Sustainability is no longer a nice bonus that some companies can boast about committing to. Sustainability practices and initiatives are a necessity for any company hoping to succeed in the near future. Consumers are more likely to embrace and invest in products and businesses that make tangible efforts to be sustainable. Therefore, companies that welcome this shift and who are willing to change their business practices to reflect the wants and needs of this new era are the ones who will succeed.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the businesses that are pioneering the circular economy. Circularity occurs when waste is eliminated and resources are used continuously. As sustainability becomes more and more of a pressing concern, companies everywhere are attempting to achieve circularity. This can come in many forms. Some businesses are buying back their own products and upcycling them. Some are trialing environmental initiatives to help offset damage caused by the industry. Either way, businesses are getting creative with how they’re contributing to the future of our society.
Mars and The World’s Largest Coral Restoration Project
Mars’ petcare brand – Sheba – has recently unveiled pictures of the Sheba Hope Reef. These are the beginnings of what is set to be the world’s largest coral reef restoration program. Partnering with The Nature Conservancy, the reef is ultimately supposed to encompass nearly 200,000 square meters off the coast of Indonesia by the end of this decade. Mars is funding the project directly as well as encouraging consumers to donate to the initiative.
As of recently, the project is going well. Mars’ chief marine scientist even expressed sincere hope for the future of the world’s oceans. Since the project’s inception, the reef has grown substantially. Not only that, but it has also provided sanctuary for migratory species and helped improve biodiversity. In turn, this has led to increased food security and job opportunities for those living there. Due to the success of this endeavour, Mars plans to expand this project to other reefs around the world.
Nestle’s Pea Milk
You’ve heard about oat milk, now get ready for… pea milk. Wunda is Nestle’s plant-based alternative to cow’s milk. This attempts to rival the likes of Oatly’s immensely popular oat milk. But the reason why Wunda is revolutionary is that it’s supposed to be versatile enough to mimic every use of regular milk. This is opposed to other plant-based replacements which haven’t been able to so far. The differing properties of soya milk, almond milk, and oat milk mean that up until now, there hasn’t been a single one that can serve every purpose that normal milk has. But Wunda is meant to change that. Whether for use in a bowl of cereal, baking, soups, or to froth up for a latte, Nestle claims that this product is suitable. Additionally, this milk alternative is reportedly healthier than other alternatives, being rich in protein and fiber.
PepsiCo’s Sustainable Food System
“To put it simply, the modern food system is no longer fit for purpose,” said PepsiCo’s CEO, Ramon Laguarta. In the company’s 2018 sustainability report, PepsiCo outlined the need to large companies such as themselves to take responsibility for the waste they produce and address the challenges that the environment faces. Since then, they’ve been championing the circular economy, reducing single-use plastics, boosting alternative packaging materials, and striving to replenish 100% of the water they use in high-risk areas.
Furthermore, last year PepsiCo committed to 100% renewable electricity in the U.S. by the end of 2020, as well as 100% renewable electricity across all global operations by the end of 2040. It also exceeded its safe water goal five years ahead of schedule, delivering safe, potable drinking water to more than 40 million people worldwide. Now, the company’s next target is 100 million people by 2030.
To find out how you can work to implement more sustainable practices into your business, get in touch with us at Proco Global. We can help you find the best individuals to help design and implement your vision of the circular future.
To read the previous article in this series, click here. Our next piece, regarding digitalisation in the food and beverage industry, will be available to read soon.
