaging is an issue that goes beyond natural products companies. As we enter a new decade, any industry using product packaging that is not recyclable, reusable, compostable or elsewise environmentally friendly is facing growing consumer backlash and the higher cost of creating and disposing of waste in what is being termed the circular economy.
Not all is gloom and doom, however. Innovation in sustainable consumer products packaging is happening, and a number of natural and organic products leaders, as well as some larger food and beverage and CPG corporations, are setting the pace. The good news is many businesses are taking action, from the emergence of dedicated bulk retail stores to TerraCycle’s Project Loop and Nestlé’s Institute of Packaging Sciences. Other manufacturers are investigating how to create sanitary single-serve containers without the waste. Shippers, too, are expanding the use of bio-based pallet wrap, corrugated bubble wrap, mushroom-based packaging, software to reduce waste, and more. And as the garbage piles up, sustainable packaging innovation comes not a moment too soon.
Here are some highlights from companies that have been in the news recently for taking action to reduce the impact their product packaging has on the environment.
TerraCycle and Loop – Claiming it is boldly re-inventing waste-free packaging, renowned recycling firm TerraCycle unveiled at the 2019 World Economic Forum in Davos a service called Loop, which it says is a new approach to the days when the milkman collected reusable empty bottles and replaced them with refilled ones. Instead of the milkman, however, the local UPS driver delivers products from companies such as Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestlé, PepsiCo and others in durable, non-disposable packaging designed for multiple reuse before ultimately being recycled. When the products are consumed, the UPS driver returns to pick up the used packaging and sends it back to Loop where it will be cleaned, refilled and resold once again. Since its launch with a few hundred products in a handful of cities, Loop has engaged more than 10,000 consumers and a number of large household brands, as well as leading natural products companies.
Nature’s Path – Organic food leader Nature’s Path has committed to making all of its packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025, and was a founding brand partner with Loop, the reusable packaging program that launched earlier this year. The company is exploring fully compostable packaging, including films that will keep its breakfast foods fresh. It also is working toward fully recyclable plastic packaging. “As part of our 2025 packaging commitment, we’re currently testing new packaging options such as reusable (LOOP) and compostable with the OSC2 Sustainable Packaging Collaborative in the U.S.,” said Manuel Gorrin, Sustainability Manager for Nature's Path. The company also increased pallet efficiency by 17% for its Que Pasa Tortilla Chips line, reducing the number of truck loads and carbon emissions by 20 metric tons, the company says.
Pete and Jerry’s Organics – To reduce the need for packaging, nationally known organic egg producer Pete and Jerry’s Organics debuted a reusable egg carton in December 2019 at Hanover Co-op stores in New Hampshire and Vermont. The cartons, which retail for $2.99, are made from recycled BPA-free plastic and are refillable from a display of loose eggs discounted from a standard dozen to allow consumers to compensate for the initial investment in reusable packaging, the company said. "Reusable cartons are a logical next step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, moving consumer behavior from recycling to reuse. We plan to expand this program in 2020 to reach even more consumers and amplify the program's impact with major retailers clamoring for this type of sustainable innovation," said Pete and Gerry's Organics CEO Jesse Laflamme.
Tom’s of Maine (Colgate-Palmolive) – After more than five years in development, the Colgate-Palmolive Co. announced it has finalized the design of what the company says is a “first-of-its-kind recyclable toothpaste tube.” The tube will debut in the U.S. this year under Colgate’s Tom’s of Maine brand. Roll-out to select international markets under the Colgate brand will follow. The company also says it plans to fully convert to recyclable tubes by 2025, when it says all of its products will be in 100% recyclable packaging.
Patagonia – In calling out the outdoor industry for its plastic problem – from product packaging to the plastic shrink wrap used to ship pallets to trade shows, the company used itself as a role model, and unveiled its own internal waste audit that it says can be used by manufacturers throughout the industry. “We shouldn't forget the pack-in, pack-out mentality we use in the backcountry when we hit the trade show floor,” the company said. "The trade show industry itself is large, complex and wasteful," Patagonia Environmental Analyst Tellez said. "Patagonia and the Plastic Impact Alliance can spearhead a theory of change to ensure meaningful, actionable impacts through collaboration–not just talk.”
Justin’s – Partnering with flexible packaging provider ProAmpac, Justin’s, maker of natural and organic nut butter products and snacks, began using a high-barrier pouch made with 25% post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. “Finding ways to make our packaging more sustainable has been a long-time goal and continues to be something we’re committed to,” said Justin’s Founder and CEO Justin Gold. “We’re beyond excited to take another step in more sustainable packaging solutions with them.”
Meow Meow Tweet – By its own admission a “teeny company,” Meow Meow Tweet founder Tara Pelletier developed a formula for deodorant she loved, but couldn’t abide by the multiple plastic component parts – most of which are not readily recyclable – in the hard plastic containers used to house most deodorant products. Why, she asked, should a product she’d use for a few weeks or months come in a plastic case that would be around longer than she’d be alive? Searching for an alternative, Pelletier settled on a company that made sturdy paper tubes. While her team needs to hand-fill each tube and margins are “paper thin” because the tubes cost 60 times as much as mass-produced plastic options, it’s worth it, she says, not just because it makes ethical sense but to help demonstrate to others that there are workable, functional, creative alternatives to the plastic that has infiltrated every aspect of modern commerce, National Geographic reported. In related news, learn how other personal care companies are tackling the plastic problem in this New Hope Network report.
