The Rainforest Alliance – APRIL Collaboration

Generation Z and Millennial consumers are more likely to pay a premium for products that are legitimately sustainable in some way, from materials to packaging to delivery. The third annual Consumer Sustainability Survey from Blue Yonder, a digital supply chain platform, confirms that sustainability remains a priority for all consumers. However, younger shoppers are more definitive and consistent in their choices, with 85% of Gen Z and 84% of Millennials reporting that sustainability considerations are important to them. “It’s especially promising that so many respondents are willing to spend more for sustainable products, given that price concerns, exacerbated by the ongoing challenge of inflation, have marked conversations around consumer behavior over the last year,” said Saskia van Gendt, Blue Yonder’s chief sustainability officer, in a statement.

A bill passed on February 17 by the Washington State Senate would reduce pollution by prohibiting the sale and distribution of most expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) products. The bill passed on a vote of 29-19 and now heads to the House for consideration. Effective June 1, 2022, this bill would prohibit the sale, manufacture and distribution of Styrofoam-type foodservice products, coolers and packaging materials in or into the state of Washington. Foodservice products include food containers, plates, clamshells and hot and cold beverage cups. It exempts packaging for raw, uncooked or butchered meat, fish and poultry, as well as packaging for seafood, vegetables, fruit and egg cartons. It also exempts Styrofoam products used to transport or store biological materials such as medicals items. Wholesale or retail establishments that use Styrofoam coolers to transport perishable items are also exempt from this prohibition.

Greif, Inc. announced it has been awarded an A- Leadership ranking for the third year in a row by CDP as part of their annual climate change assessment. CDP operates a global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states and regions to manage the impact they make on the environment. “Earning an A- Leadership ranking from CDP for a third year in a row continues to reinforce and recognize our ongoing efforts to minimize our environmental footprint,” said Pete Watson, Greif's President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to providing value for our stakeholders by safeguarding the environment through our continued sustainability efforts.”