Sustainable Goals and Commitments: A high-level view of the global commitments, legal frameworks, and institutions that are setting the bar for sustainability. A helpful resource to clarify the steps we should be taking, and an insight into what policies may impact business in the near term.
Goals & Commitments
UN 17 Sustainability Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone.
Although the packaging is focused more on a particular set of goals, all seventeen are interconnected and we think they are worth understanding.
Further Reading
A video explanation of the SDG's
The SDG Tracker, which aggregates progress to date in achieving the goals
UNFCCC Paris Climate Agreement
The Paris Agreement is the "official" call to action for fighting climate change. Signed in 2015, aims to limit the global temperature increase from human impact to well below 2 degrees Celsius, while pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees
The United States has gone backwards on its commitments, making it the job of brands and people to take up the cause.
Further reading
Track the progress of the countries signed on to the Paris Agreement
EU Comission Single-use Plastic Ban
The Council of the EU adopted in 2019 ambitious measures to tackle marine litter coming from the 10 single-use plastic products most often found on European beaches, as well as abandoned fishing gear and oxo-degradable plastics.
Generally, Europe leads the world in environmental legislation, which is eventually adopted by the US, and should be a sign of the change that we will need to implement (for the better!).
Harvard Environmental & Energy Law Resource
Understanding the machinations of federal and local environmental protections can be confusing and/or boring. This platform from Harvard Law School brings the information together in a presentable package, tracking how the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is operating, and discussing strategies for a sustainable world from a law perspective.
B Corporation Certification
Certified B Corporations are a new kind of business that balances purpose and profit. They are legally required to consider the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
There are many certifications available to brands, but if you had to choose one BCorp status is a good one to get.
Further reading
Why BCorp matters
1% For The Planet
Business members join the 1% network, committing to donate the equivalent of 1% of gross sales through a combination of monetary, in-kind and approved promotional support directly to environmental nonprofits. Which has so far resulted in more than $225 million in support to approved environmental nonprofits.
For brands and individuals alike, joining a platform like 1% is a good way to outsource the organizational manpower and tap into educational resources.
Further reading
Watch a video that explains 1% For The Planets mission
Drinks Industry Sustainability Index - Trends Report 2020
As the world shifts from the belief that we are in climate crisis, to the realization that we are in the midst of a climate emergency, so too are businesses and brands beginning to move towards greater action; this PDF shows that there is an increasing commitment to do what it takes to secure a better, cleaner planet.
2020 Food and Beverage Sustainable Packaging Trends
This PDF shows the findings of EcoFocus Worldwide'S 2019 9U.S. Trends Survey.
Importance of millenials: What Millennials think, say and do will dominate all aspects of businesses for many years to come — including the packaging of the beverages they drink and foods they eat. The reason? Millennials are putting a significantly higher priority on sustainability than have the generations before them and will reward brands and businesses that understand how to align packaging with their eco-focused needs.
Packaging Free Retail
Less than 100 years ago, consumers often went straight to the source for much of their produce, minimising the impact on the environment through the transportation and packaging of goods. While we may never return to this, consumers are increasingly becoming more aware of the carbon footprint their produce leaves and it seems that packaging-free stores could be one way of tackling this issue.