Abbott To Launch 40 Sustainable Packaging Initiatives

Abbott is in the process of launching, more than 40 sustainable packaging initiatives across its nutrition, pharmaceutical and medical products businesses to meet its goal of a 5% reduction in the amount of packaging used in its key products by 2013.

The company said that it partners with industry and independent groups in the area of sustainable packaging, such as the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. In addition, Abbott has sponsored the newly created Michigan State University’s Center for Packaging Innovation and Sustainability, which is expected to provides a forum to bridge academic research with Abbott’s real-world application.

In addition, Abbott works with major retail customers, sharing information on packaging reductions the company has achieved in its consumer products. The company also screens its suppliers, holding them to stringent packaging requirements, the company reported.

John Landgraf, senior vice president, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and supply at Abbott, said: “Abbott’s sustainable packaging initiatives will reduce our environmental footprint through less waste in landfills, more responsible forest management and fewer emissions. At the same time, it lowers cost, and, in some cases, reduces shelf space for our customers. Throughout the world, consumers increasingly expect the companies they do business with to be environmentally responsible citizens and Abbott is rising to that challenge.”

According to the company since 2007, it has eliminated an estimated 2.88 million pounds of packaging on an annualized basis through reduction initiatives on a few select products. In addition, Abbott reduced the amount of plastic used in infant formula containers by 15% in 2008.