Waste is a two-sided problem in the consumer goods industry. On the one hand, some products are disposed of for various reasons, and on the other, waste is generated through packaging. FMCG companies have been producing an increasing amount of waste and single-use plastic.
Companies need to be more mindful of the waste generated throughout their value chain. Companies like Procter & Gamble and Dabur India recently claimed that they have achieved 'plastic waste neutrality’ by recycling a big chunk of their post-consumer plastic packaging waste. They have come under pressure to manage waste in order to be environmentally friendly and raise consumer awareness. Companies that are environmentally conscious are better able to draw in new clients since customers like to work with businesses that share their values.
Waste Generation from Major FMCG Companies in the US
In 2021, Tyson Foods, Kimberly-Clark Corp, Mondelez International, Colgate-Palmolive, and Keurig Dr Pepper generated significant waste.
Tyson Foods Inc (Tyson Foods) is a food processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork. In total, Tyson Foods generated 1,337 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and a decline of 55% from 2020. Around 85% of Tyson Foods' total waste generation in 2021 was recycled. In the same year, Tyson Foods dumped 200 thousand tonnes of waste in landfills in the same year.
Kimberly-Clark Corp (Kimberly-Clark) is a manufacturer and marketer of paper-based consumer products. Kimberly-Clark generated 0.94 million tonnes of waste in 2021, an increase of 3.3% over 2020. In the same year, the company recycled 0.25 million tonnes of this waste which was 27% of the waste generated. Out of the total waste generated by the company, 4.4% was sent to landfills whereas 5.9% of the waste was converted to energy.
Mondelez International Inc (Mondelez) manufactures and markets food products and beverages. The waste generated by Mondelez in 2021 was 275,203 tonnes which decreased by 3% over 2020. The company generated 174,083 tonnes of food waste in 2021 which decreased by 5% over 2020. Out of the total food waste generated 17785 was generated in distribution, a decrease of around 46% over 2020.
Colgate-Palmolive Co (Colgate-Palmolive) manufactures and sells oral care, personal care, home care, and pet nutrition products. In total, Colgate-Palmolive generated 173 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and an increase of 18% over 2020. Hazardous waste amounted for 2% of the company's overall waste production in 2021.
Keurig Dr Pepper Inc (KDP) is a manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages. The company’s product portfolio includes coffees, carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink tea, water, juices, juice drinks, and mixers, among others. In total, Keurig Dr Pepper generated 124,859 thousand tonnes of waste in 2021 and an increase of 9.3% over 2020, and and prevented landfills by diverting 92% (114,870 tonnes) of the waste in 2021.
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