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Bonduelle - New wrapping for canned corns saves 170 tons of plastic a year
The vegetable company Bonduelle removes plastic on multi-packs of canned corn. Instead, the corn cans are packed with small cardboard strips made from 50% recycled cardboard. This is how the family business saves 170 tonnes of plastic at the European level without compromising on practicalities for consumers.
Now it becomes easier to make a practical and climate-wise choice in the supermarket. Vegetable giant Bonduelle put an end to plastic around canned corn in a 3-pack. The plastic is replaced with a smaller cardboard band with 50% recycled cardboard.
The production and combustion of plastics develop CO2, which affects the climate. At the same time, plastic risks ending up in nature, where it can take up to 400 years to decompose. And although a little bit of plastic around a couple of cans of corn can seem like a trifle - many small streams make a big river, when it comes to the big food producer. The initiative thus saves approximately 170 tonnes of plastic, which is equivalent to as many as 6.8 million half litter PET bottles.
"With this change, we can make a big difference and it is also one step closer to our goal of 100% recyclable or circular packaging by 2025," said Benoît Bonduelle, CEO of Bonduelle Nordics.
Canned green is a climate darling
Climate actions are not far off for the French family business. Bonduelle has for decades packaged vegetables in materials that are infinitely recyclable. In Europe, there is no other packaging material that is recycled to the same degree as cans. 96% of the cans produced are recycled and converted into new iron. Additionally, it protects the climate when the industry saves 60% energy by recycling iron and metal instead of extracting it in mines. In the case of aluminium, the number is as high as 95%.
At the same time, the corn retains its natural nutritional values without preservatives in the can and reduces food waste due to its long shelf life.
Climate and environment are not just about packaging for Bonduelle. The company has a long tradition of sustainable agriculture and food production. All corns are grown in Europe and are pesticide-free. In addition, the company periodically reviews its products to make them more climate friendly.
“For us, it has always been important to contribute to a more sustainable food production. We have a long tradition of sustainability and we always strive to get better,” says Benoît Bonduelle.
What you did not know about cans:
- Two tomato cans can turn into a bell. Metal from cans is melted down and used again and again. At the same time, metals are a scarce resource, so it is both good for the climate and necessary to recycle them.
- The can opener was first invented in 1858 - 50 years after the can. Until then, you had to open the cans with various tools - for example with a chisel.
- The French chef Nicolas Appert invented the tin can in 1795 after Napoleon promised 12,000 francs for a solution to the military's problems with food preservation.
Sources: Jern - affald.dk; Illustrated Science, Samvirke.dk
About Bonduelle
Bonduelle is a French family business founded in 1853 with the purpose of defining "healthy living" through plant-based diets. By innovating and acting in the long term, the Bonduelle Group has expanded its activities and its global presence. Today, the company manages more than 128,000 hectares of vegetables worldwide, the products sold in 100 countries under different brands. Bonduelle is an expert in agriculture, and with 54 agricultural areas and production facilities, the company produces high-quality food from crops grown close to consumers. Bonduelle works actively to achieve a so-called B Corporation certification of "social and environmental performance" and is part of the Gaïa non-financial performance index and employee shareholder index (I.A.S.)
