www.packagingdive.com Open in urlscan Pro
2606:4700:4400::ac40:9377  Public Scan

Submitted URL: https://link.packagingdive.com/click/35081368.194/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucGFja2FnaW5nZGl2ZS5jb20vbmV3cy9nZW5lcmFsLW1pbGxzLXBsYXN0aWMtc...
Effective URL: https://www.packagingdive.com/news/general-mills-plastic-recyclability-reduction-reuse/713569/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=...
Submission: On May 15 via manual from US — Scanned from DE

Form analysis 8 forms found in the DOM

Name: signup-inter-formPOST /signup/

<form id="signup-inter-form" class="form-basic" name="signup-inter-form" action="/signup/" method="POST">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_box_location" value="interstitial">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_initial_url_path" value="">
  <h1> Don’t miss tomorrow’s Packaging industry news </h1>
  <p class="interstitial-text"> Let Packaging Dive’s free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your inbox. </p>
  <p class="form-error__message" id="interstitial-error"></p>
  <div id="form-interstitial">
    <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Work email address" class="email" required="" id="id_6d54d7_email">
    <div id="newsletter-list-section">
    </div>
    <div id="interstitial-consent-container">
      <input name="user_consent" value="1" id="id_user_consent" type="checkbox">
      <span> By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/terms-of-use/" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and
        <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>. You can unsubscribe at anytime. </span>
    </div>
  </div>
  <input id="signup-inter-submit" class="email_submit submit button" type="submit" data-role="none" value="Subscribe today">
</form>

GET /search/

<form action="/search/" method="GET" data-ajax="false">
  <label for="search-desktop">
    <span class="screen-reader-text search">Search</span>
  </label>
  <input id="search-desktop" type="search" name="q" placeholder="Search" data-role="none">
  <button type="submit" value="" data-role="none" class="search-button-front analytics t-search-navigation-drawer">
    <img src="/static/img/menu_icons/search.svg?320116291121" alt="search" height="16" width="16" loading="lazy">
  </button>
  <img class="close" src="/static/img/menu_icons/close.svg?273117231121" width="16" height="16" alt="close search" loading="lazy">
</form>

Name: signupPOST /signup/

<form class="form js-form-email-validate" name="signup" action="/signup/" method="POST" target="_blank">
  <label for="id_f9aa12_email" class="email-input js-email-input">
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Email:</span>
    <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Work email address" class="email" required="" id="id_f9aa12_email">
  </label>
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_box_location" value="inline">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_initial_url_path" value="/news/general-mills-plastic-recyclability-reduction-reuse/713569/">
  <input type="hidden" name="js_enabled" value="1" id="id_f9aa12_js_enabled">
  <ul class="signup-list list-no-bullets">
    <li>
      <label><span class="screen-reader-text">Select user consent:</span></label>
      <input type="checkbox" name="user_consent" id="id_user_consent-inline" value="1" class="checkbox">
      <label for="id_user_consent-inline">
        <span class="signup-user-consent_box">
          <span> By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/terms-of-use/" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and
            <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>. You can unsubscribe at anytime. </span>
        </span>
      </label>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <button class="button button--medium signup-button" type="submit" value="Sign up">Sign up</button>
  <label class="error email_error" style="display:none;">A valid email address is required.</label>
  <label class="error newsletter-error" style="display:none;">Please select at least one newsletter.</label>
</form>

Name: signupPOST /signup/

<form class="form js-form-email-validate" name="signup" action="/signup/" method="POST">
  <label for="id_8af52f_email" class="email-input js-email-input">
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Email:</span>
    <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Work email address" class="email" required="" id="id_8af52f_email">
  </label>
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_box_location" value="elevated_footer">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_initial_url_path" value="/news/general-mills-plastic-recyclability-reduction-reuse/713569/">
  <input type="hidden" name="js_enabled" value="1" id="id_8af52f_js_enabled">
  <ul class="signup-list list-no-bullets">
    <li>
      <label><span class="screen-reader-text">Select user consent:</span></label>
      <input type="checkbox" name="user_consent" id="id_user_consent-elevated_footer" value="1" class="checkbox">
      <label for="id_user_consent-elevated_footer">
        <span class="signup-user-consent_box">
          <span> By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/terms-of-use/" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and
            <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>. You can unsubscribe at anytime. </span>
        </span>
      </label>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <button class="button button--medium signup-button" type="submit" value="Sign up">Sign up</button>
  <label class="error email_error" style="display:none;">A valid email address is required.</label>
  <label class="error newsletter-error" style="display:none;">Please select at least one newsletter.</label>
</form>

