Sustainability news and insights – December 2024Sustainability news and insights – December 2024

The sustainability puzzle: What do consumers really want? – report

The last year has given consumers much to worry about. From wars to heightened political tensions to lingering inflation, new reasons for unease have gained mindshare around the world. But these worries have barely dislodged a major issue in consumers’ consciousness: Concerns about sustainability remain high and are competing with cost of living, political and household finance worries. This comes at a time when many global CEOs are turning their attention to pressing matters such as disruptive AI technology, the need for growth, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Learn what’s resonating from this Bain & Company report.

Upcycled ingredients turn waste to wellness in the booming beverage market – article

Movements toward sustainability and clean eating challenge food and beverage brands to constantly improve, evolve and refine the products they put on grocery store shelves. 

One of the newest trends to take hold is the use of upcycled ingredients — viable food matter that’s left over after production and otherwise would have gone to waste. What makes upcycled ingredients particularly trend-worthy is that they address a range of consumer priorities, including environmental friendliness and food waste reduction. Including them in beverages, however, isn’t always easy. Read more here.

Upcycling and recycling at the heart of Microphyt’s sustainability commitment – article

Microphyt, a key player in natural microalgae-based ingredient production, is reinforcing its environmental commitment through concrete upcycling and recycling initiatives. The company believes that innovation should not only drive its products but also its resource management practices to minimize its environmental footprint.

For example, Microphyt takes a proactive approach to upcycling, continuously seeking ways to maximize product value and minimize waste. A prime example is the development of PhycoSi, an innovative ingredient created from a production by-product. Recycling is also central to Microphyt’s eco-friendly strategy, with sustainable resource management embedded throughout its production process. This includes water management, culture medium recycling and green solvent recovery. Read more here.

Sustainability trends are shaking up food production innovation – digital magazine

There’s a call to action happening across the universe of food and beverage, and a newfound need for rethinking traditional approaches to CPG production. Sustainability, convenience and quality are on the leading edge of that effort, with product developers innovating to heed the call.

Products blending animal- and plant-based ingredients cater to flexitarians, who balance traditional and alternative protein sources. Precision fermentation is leading to the development of designer fats for alternative meats with tailored functionality and taste. The cheat codes for all the food tech trends can be found in this free digital magazine. Read more here.

5 effective steps to engage and influence suppliers for Scope 3 reduction – article

As environmental awareness intensifies, businesses find themselves under increasing scrutiny for their impact on the planet. This scrutiny extends beyond their own operations, peering deeply into their supply chains — the intricate web of suppliers and customers that fuel their activities. 

This brings us face-to-face with Scope 3 emissions, an often neglected yet potentially enormous elephant in the corporate greenhouse gas room. Read more here.

CPGs achieved a few 2025 plastics goals early, but they’re likely to miss others – article

Data from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation shows where brands are falling short. Multiple groups say the plastics sustainability work will continue regardless of deadlines.

Some of the key overall 2025 targets in the global commitment that CPG companies are working to achieve include an 18% reduction in virgin plastic use, 26% postconsumer recycled content use and making 100% of packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable. Individually, these companies also set their own targets in some categories. Read more here.