Replacing single-use plastics by 2030
It is well known that plastic pollution has become a huge issue. Globally, over 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, 50% of which is only used once, before being discarded (hence the term ‘single use’).
Change is on the way
In Givaudan’s case alone, that relates to huge amounts of potential waste in our own operations, along our supply chain, and by customers, in the form of packaging, pipettes, taster kits, catering materials, water cups, and so on. This is now changing. We have committed to replacing all single-use plastics across all our sites and operations with eco-friendly alternatives before 2030.
Progress on sites
Replacing single use plastics requires us to redesign and innovate the plastics system in our business models, our materials, packaging design and reprocessing technologies. At the end of 2020, we completed a plastic circularity study at our Vernier site in Switzerland. We identified many improvement opportunities and engaged with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) on one of our project workstreams.
Alongside this work, we continue encouraging employees to find initiatives in switching from plastic to more sustainable alternatives. At our Edison site in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, innovative and sustainable waste management processes are being implemented to gradually eliminate all food-related waste sent to landfill.