7 Standouts in Sustainable Packaging at Expo West 2024

From repurposing ocean-bound plastics to embracing compostable materials, these brands are making significant strides to reduce their packaging footprint.

Banyan Botanicals: From Shoreline Trash to Bottles

Revamping its packaging approach, Banyan Botanicals now uses 100% ocean-bound post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic bottles, marking a significant stride towards sustainability in 2024. The decision to shift away from virgin plastic was meticulously considered, factoring in various considerations such as weight and shipping logistics (glass being heavy and requiring additional packaging to prevent breakage, while compostables lack longevity and potency preservation, etc.). By repurposing plastics destined for the ocean, the company not only champions environmental conservation but also fosters positive social impacts.

The brand generously shares their ongoing sustainability journey here, and you can learn more about their bottle materials here: Prevented Ocean Plastic™ .

Theo Chocolate: Plant-Based, Inside and Out

Theo Chocolate has introduced a plant-based wrapper made from non-GMO sugarcane and FSC-certified paper for their new Filled Chocolate Bars. Industrial compostability certification is the next step they are working towards, but for now, avoiding the introduction of new plastic is a great step forward. The wrapper’s matte finish handles photography beautifully and exudes a premium, eco-friendly vibe.

BAR-U-EAT: Clearly Compostable 

Made essentially from wood pulp and corn, BAR-U-Eat’s clear film, adhesive, and inks are BPI Certified Commercially Compostable making them the first bar in the world to carry this certification (key word being “commercially”—you could try composting them at home but they need consistently ideal conditions to decompose). The BPI certification makes it easier for end-of-life composters to handle and ensures that it will create healthy, usable compost. More information from BAR-U-EAT can be found here.

Patagonia Provisions: A Picture-Perfect Solution

The plastic window has become a common feature in pasta packaging — allowing consumers to see the product and verify its authenticity and quality. However, Patagonia Provisions, is leveraging their established consumer trust, and choosing not to adhere to category norms. Rather than sourcing a sustainable clear window with non-toxic adhesives, Patagonia opted for a simpler solution: a printed “faux window”, eliminating unnecessary materials while clearly showcasing their pasta. Moreover, their box is made from 100% recycled fiber (diverted from waste stream) and is fully recyclable.

Ocean’s Halo: Breaking the Mold, Seaweed Snacks Go Trayless

Removing the inner plastic holding tray will keep at least 15 million pieces of plastic waste out of landfills and oceans every year according to the brand. In addition to the plastic reduction, removing the plastic tray will reduce the brand’s overall carbon footprint by 50% and will also account for nearly four times more shelf efficiency at super markets and in customers’ cabinets.

Dr. Bronner’s: Circular Soap Delivery

Dr. Bronner's latest step toward their zero-waste goals comes in the form of refill kiosks initially rolled out at Jimbo’s Naturally grocery in Southern California. These kiosks allow consumers to refill any container they bring in, effectively eliminating the need for retail packaging altogether. Of course if you don’t have a container you can buy one of their rainbow bottles which consist of 100% Post Consumer Recycled plastic (which will last forever… because they’re plastic).

Dr. Bronner’s shares a wealth of information here.

Straus Family Creamery: Reusable Milk Bottles

Straus Family Creamery has utilized reusable glass bottles for its milk and cream products since its founding in 1994. Straus customers return more than 2.75 million bottles annually for reuse, helping contribute to a circular economy and zero-waste future where, in accordance with Straus Family Creamery’s aspiration, every packaging material is reused, recycled, or composted.

Their delicious new organic kefir line continues this tradition, packaged in reusable glass quarts that can be rinsed and returned to retailers. 

Furthermore, Straus participated in Expo West’s new reusable cup program tested during the Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace. In partnership with WeUse, stainless-steel ramekins replaced single-use sampling cups in a program intended to become an Expo-wide at some point in the future.

Thank you Jeanne Cloutier at Elk Packaging for pointing out some great examples at Expo West, and to all the inspiring speakers and brands at the show putting their best foot forward in a complex journey that will ultimately benefit us all.

New Hope Network Walter Wolk Joseph Button Alexandra Watkins Mitch Barlas Robert Mock Shin Rhee Erin Douglas Lynne Rowan Darcy Shiber-Knowles (she/her) One Step Closer