Given the weight of a glass container, Planters’ 16- and 20-oz. glass peanut jars were candidates for an update. Kraft Foods has decided to develop a lighter container, with help from Sonoco that would not compromise Planters' targets for quality, capacity, clarity and shelf life.
The durable plastic option weighs 84% less than the original packaging and meets the brand's stringent quality targets. The significant reduction in packaging materials led to several benefits, including a 25% reduction in the number of trucks required to transport Planters Dry Roasted Peanuts. And it’s 100%-recyclable.
"Sustainability is inherent to our brand's identity, and Sonoco was the right company to help us lessen our environmental impact with our new dry roasted peanut packaging," says Scott Marcus, senior brand manager of Planters.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, Kraft Foods and Planters launched the "Naturally Remarkable" campaign designed to help grow stronger communities and raise awareness of sustainable farming practices. In 2011, the company says that Planters transformed open spaces in New Orleans, Washington, D.C. and New York into Planters Groves--vibrant, peanut-shaped green urban parks that are part urban revitalization, part art. Additionally, Planters has made considerable investments in greening its facilities through better energy and water conservation practices, as well as waste reduction.