Throughout the years, many companies have shifted towards sustainable business practices to reduce waste. Popular food and beverage brands are switching to reusable and eco-friendly packaging to help decrease their environmental footprint alongside meeting consumer needs. In a recent survey conducted by CSG, 70 percent of individuals find sustainability “somewhat important” to them and 47 percent of individuals are willing to pay more for a sustainable product.
One of the most recent packaging transformations has been the introduction of the industry’s first-ever reusable egg cartons by Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs. The brand hopes that their sustainable, reusable packaging for eggs becomes a household staple like reusable tote bags. Since the egg company cannot eliminate packaging altogether, each reusable carton is made from 100 percent recycled plastic and is BPA free.
This is the first of many steps towards the company’s initiative to reduce its environmental impact. Jesse Laflamme, Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs CEO stated, “Reusable cartons are a logical next step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, moving consumer behavior from recycling to reuse. We plan to expand this program in 2020 to reach even more consumers and amplify the program’s impact with major retailers clamoring for this type of sustainable innovation.”
The company is currently piloting this at Hanover Co-op Food Stores in New Hampshire and Vermont. The cartons are being sold for $2.99 and shoppers can continue to bring back the cartons and refill their eggs as needed with a discount included. Currently, the pilot has received positive reviews from consumers and plans to expand into other retailers later this year once the pilot is completed.
