HOUSTON, TX - We can all work together to make this planet a healthier place to live. Sysco is aiming to do just that by taking action to improve the sustainability of product packaging. Earlier this year, the company introduced packaging guidelines to encourage all supplier partners to transition to materials and design principles that will collectively reduce our environmental footprint.

“We only have One Planet, and right now that planet is overwhelmed with plastic and packaging waste. This year’s Earth Day theme of ‘Planet vs. Plastics’ was a perfect opportunity to highlight how we are working with our suppliers and customers to reduce plastics and packaging waste,” said Neil Russell, Chief Administrative Officer.

Sysco’s Earth Plus Brand Agave Straw, for example, is plastic-free, upcycled, and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). These straws are commercially compostable in just 90 days, a press release stated. Customers can find this product as part of Sysco’s One Planet. One Table. assortment.

In addition, Fresh Direct, Sysco’s produce business in Great Britain, recently collaborated with one of its suppliers and customers to transition berries to FSC-certified paper packaging, which will eliminate over 50 tons of plastic waste annually. Fresh Direct also introduced new buffet boxes for fresh produce, made from 62 percent recycled cardboard.

“We’re leveraging our position and global scale to make significant, positive shifts in sustainability across the end-to-end food supply chain,” Neil continued. “From working with our suppliers on transitioning to more eco-friendly and innovative packaging to driving demand for sustainable products in our One Planet. One Table. assortment and helping our customers switch to more planet-friendly alternatives.”

In the United States, Sysco has also started to transition its owned brand exterior packaging from traditional white to kraft corrugate cases. During Earth Week, Sysco will host a sustainability summit exclusively for suppliers to discuss how they can drive growth and support customers together by taking action on sustainability.

For more from the press release, click here.

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