According to brand owner Premier Nutrition Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Missouri-based Post Holdings, Inc., the packaging change is part of its “ongoing commitment to reduce its environmental footprint and introduce more sustainable packaging for its consumers,” it said in a press release.
The company is calling this initiative Premier Protein Earth First. All seven flavors of its shakes will come in the new, more environmentally-friendly packaging.
A spokesperson told us that, at this time, there are “no plans for Earth First packaging beyond the ready-to-drink protein shakes.”
Other products in its portfolio include protein bars and standing pouches of protein powder.
Responsible sourcing of raw materials
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified Tetra Pak cartons are light-weight, recyclable, and made out of trees from sustainably managed forests where trees can continue to grow. Recycled packaging can be reused to make products like tissue, other paper, and building materials.
In addition to the main sleeve carton, the protein shakes’ caps are made out of polyethylene produced from sugarcane instead of fossil oil, natural gas, or other petrochemical feedstocks traditionally used to make plastics.
The sugarcane used to create these caps are sourced from non-GMO crops grown in Brazil, and though it is made of a more novel material than most plastics, the company said it is still 100% recyclable.
“An increasing percentage of consumers are now checking packaging labels to ensure the brand or product they’re about to purchase is delivering positive social or environmental impact,” said Darcy Horn Davenport, President, Premier Nutrition Corporation.
“This shift in consumer behavior inspired our team to evaluate Premier Protein’s packaging and move towards sourcing more renewable resources. We value our customers above all else and aim to deliver good energy to people everywhere, and that includes protecting and restoring the health of our planet.”
Gustaf Rabe is VP of aseptic sales at Tetra Pak US and Canada. “We believe packaging should save more food and resources than it costs and by purchasing the new FSC-certified cartons from Premier Protein, people can help care for the world’s forests for generations to come,” he said.
