HelloFresh introduces packaging made from 100 percent recycled materials

To commemorate Earth Day, HelloFresh has introduced cardboard packaging made of 100-percent-postconsumer-recycled content for its HelloFresh and EveryPlate meal kits. The food-delivery company has partnered with Pratt Industries, a food packaging producer in Conyers, Georgia, to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,800 tons and save more than 115,000 trees in a year, HelloFresh says.

Pratt Industries’ cardboard boxes are made from 100-percent-recycled paper. The performance-based packaging protects food while in transit while offering a more sustainable solution.

According to a news release from HelloFresh, using these cardboard boxes to ship meal kits from HelloFresh’s Georgia and Texas distribution centers will contribute to meaningful, positive environmental impacts. This includes saving more than 115,000 trees and 47.6 million gallons of water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 6,800 tons per year. 

“Pratt Industries is honored to be part of HelloFresh’s drive to be more sustainable,” says Chris Stanton, president of the Pratt Specialty Group. “Building better packaging, with the ultimate goal of reusing that packaging yet again, takes a united thoughtful approach. HelloFresh truly has a cutting-edge vision around sustainability, and our team is thankful for like-minded environmental leaders.”

HelloFresh is also implementing a new analytical Box Fit program that assigns the smallest possible box size to a customer’s order based on the volume and size of its contents. Using this algorithm in the fulfillment process increases the use of small boxes to 60 percent, eliminating unnecessary packaging, the company says. The program also reduces the use of cold packs and insulation, increasing the number of boxes that fit on a truck for distribution. 

“Our approach to packaging is to avoid using it whenever possible. When packaging plays an essential role in protecting the quality and safety of the food in our meal kits, we are committed to either reducing or optimizing it for recyclability,” says Jeff Yorzyk, director of sustainability at HelloFresh U.S. “Leveraging cutting-edge technology and the new 100 percent recycled cardboard from Pratt Industries are two important steps towards continued leadership in sustainable packaging solutions for meal kits.” 

The introduction of sustainable packaging supports HelloFresh’s long-term strategy to lead the industry in sustainable business practices. This includes offsetting 100 percent of its carbon emissions and leveraging a demand-driven subscription model. HelloFresh says the model minimizes food waste throughout its supply chain and then sends only the exact ingredients customers need to make a meal. This reduces at-home food waste by 25 percent when compared with grocery store-bought meals, based on the HelloFresh Global Food Waste Study and the United States Department of Agriculture.

“Our goal in changing the way people eat forever is to provide better access to fresh ingredients more sustainably. This includes constant innovation, investment, and partnerships with sustainability leaders like Pratt Industries to improve the recyclability and minimize the environmental impact of our meal kit packaging,” says Uwe Voss, CEO of HelloFresh U.S. “The introduction of fully circular packaging is a significant and measurable step towards achieving our long-term sustainability strategy.”