Chobani Australia has cut the plastic content in the packaging for its Gippsland Dairy 160g stirred yoghurt products, reducing the plastic per unit by almost half by removing the black plastic lid and plastic spoon-in-lid.
The removal of the product’s lid is part of Chobani’s commitment to Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and the 2025 National Packaging Targets, including to reduce unnecessary or problematic plastics, and follows the earlier removal in 2023 of the embedded plastic spoon as part of Victoria’s ban on single-use plastic cutlery.
The new packaging design also maintains the signature Gippsland Dairy 160g pot look and feel by replicating the former black lid through the product's artwork. The pot will now feature a black band around the circumference of the pot's top, emulating the lid to ensure consumers can easily spot the distinctive product on shelf.
The polypropylene yoghurt tub is manufactured by MPAK - Mercedes Packaging; and the foil lid is printed and converted by The Van Dyke Press.
Once all Gippsland Dairy 160gram products transition to the new packaging, Chobani says it is set to remove 95,000 kilograms of plastic from its business in 2024 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with sourcing and transporting the packaging (lids and spoons) through its supply chain and to retailers.
Chobani launched in Australia in 2012 and holds the position as Australia’s number-one yoghurt brand. Apart from it's own yoghurt range, the company produces the category-leading Gippsland Dairy brand under the Gippsland Dairy label.
The company says the transformation of the Gippsland Dairy yoghurt packaging is a key milestone in its progress against the 2025 Targets, which form a crucial part of its sustainable packaging roadmap.
Tim Browne, Chobani's general manager ESG & general counsel, says that Chobani is proud to have executed this change in line with its 2025 Target commitments.
"Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey – one that demands time, effort and an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement."
Browne says, "We've worked closely with our industry partners to explore innovative approaches to deliver on our commitment in line with the nationally recognised industry targets.
"We're really proud of this important milestone. As we implement our sustainable packaging roadmap we hope to make even greater strides towards similar packaging innovations and a more sustainable future."
Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) CEO Chris Foley said, "It's small but impactful changes like this that we need to see more of in the very near future. 2025 is creeping up and we're delighted to see Chobani on track to deliver on their commitment to the 2025 Targets."
"As we evolve our packaging to align with our sustainability goals, we're equally committed to enhancing the consumer experience. By maintaining the iconic look of our packaging, consumers can easily identify and continue to enjoy our delicious Gippsland Dairy yogurts, now with a significantly reduced environmental footprint," Browne said.
Chobani’s new 160g Gippsland Dairy packaging will be available in all leading supermarkets nationally from February 2024.
