Petaluma, California-based Clover Sonoma received recognition for its first fully renewable milk carton and post consumer recycled gallon milk jug in the U.S. through California Creamery Operators Association’s first sustainability award.
In addition, Clover Sonoma released its 2021 Impact Report, highlighting achievements and progress in sustainable packaging, carbon footprint reduction and social justice issues.
Sustainability continues to be a priority for Clover Sonoma. In 2020, Clover Sonoma launched the first fully renewable milk carton in the U.S. They continued these efforts this year, rolling it out to additional SKUs, with the intention to transition all of their organic fluid milk cartons to the fully renewable cartons by 2025.
As a next step in this process, in 2021, the company announced its intent to produce the first PCR gallon milk jugs. Starting with 30 percent PCR content, the company made the commitment to increase the PCR content across all of their organic gallon milk jugs, also by 2025. The organic gallon milk PCR jug is on grocery store shelves now.
“California’s dairy processors are forward-thinking and ambitious,” said Michael Boccadoro, executive director of the California Creamery Operators Association. “Clover Sonoma and other milk processors are continually exploring and implementing new practices and technologies that help shrink the carbon footprint throughout the supply chain and improve overall sustainability. Clover Sonoma’s packaging initiative is an excellent example of the innovation and commitment that’s paving the way for a more sustainable future.”
For more information on the CCOA Sustainability Award, visit CCOA’s YouTube page.
Along with sustainability practices including water conservation and regenerative agricultural practices, the company is working toward a better packaging solution that will inspire change across the natural products industry. In a study done by McKinsey, 60-70 percent of consumers would pay a premium for sustainable packaging, and it’s estimated that a more circular economy could generate $4.5 billion in economic growth – meaning companies have a unique opportunity to stimulate economic growth, turn waste into wealth and differentiate brands through the lens of sustainability.
“It’s an honor to receive recognition from our peers at the CCOA for the investment and innovation we’ve dedicated to packaging solutions that decrease the use of fossil fuels, utilize less plastic, and encourage recycling,” said Kristel Corson, Clover Sonoma chief growth officer. “We look forward to working with packaging partners and others in the natural products industry who share the same goals.”
To read the full 2021 Impact Report, click here.
