New Learning Labs from Tetra Pak Help Specify Business Benefits of Renewable Resources

DENTON, Texas, May 20, 2015 /3BL Media/ — What will it take for industry to understand the importance of using renewable materials to mitigate natural resources scarcity and to increase use of renewable resources?

Tetra Pak today shared highlights from the first of a new series of Learning Labs designed to shed light on these issues and more. Through dialogues with key stakeholders, Tetra Pak is leading efforts to assess the business value that comes from using renewable resources—those that can be regrown or replenished over time—and more responsible use of natural capital.

The Learning Labs will consist of moderated discussions with industry representatives (manufacturers, brands and retailers), consumers and academia and will be co-hosted by select NGO partners. They are intended to reveal knowledge, practices and experiences of others that contribute to the business case behind use of renewable resources. Greater awareness and appreciation of the business value, from long term solutions and those that are readily available now like renewable cartons, will help prompt more companies to use renewable materials.

“Through our Moving To The Front campaign, launched in 2014, we are seeing increased understanding of the importance renewable materials have in mitigating natural resource scarcity and climate change issues. However, barriers to adoption remain. And it has become increasingly clear that few of us have all the answers when it comes to the benefits of renewables,” said Elisabeth Comere, Director of Environment and Government Affairs for Tetra Pak.

“Our Labs are intended to help fill this knowledge void and encourage information sharing around the benefits of using materials like paperboard or bioplastics that are sourced, harvested and managed responsibly. The Labs are built on a model of listen, learn and share to help to bubble up critical information that can help advance mainstream adoption of renewable materials,” Comere said.

The first Learning Lab, convened recently in partnership with the World Resources Institute’s Corporate Consultative Group (WRI-CCG), was attended by more than 30 participants from leading global brands and examined supply chain perspectives in response to resource scarcity. A six-member panel made up of representatives from Braskem, PepsiCo, Walmart, Weyerhaeuser, Whole Foods Market and Tetra Pak, spoke to three areas where increased focus is necessary if businesses are to better recognize the benefits of using renewable resources in their supply chains:

1. Moving from conventional inputs like fossil fuels and scarce minerals to renewable stocks requires transformation of infrastructure and complex supply chain systems.
2. The market is the main driver and consumers’ interest is what really generates demand for renewable materials. Richer and more frequent storytelling reinforces consumer demand.
3. Renewable materials and renewable resources are still ill-defined terms for both business and consumers and more education is necessary. 

A detailed summary of the discussion can be found here.

Future Learning Labs are expected to explore such topics as consumer preference and brand differentiation opportunities; how renewable materials can help companies meet climate goals and targets; and what are the specific business values that can be the tipping point for changing current practices. At the completion of the Learning Labs series, Tetra Pak hopes to share a robust analysis of the business value of renewable materials and responsible sourcing.

To learn more about Tetra Pak’s commitment to renewable materials and responsible sourcing, or for more information about the Learning Labs, visit http://www.doingwhatsgood.us/moving-to-the-front/

ABOUT TETRA PAK
Tetra Pak is the world's leading food processing and packaging solutions company. Working closely with our customers and suppliers, we provide safe, innovative and environmentally sound products that each day meet the needs of hundreds of millions of people in more than 170 countries around the world. With more than 23,000 employees based in over 80 countries, we believe in responsible industry leadership and a sustainable approach to business.  Our motto, “PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD™," reflects our vision to make food safe and available, everywhere. FSC license code for Tetra Pak is FSC™ C014047. More information about Tetra Pak is available at www.tetrapakusa.com.

Tetra Pak and PROTECTS WHAT’S GOOD are trademarks belonging to the Tetra Pak Group.

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