Berry Global advances sustainability timeline

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Evansville-based Berry Global Group Inc. (NYSE: BERY) has announced plans to speed-up sustainability initiatives ahead of its original schedule. The plastics maker says it will use 30% “circular” recycled plastic for its consumer goods packaging by 2030.

The company says it’s their most ambitious sustainable packaging goal to date. Circular plastics include recycled and renewable resins like bioplastics.

Berry says as it moves away from its reliance on virgin plastic, its new 30 by 30 goal surpasses its previous goal to use 10% post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin by 2025.

“Many of our customers around the world are moving from setting ambitious sustainability goals to taking meaningful action,” said Tom Salmon, chairman and chief executive officer of Berry Global. “Nothing is more important to us than helping our customers meet growing sustainability demand trends by accelerating the industry’s move toward a circular economy where reuse, recovery, and recycling are maximized.”

Salmon says giving natural resources “multiple lives” is critical to transitioning to a net-zero economy.

The company says the lack of recycling infrastructure is one of the most significant barriers to accessing enough recycled and bio-based renewable materials to deliver on its sustainable packaging goals.

Berry says it is partnering with multiple organizations to achieve its goals, including the World Wildlife Fund. The organization’s Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance supports sourcing plastics made from plant material.

“Biobased plastic—if sourced responsibly—can play an essential role in building circularity by decoupling from fossil fuels to address our new plastic needs,” said Erin Simon, head of Plastic Waste and Business at WWF. “Corporate leadership is critical to advancing our knowledge and development of responsibly-sourced biobased plastic, and we welcome the valuable perspective that Berry Global will add to the BFA.”