McCormick launches 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic packaging

        McCormick, a Hunt Valley, Maryland-based food company, and Berry Global, an Evansville, Indiana-based packaging company, have committed to sustainable packaging and emissions reduction goals. The collaboration leverages Berry’s expertise and mechanically recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET), and the new McCormick food bottles in various colors and neons are made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic and will begin appearing on shelves in North America this month.

         McCormick said both McCormick and Berry Global have set 2025 sustainable packaging targets and emissions reduction targets to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, in support of the global goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. By switching to bottles made from 100% PCR plastic, McCormick said it is increasing the circularity of its packaging while reducing associated CO2 emissions. Its purpose-driven 2021 performance report details a series of commitments and clear performance targets for 2025 and beyond, aligned with the global UN Sustainable Development Goals - strengthening commitments to sustainable sourcing and raw material sourcing, and limiting environmental impact.

         “Deadlines to achieve sustainability goals are fast approaching, and brands are looking to partners who can provide effective, impactful ways to quickly deliver on these commitments.” Robert Flores, vice president of sustainability at Berry Global, said: “Berry’s sustainability expertise, along with its recycled content, provides the ability to commercialize sustainable packaging solutions with a lower carbon footprint.”

         McCormick said a life cycle assessment estimated that the new PCR bottle would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 86.8 metric tons compared to the same bottle made from virgin materials. This equates to a 59% reduction in CO2 emissions, equivalent to: the greenhouse gas emissions of driving 18.7 gasoline-powered passenger cars per year; the CO2 emissions of consuming 201 barrels of oil; and the carbon sequestered in 103 acres of U.S. forest in one year.

        “By partnering with key suppliers like Berry, we have access to valuable recycled materials. This 100% PCR bottle furthers our journey toward our emissions reduction goals through packaging,” said Michael Okoroafor, Chief Sustainability Officer at McCormick.

        McCormick said Berry Global will continue to leverage its scale to acquire more than 600 million pounds of recycled PCR plastic by 2025 that customers like McCormick need to meet sustainable packaging goals. Through recycling advancements and the use of responsibly sourced, renewable-resourced bioplastics, Berry aims to decouple packaging solutions from the fossil fuels that make virgin plastics.