Sustainable packaging: The ripple effect of small action

By Amechi Obiakpu

On August 9, 2024, Nestle Nigeria unveiled a new sustainable packaging for its iconic cereal brand Golden Morn. The new packaging which comes in an attractive and refreshing colour, is also eco-friendly.

The move according to the beverage giant, underscores it’s dedication to providing nutritious food while championing environmental responsibility.

This latest development aligns with Nestle’s global recycling vision about sustainability and pledge to ensure that more than 95% of its plastic packaging is recyclable by 2025.

Crafted with sustainability at its core, the packaging utilizes materials that are easier to recycle, thereby reducing environmental impact and fostering a circular economy.

To really appreciate this move, one may have to juxtapose it with the theory of the butterfly effect which states that smaller changes can have a profound impact on outcomes. The concept associated with famous mathematician and meteorologist Edward Norton Lorenz, in his chaos theory suggests that, small actions irrespective of where it is initiated can lead to significant and unpredictable consequences anywhere.

In the environment for example, small actions by humans can create a ripple effect on the inhabitants- be it positive or negative.

For instance, by minimizing environmental footprint the negative impact on the environment occasioned by human activities will reduce- which is one of the resultant factors of sustainable packaging. Thus, living in a way that consumes fewer resources and produces less waste. It is on this premise that Nestle Nigeria took the initiative to produce an eco-friendly packaging for the Golden Morn brand.

Reaction
Experts say every action aimed at making the environment better and safer for living is a welcome one. Such action if complemented by many will have far greater positive impact on the environment.

Wikipedia.org, defined sustainable packaging as, “the development and use of packaging which results in improved sustainability. This involves increased use of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle assessment to help guide the use of packaging, which reduces the environmental impact and ecological footprint.”

According to the World Health Oganisation (WHO) there is a high correlation between environmental pollution and various health issues, from respiratory diseases to cancer. By reducing waste and harmful chemicals, sustainable packaging can contribute to a healthier environment and, indirectly, a healthier population. For the UNDP, circular economy and green jobs demonstrate the potential economic benefits of sustainable practices which can contribute to job creation, local economic growth, and community prosperity.

Copyblogger, Brian Clark said, Let’s face it—things will likely change for the worse regarding the environment no matter what. Some of those changes will be pretty bad, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.

“That doesn’t mean we should give up. The more positive change we introduce into the system starting right now, the more bad things we avoid,” he said.

In his post on GWP Group, Matt dobson, a sustainability expert noted that, sustainability can mean different things to different people. To many, the common forms of sustainability (or at least those recognised by consumers) are recyclable, compostable or biodegradable packaging.

These are all valid forms of sustainable packaging. But it is also possible to justify using returnable and reusable packaging – primarily made from plastics – as sustainable.

There are other strategies to consider too. For example, the reuse of packaging can minimise the overall volumes of raw materials required. Minimising damage – and the environmental impact of remanufacturing and damaged products going to landfill – can also significantly improve overall sustainability. Even redesigning packaging to reduce bulk/volume and weight can reduce carbon from increased transit.

Ultimately, there are numerous ways packaging can be made more sustainable by substantially reducing environmental impact and the overall ecological footprint.

By adopting sustainable packaging practices, businesses can contribute to a healthier planet, stronger economy, and more vibrant communities- a win-win situation for both the environment and society.

Call to action
According to Nestle Nigeria, the new sustainable packaging is one of its responses as a responsive and responsible organization to the call to protect the environment not only as an organization that produces healthy products but a global brand with the commitment to ensure a safe environment for all.

In its reaction Nestle Nigeria in a statement said, this significant update reflects Golden Morn’s over three-decade legacy of nourishing Nigerian families and its forward-thinking approach to sustainability.

The statement signed by Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director, Nestlé Nigeria reads:

“At Nestlé, our responsibility, in addition to delivering nutritious products, also includes safeguarding our planet for future generations”.

“Today, over 80% of all Nestlé’s packaging in Nigeria is optimized for recycling and we are happy that Golden Morn’s packaging has been upgraded to a designed for recycling laminate from the previous aluminum foil packaging. By embracing recyclable materials, we are not only minimizing waste but also reinforcing our leadership in environmental stewardship within the industry.”

Proudly developed in Nigeria for Nigeria, Golden Morn has been a staple in Nigerian households for more than 38 years, offering a delicious and wholesome start to the day. Crafted from locally sourced maize and soya, the cereal is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B1, B5, C, and iron. The new 100% recyclable laminate packaging further solidifies Golden Morn’s commitment to both nutrition and sustainability.

“Golden Morn is more than just a breakfast cereal; it’s a brand driven by purpose, dedicated to nourishing families across Nigeria, while protecting the planet for the next generation” remarked Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Dairy.

“As we introduce our new sustainable packaging, we remain committed to delivering the same great taste and nutrition that Nigerians have trusted for over 38 years.”

Golden Morn’s commitment is not only grounded in nutrition but also in its focus on local sourcing. The brand sources 100% of its maize and soya locally, collaborating closely with Nigerian farmers to ensure the freshness and quality of its ingredients. This partnership guarantees a superior product while bolstering the local economy and empowering farming communities.

Corporate responsibility
Aside from ensuring the availability of nutritional food for its customers, Nestle has through its many efforts shown that a safer clime is possible and can be achieved if every one plays their part.

Moreso, through its new sustainability packaging the brand identifies with the UN sustainable development goal 11; making cities and human settlements safe resilient and sustainable, goal 13; that talks about taking urgent action to combat climate change and it’s impacts.  Every person, in every country in every continent will be impacted in some shape or form by climate change hence the need for positive action to be taken.

Also, in addition to its commitment to protect the environment and keep it safe for future generation, Nestle Nigeria has embarked on several programs committing both financial and human resources.

For example, to commemorate the 2023 World Clean-Up Day Nestle under the Nestle Cares initiative embarked on an awareness campaign to help promote environmentally sound waste management practices for a clean, safe and sustainable planet.

The initiative, a collaboration with the Africa Clean-Up Initiative (ACI), an NGO passionate about raising environmentally responsible citizens,  saw over 400 Nestlé employees join the campaign by visiting twelve markets across the country, for clean-up, sensitisation and advocacy on environmental sustainability.

Speaking on the initiative, Victoria Uwadoka, Nestlé Nigeria’s Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Lead, said the company was taking concrete actions to protect, renew and restore the environment every day.

“We are conscious that indiscriminate waste disposal coupled with limited recovery services aggravates the waste crisis. We also recognise that creating awareness through advocacy is necessary on our journey towards a waste-free future.

“Our priorities, therefore, include improving post-consumption plastic waste management by motivating behavioural changes and creating an efficient recovery system in collaboration with other industry and community stakeholders. We are also accelerating sustainability education through our employees, the media, our communities and children in our Nestlé for Healthier Kids beneficiary schools. The market clean-up exercises are one of the ways we have sustained our efforts of improving our environment over the past 5 years,” she said.

Conclusion

Actions like these may appear small but they have a positive effect on the society/environment. And, when such efforts are complemented by several other organisations, the positive impact it will have on the Nigerian society in particular and the planet at large will be enormous.

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