Name: signupPOST /signup/

<form class="form js-form-email-validate" name="signup" action="/signup/" method="POST">
  <label for="id_93c667_email" class="email-input js-email-input">
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Email:</span>
    <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Work email address" class="email" required="" id="id_93c667_email">
  </label>
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_box_location" value="sidebar">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_initial_url_path" value="/news/general-mills-plastic-recyclability-reduction-reuse/713569/">
  <input type="hidden" name="js_enabled" value="1" id="id_93c667_js_enabled">
  <ul class="signup-list list-no-bullets">
    <li>
      <label><span class="screen-reader-text">Select user consent:</span></label>
      <input type="checkbox" name="user_consent" id="id_user_consent-sidebar" value="1" class="checkbox">
      <label for="id_user_consent-sidebar">
        <span class="signup-user-consent_box">
          <span> By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/terms-of-use/" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and
            <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>. You can unsubscribe at anytime. </span>
        </span>
      </label>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <button class="button button--medium signup-button" type="submit" value="Sign up">Sign up</button>
  <label class="error email_error" style="display:none;">A valid email address is required.</label>
  <label class="error newsletter-error" style="display:none;">Please select at least one newsletter.</label>
</form>

Name: signupPOST /signup/

<form class="form js-form-email-validate" name="signup" action="/signup/" method="POST">
  <label for="id_2c940d_email" class="email-input js-email-input">
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Email:</span>
    <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Work email address" class="email" required="" id="id_2c940d_email">
  </label>
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_box_location" value="elevated_footer">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_initial_url_path" value="/news/general-mills-plastic-recyclability-reduction-reuse/713569/">
  <input type="hidden" name="js_enabled" value="1" id="id_2c940d_js_enabled">
  <ul class="signup-list list-no-bullets">
    <li>
      <label><span class="screen-reader-text">Select user consent:</span></label>
      <input type="checkbox" name="user_consent" id="id_user_consent-elevated_footer" value="1" class="checkbox">
      <label for="id_user_consent-elevated_footer">
        <span class="signup-user-consent_box">
          <span> By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/terms-of-use/" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and
            <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>. You can unsubscribe at anytime. </span>
        </span>
      </label>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <button class="button button--medium signup-button" type="submit" value="Sign up">Sign up</button>
  <label class="error email_error" style="display:none;">A valid email address is required.</label>
  <label class="error newsletter-error" style="display:none;">Please select at least one newsletter.</label>
</form>

GET /search/

<form action="/search/" method="GET" data-ajax="false">
  <label for="search-mobile">
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Search</span>
    <input id="search-mobile" type="search" name="q" placeholder="Search" data-role="none">
  </label>
  <button type="submit" value="" data-role="none" class="search-button-front analytics t-search-navigation-mobile">
    <img src="/static/img/menu_icons/search.svg?320116291121" width="15" height="15" alt="search">
  </button>
</form>

Name: signupPOST /signup/

<form class="form js-form-email-validate" name="signup" action="/signup/" method="POST">
  <label for="id_3ac5e8_email" class="email-input js-email-input">
    <span class="screen-reader-text">Email:</span>
    <input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Work email address" class="email" required="" id="id_3ac5e8_email">
  </label>
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_box_location" value="integrated_menu">
  <input type="hidden" name="signup_initial_url_path" value="/news/general-mills-plastic-recyclability-reduction-reuse/713569/">
  <input type="hidden" name="js_enabled" value="1" id="id_3ac5e8_js_enabled">
  <ul class="signup-list list-no-bullets">
    <li>
      <label><span class="screen-reader-text">Select user consent:</span></label>
      <input type="checkbox" name="user_consent" id="id_user_consent-integrated_menu" value="1" class="checkbox">
      <label for="id_user_consent-integrated_menu">
        <span class="signup-user-consent_box">
          <span> By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/terms-of-use/" target="_blank">Terms of Use</a> and
            <a href="https://www.industrydive.com/privacy-policy/" target="_blank">Privacy Policy</a>. You can unsubscribe at anytime. </span>
        </span>
      </label>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <button class="button button--medium signup-button" type="submit" value="Sign up">Sign up</button>
  <label class="error email_error" style="display:none;">A valid email address is required.</label>
  <label class="error newsletter-error" style="display:none;">Please select at least one newsletter.</label>
</form>

Text Content

Skip to main content

CONTINUE TO SITE ➞



DON’T MISS TOMORROW’S PACKAGING INDUSTRY NEWS

Let Packaging Dive’s free newsletter keep you informed, straight from your
inbox.



