The US-based standardized labeling system educates consumers on how to recycle packaging correctly, with on-pack recyclability information.
Sustainable Packaging Coalition
Nelson Switzer, chief sustainability officer, Nestlé Waters North America, said it is inspired by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition for developing How2Recycle and joined the movement to empower others to recycle plastic bottles.
The company produces bottled waters and beverages including Poland Spring, Deer Park, Nestlé Pure Life, Perrier, San Pellegrino, and NESTEA, and will be using the How2Recycle label on products in stores across North America.
“Recovering plastic bottles that deliver beverages to consumers is one of our highest priorities because failing to do so means plastic ends up in landfills, natural areas and our oceans. This is not acceptable and we are committed to doing our part to solve the problem,” said Switzer.
Kelly Cramer, who leads the How2Recycle program at the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, added accurate on-package recycling labels are critical in helping consumers know how to recycle more, and better.
60 brandowners
The program currently has more than 60 brandowner members that represent over $295bn in sales revenue in North America. The label tells consumers how to recycle each component of a package, and how they may need to prepare the material for recycling, such as replacing caps on plastic bottles.
Unilever, which produces brands such as Degree, Hellmann’s, Dove, and Ben & Jerry’s, will also become a member.
“We are excited to join the How2Recycle program. This is an important education initiative to help make package recycling easier for consumers,” said Jonathan Atwood, VP, Sustainable Business and Communications, Unilever North America.
Dave Stangis, VP, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Campbell, said Campbell’s Plum brand has been using the label for several years, and now Campbell has joined as an enterprise to support the efforts of How2Recycle as part of its sustainability efforts.
Following the announcement, PepsiCo whose portfolio includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana, among others, reiterated its support for the program, which is already in use on a range of its products.
Roberta Barbieri, VP, Global Water and Environmental Solutions, PepsiCo, said it is working towards a broader roll-out within the PepsiCo portfolio of brands.
“This approach is part of PepsiCo's Performance with Purpose vision to deliver top-tier financial performance over the long-term by integrating sustainability into our business strategy,” she said.