Earning half a billion dollars in sales each year, the ketchup industry continues to sit pretty despite our persistent global economic slowdown. Perhaps the accessibility and perennial affordability of fast food offerings - particularly ketchup's kindred spirits, cheap burgers and fries - can be credited for the condiments' even-keeled money-making ability. One of the most high profile and successful companies in the biz -- H.J. Heinz Company - has even enjoyed a 4.5% increase in sales in the new year alone, and the buzz surrounding the redesign of their new user-friendly ketchup packets will also likely help their bodacious bottom line.
Interesting, then, that with all of the media coverage they've received regarding their brand-spanking-new Dip & Squeeze packet - which enables consumers to enjoy more of their favorite condiment with minimal threat to their clothing or sanity -- that very little has actually been mentioned about its potentially eco-friendly properties. As it stands, they sell well over 11 billion packets of ketchup annually, 50% to major fast food players such as Wendy's and Burger King and they clearly state on their website that they are "committed to reducing the amount of packaging material associated with (their) products"...so it seems like the packet makeover should be squeaky green, right?
In the 90s, Heinz developed full-sized, recyclable plastic ketchup containers in response to consumer concerns about the environment -- and that was certainly a step in the right direction -- but their individual packets have long been one-time-use items that are rarely if ever recycled via nationwide municipal programs. While they've devoted a great deal of real estate on their website to the sustainability accomplishments of their global facilities throughout North America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific and as far away as Costa Rica (detailing everything from reducing water/energy consumption and landfill disposals to success of their increased recycling efforts and implementation of thinner packaging), what's the real deal with their shiny new ketchup packets? Surely the upgrade from their 1968 design reflects a leaner, greener perspective?
A Heinz representative recently revealed to the Christian Science Monitor that the new rigid, plastic backed, peelable Mylar topped container, which contains the same volume of the distinctive tomatoey condiment as 3 conventional nine gram packets "is not recyclable." Say what?!?! They go on to explain that they "continue to explore ways to make (their) packaging more sustainable. As a company, we are committed to sustainable initiatives and are always looking to provide consumers with innovative solutions that make their lives easier." Come on Heinz, after devoting several years to research and development, you clearly missed the most eco-sential part of the formula. Even more surprising (or apathetic) is that they intend to continue making their old packets available for mass consumption. Offering bulk ketchup in fast food restaurants via a sanitary community dispensing system would be a far more eco-responsible way to make their product available to those who dine-in...and as for people indulging while on-the-go? Heinz should create a Dip & Squeeze packet composed of 100% biodegradable materials left behind from their tomato processing facilities. How 'bout them tomatoes?
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