By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Use and
Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

 * Deep Dive
 * Events
 * Press Releases
 * Topics

Sign up
 * Search
 * Sign up

Search
 * Manufacturing
 * Regulation
 * Sustainability
 * CPG
 * Design
 * Materials
 * Supply Chain
 * Technology
 * Finance


An article from


GENERAL MILLS’ PACKAGING RECYCLABILITY INCHES UP, FOOD-GRADE PCR USE POSES A
CHALLENGE

In a new report Thursday, the company noted incremental progress on making all
of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030. It also said packaging
comprises 8% of its value chain’s GHG emissions.

Published April 18, 2024
Katie Pyzyk Senior Reporter
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 


Boxes of General Mills cereal are displayed on a grocery store shelf on Dec. 20,
2023, in San Anselmo, California. Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

General Mills is progressing on making its packaging reusable or recyclable
while working to overcome barriers to increasing its use of postconsumer
recycled material, according to its 2024 global responsibility report released
Thursday. 

The report — which covers data from the fiscal year 2023 period of June 1, 2022,
through May 28, 2023 — describes the company’s three-tiered approach to
addressing 25 ESG issues. Packaging falls among the six top priority areas under
tier 1. The report notes that while packaging plays a critical role in
protecting products and ensuring safety, it “presents challenges both in terms
of raw materials used in production as well as the waste generated when improper
disposal occurs, and is a top sustainability issue with consumers.”




A key goal is for all General Mills packaging to be recyclable or reusable by
2030. It reached 93% by weight in FY 2023 (excluding Asia and Latin America,
external supply chain and pet treat businesses), which is up from 92% the
previous year. 

The report cites the significant time and financial investments in innovation
that are needed to achieve the packaging sustainability goals — especially given
the wide variety of packaging used across its SKUs. 

In the fall of 2023, which is technically outside the time frame covered in this
report, General Mills converted its plastic value-sized cereal bags to “a
recyclable structure,” according to the report. Also last fall, the company
transitioned packaging for Betty Crocker cake mixes to be fully recyclable.

Generally, the company aims to reduce its plastic use. In FY 2023, 11% of
General Mills’ packaging by weight was plastic, down from 12% in 2022. General
Mills’ cereal liners contained at least 35% postconsumer recycled content in
2023.

The company aims to increase the amount of PCR in its plastic packaging. But
because most of its plastic is direct food-contact flexible packaging, currently
there is not “a widely available and safe food-grade post-consumer recycled
plastic (“PCR”) alternative.”

The FY 2022 report also stated that challenge with food-grade PCR. But it
highlighted a partnership working to create the Myplas film recycling plant in
the company’s home state of Minnesota, which was expected to produce recycled
plastic pellets that could be used for food packaging. The Myplas facility
opened in December, but as of last week was non-operational and facing an
eviction lawsuit. General Mills’ latest ESG report does not mention Myplas.



Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the Packaging Dive free daily newsletter

Email:
 * Select user consent: By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to
   our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up A valid email address is required. Please select at least one
newsletter.


Also in 2023, the company was an inaugural participant in the Recycle Check
program. The Recycling Partnership launched the labeling initiative last year to
improve consumers’ access to local recycling information via codes to scan on
packaging, with the intention of reducing consumer confusion about, and
increasing participation in, recycling programs. 

The packaging value chain accounts for 8% of General Mills’ greenhouse gas
footprint, according to the company’s concurrently released inaugural climate
transition action plan. Of those emissions, 38% are linked to metal, 35% to
fiber and 21% to plastic. General Mills aims to reduce scope 3 emissions 30% by
2030, compared with a 2020 baseline, and it charted 7% in 2023. 

 * post
 * share
 * post
 * print
 * email
 * license

Filed Under: Sustainability, Supply Chain


PACKAGING DIVE NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts

Email:
 * Select user consent: By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to
   our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up A valid email address is required. Please select at least one
newsletter.



EDITORS’ PICKS

 * Lindsey Shuey/The Republican-Herald via AP
   
   Deep Dive
   
   
   CARTON SHORTAGE MAY LAST THROUGH SCHOOL YEAR, BUT BRANDLESS PACKAGING BRINGS
   RELIEF
   
   Pactiv Evergreen said it’s producing half-pint cartons at maximum capacity as
   a supply chain disruption still challenges dairies and schools. Some people
   suggest the problem originates from an Ohio converting plant shuttering.
   
