2024 PLP Report
Governance and Approach
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McCormick's goal is to achieve 100% circular plastics packaging (reused, recycled or repurposed) in consumer products. To underscore our goal, we support the New Plastics Economy Commitment led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation to creating circular plastic packaging to eliminate plastic pollution.
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Sustainable Packaging
McCormick is committed to reducing the environmental impact from our plastic packaging by decreasing our associated carbon footprint and eliminating plastic packaging that cannot be recycled, reused or repurposed.
Global Packaging Initiatives
At McCormick, we’ve introduced sustainable packaging to select product lines over time and have learned firsthand how sustainable packaging drives profitability. For example, our packaging commitments are partially underpinned by ongoing light-weighting efforts, which reduces both the packaging carbon footprint and direct costs to the business. Now, when a new product design is called for, our packaging team ensures that sustainability is embedded in the decision-making process.
One award-winning product redesign was our Frank’s RedHot Squeeze bottle which was crafted with 50% post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) while maintaining the brand's iconic glass bottle shape. This prestigious AmeriStar award in the Food, Shelf Stable category was judged by the Institute of Packaging Professionals and recognizes outstanding achievements in packaging. We have also rolled out the utilization of 50% PCR across McCormick’s US everyday herbs and spices, which reduces the carbon footprint of our bottles*.
We continue to introduce multiple initiatives across all geographies to help us meet our circularity goals. For example, our Gourmet Garden pastes in Australia are packaged in a recyclable tube with an on pack label. We’ve also replicated successful initiatives across our global regions. Not only will these initiatives propel us towards achieving our goals, but new product innovation also strengthens our relevance with consumers and differentiates our brand.
Our global packaging team identifies targets utilizing our global packaging Purpose-led Performance database to demonstrate progress and risks. Developers use a packaging assessment software tool to assist in comparing material and process choices throughout the development process.
A key area of focus for the team is finding new solutions to improve our packaging formats. For instance, packaging recyclability is a key consumer concern. Working with leading packaging suppliers allows McCormick to identify and improve recyclability of our products, including use of label adhesives that cleanly detach during the recycling process for our Frank's Red Hot Squeeze line in the US.
*Calculated using industry leading LCA software analysis following the guidelines of ISO 14040 in determining and documenting the scope, assumptions, consistent boundary conditions and data sources. Calculations were conducted per piece and compared total quantity of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) emitted throughout the life cycle, reported in kilograms of CO2 equivalent (CO2e), between a virgin plastic bottle and a bottle with 50% PCR content, with the global warming potential (GWP) calculated over a 100- year timeframe. This calculation has not been verified by an independent third-party.