Tetra Pak – Shelf-stable packaging leader Tetra Pak announced in December 2019 that it has become “the first company in the food and beverage industry to responsibly source fully traceable plant-based polymers” using sustainably produced sugarcane. “We see plant-based materials as playing a key role in achieving a low-carbon circular economy. In the future all polymers we use will either be made from plant-based materials or from post-consumption recycled food grades,” said Mario Abreu, VP of Sustainability for Tetra Pak.
Giant Eagle - Grocery chain Giant Eagle claims it is the first major grocery retailer to commit to removing single-use plastic from its stores by 2025. “We know it’s a lofty target, and will involve conversations with many partners, but we feel strongly that committing to anything less will only limit our potential success,” said Dan Donovan, Giant Eagle’s Senior Director of Corporate Communications. The company says it will begin moving away from the use of plastic bags, straws, single-serve fresh food containers and bottled beverages. In related news, in 2019, national fast-food restaurant chain KFC said that by 2025 all plastic-based, consumer-facing packaging will be “recoverable or reusable.” KFC said the move is part of a long-term plan to implement a more sustainable packaging strategy in its restaurants.
Carlsberg – International beer brand Carlsberg announced it is in the prototype phase in creating a sustainable, “bio-based,” fully recyclable paper beer bottle it calls the “Green Fibre Bottle.” The prototypes are being made from sustainably sourced wood fibers and either a recycled polymer film barrier or one made from bio-based polymers. The company says it has been working on the idea since 2015.
Procter & Gamble – Through its popular Head & Shoulders shampoo brand, P&G has launched what it says it the world’s first completely recyclable shampoo bottle. Teaming with recycling experts TerraCycle and SUEZ, P&G made the bottle with 25% recycled beach plastic. The company says it aims to make more than half a billion hair care bottles with 25% post-consumer recycled plastic. (That’s still a lot of plastic!)
Unilever – One of the world’s largest consumer products companies, Unilever, announced in October 2019 its commitment to reduce its use of virgin plastic by half, and a promise to help collect and process more plastic packaging than it sells. Cutting down on plastic is “the area that’s going to require the most innovation,” Richard Slater, Unilever’s head of research and development, told MSN News. Unilever currently generates 700,000 metric tons of plastic packaging each year, MSN News reports. (That, too, is a lot of plastic!)
Nestlé – Targeted among a number of CPG giants in a 2019 Greenpeace report as moving too slowly to phase out single-use plastic, Nestlé in 2019 established the Institute of Packaging Sciences to develop its own internal solutions rather than rely on suppliers, it said. The institute will focus on refillable or reusable packaging, simplified packaging materials, recycled packaging materials, high-performance paper and/or bio-based barriers, and compostable and biodegradable materials. Nestlé CEO Mark Schneider said, "Our vision is a world in which none of our packaging ends up in landfill or as litter. To achieve this, we introduce reusable packaging solutions and pioneer environmentally friendly packaging materials. Furthermore, we support the development of local recycling infrastructure and deposit schemes to help shape a waste-free world." According to Nestlé, it was able to develop recycled paper packaging for its Yes snack bars and for Nesquik All Natural cocoa powder in less than a year. “This ambitious timeline shows more progress toward sustainability is possible if sufficient resources and ambition are applied,” said Food Dive.
Amazon – Since introducing its Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP) program designed to reduce waste by providing consumers with easy-to-open packaging that also is 100% recyclable and shippable without the need for an additional box within a box, Amazon has expanded the program to include vendors. It has also taken other measures including using flexible, recyclable mailers for small items and optimizing box fit to avoid waste. However, adoption of the FFP program among vendors has been slow. Though time consuming, the FFP certification process can be worth it for sustainably minded brands selling on Amazon, advises digital marketing strategist Kevin Weiss in New Hope Network’s Idea Xchange.
Further Reading:
Coming Full Circle: Sustainable Retail in a Post-Recycling Age
By Piers Fawkes, founder and CEO of PSFK, Dec. 1, 2019
https://www.psfk.com/2019/12/sustainable-retail-circular-economy.html
10 Dynamo Sustainable Packaging Revelations of 2019
By Lisa McTigue Pierce, Packaging Digest, Dec. 11, 2019
https://www.packagingdigest.com/sustainable-packaging/10-dynamo-sustainable-packaging-revelations-of-2019-2019-12-11
2020 Will Be the Year Major Brands (Finally) Rethink Packaging
By MindBodyGreen, Dec. 8, 2019
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/pepsico-unilever-and-more-make-using-less-plastic-easier
The Top 5 Packaging Trends for 2020
By Nathan Dube, Industrial Packaging, Nov. 14, 2019
https://www.industrialpackaging.com/blog/the-top-5-packaging-trends-for-2020
Pay Attention to These 2020 Packaging Trends
By The Unique Group, Nov. 25, 2019
https://theuniquegroup.com/pay-attention-to-these-2020-packaging-trends/
Packaging Trends in 2020 for Food and Beverages
By Gaurav Jain, Entrepreneur Magazine, Dec. 18, 2019
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/344012
Why Reusable Food Packaging Has a Promising Future
By Jessi Devenyms, Food Dive, June 25, 2019
https://www.fooddive.com/news/why-reusable-food-packaging-has-a-promising-future/557119/
New Method Upcycles Plastic Waste to Valuable Products
By New Hope Network, Oct. 25, 2019
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
https://www.newhope.com/news/new-method-upcycles-plastic-waste-valuable-products-0
Eco-friendly Plastic: Hemp & Reclaimed Ocean Packaging
By A.J. Herrington, The Hemp Magazine, May 8, 2019
https://thehempmag.com/2019/05/eco-friendly-plastic-hemp-reclaimed-ocean-packaging/