Chobani Australia, the company behind iconic yogurt brand Gippsland Dairy, is reducing the amount of plastic in the packaging of its 160g products by 44 per cent to drive sustainability.
The move is part of Chobani’s commitment to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation and the 2025 National Packaging Targets, which involves curbing the production of unnecessary or problematic plastics.
The removal of the product’s plastic lid follows the earlier removal in 2023 of the embedded plastic spoon as part of Victoria’s ban on single-use plastic cutlery.
Upon the complete transition of all Gippsland Dairy 160g products to the new packaging, Chobani said it will remove 95,000 kg of plastic from its business in 2024 and cut greenhouse gas emissions associated with sourcing and transporting the packaging through its supply chains and to retailers.
“Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey – one that demands time, effort and an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement,” said Tim Browne, ESG general manager and general counsel at Chobani.
“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,” Browne added. “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.”
Gippsland Dairy’s new packaging design maintains the signature pot look and feel of the 160 g product by replicating the former black lid through the product’s artwork.
The packaging will now feature a band around the circumference of the pot’s top, emulating the lid to ensure consumers can easily spot the product on the shelf.
“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 Gippsland Dairy packaging will be available in all leading supermarkets nationwide from February 2024.