   By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 12, 2024
 * etiennevoss via Getty Images
   
   
   FROM COKE TO HERSHEY, CPGS SEARCH FOR THEIR SWEET SPOT IN PACK SIZE
   
   Consumers are increasingly interested in smaller portion sizes, as well as
   value-priced multipacks, for their snacks and soda. These changing sizes
   can have implications from production to recycling.  
   
   By Shefali Kapadia • March 18, 2024


GET THE FREE NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to Packaging Dive for top news, trends & analysis

Email:
 * Select user consent: By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to
   our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up A valid email address is required. Please select at least one
newsletter.



MOST POPULAR

 1. Brazilian paper company pursuing $15B offer for International Paper: Reuters
 2. Ino worms its way into compostable packaging with silk cocoon product
 3. Upcoming round of linerboard price increases marks fiber companies’ second
    attempt in 2024
 4. Tetra Pak makes US push to shift more canned foods to cartons


LIBRARY RESOURCES

 * Playbook
   How AI and Robotics Can Level Up MRF Operations Custom content for
   EverestLabs
 * Playbook
   How a Rapid Improvement Approach Boosts Manufacturing Performance Custom
   content for Performance Solutions by Milliken
 * Trendline
   How top restaurants invest in back-of-house technology Supported by Choco

View all


COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 * MAXIMIZING PROFITABILITY: Data Driven Solutions in the Packaging Industry
   From HiFlow Solutions

View all | Post a press release


WHAT WE’RE READING

 * The Wall Street Journal US Producer Prices Rose More Than Expected in April
 * Supply Chain Dive High port volumes expected for 2024’s peak season
 * Packaging Insights Coveris boosts medical packaging sector with multi-million
   investment

View all



PACKAGING DIVE NEWS DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts

Email:
 * Select user consent: By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to
   our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up A valid email address is required. Please select at least one
newsletter.



COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENTS

View all | Post a press release
MAXIMIZING PROFITABILITY: Data Driven Solutions in the Packaging Industry
From HiFlow Solutions
May 06, 2024

Want to share a company announcement with your peers?

Get started ➔

Editors’ picks

 * Lindsey Shuey/The Republican-Herald via AP
   
   Deep Dive
   
   
   CARTON SHORTAGE MAY LAST THROUGH SCHOOL YEAR, BUT BRANDLESS PACKAGING BRINGS
   RELIEF
   
   Pactiv Evergreen said it’s producing half-pint cartons at maximum capacity as
   a supply chain disruption still challenges dairies and schools. Some people
   suggest the problem originates from an Ohio converting plant shuttering.
   
   By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 12, 2024
 * etiennevoss via Getty Images
   
   
   FROM COKE TO HERSHEY, CPGS SEARCH FOR THEIR SWEET SPOT IN PACK SIZE
   
   Consumers are increasingly interested in smaller portion sizes, as well as
   value-priced multipacks, for their snacks and soda. These changing sizes
   can have implications from production to recycling.  
   
   By Shefali Kapadia • March 18, 2024

Latest in Sustainability
 * Ino worms its way into compostable packaging with silk cocoon product
   By Katie Pyzyk
 * BlueTriton launches premium water bottles as aluminum packaging’s role grows
   in market
   By Maria Rachal
 * EPR laws’ labeling implications create more questions for CPGs
   By Maria Rachal
 * Plastic tube recyclability has ramped up rapidly, but not without some tumult
   By Katie Pyzyk

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 

EXPLORE

 * About
 * Editorial Team
 * Contact Us
 * Newsletter
 * Article Licensing
 * Press Releases
 * What We’re Reading

REACH OUR AUDIENCE

 * Advertising
 * Post a press release

RELATED PUBLICATIONS

 * Food Dive
 * Manufacturing Dive
 * Waste Dive

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

image/svg+xml
Industry Dive is an Informa business
© 2024 Industry Dive. All rights reserved. | View our other publications |
Privacy policy | Terms of use | Take down policy.
Cookie Preferences / Do Not Sell
Search
 * Home
 * Topics
   * Manufacturing
   * Regulation
   * Sustainability
   * CPG
   * Design
   * Materials
   * Supply Chain
   * Technology
   * Finance
 * Deep Dive
 * Events
 * Press Releases


GET PACKAGING DIVE IN YOUR INBOX

The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines

Email:
 * Select user consent: By signing up to receive our newsletter, you agree to
   our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at anytime.

Sign up A valid email address is required. Please select at least one
newsletter.