ABF’s Sustainable Packaging Initiatives Drive Real-World Impact Across Its Global Operations

Associated British Foods (ABF) is advancing its packaging sustainability strategy through innovation, collaboration, and measurable environmental outcomes across its global portfolio of brands.

November 10, 2025 — Associated British Foods (ABF) has announced significant progress in its sustainable packaging initiatives, aimed at reducing plastic waste, improving recyclability, and lowering the environmental footprint of its product packaging. These initiatives are part of ABF’s ongoing commitment to support circular economy principles while maintaining product quality and safety.

Accelerating sustainable change
Across its divisions — including grocery, ingredients, and retail — ABF has focused on reducing single-use plastics, increasing recycled content, and introducing alternative materials that meet both performance and sustainability goals. The company reports that more than 80% of its packaging is now recyclable, reusable, or compostable, with several brands exceeding this target ahead of schedule.

Key initiatives and achievements

• Twinings and Ovaltine transitioned to fully recyclable paper-based packaging for selected products, reducing the use of mixed-material laminates.
• Allied Bakeries introduced thinner plastic films that maintain product freshness while cutting material use by 15%.
• Jordans Dorset Ryvita replaced traditional flow wraps with biodegradable films sourced from renewable plant-based materials.
• Primark continues its drive toward more sustainable retail packaging, including recycled paper bags and garment packaging with improved recyclability.

Innovation and collaboration
ABF’s approach combines design innovation with cross-industry collaboration. By working with suppliers and research partners, the company is developing next-generation packaging materials that maintain barrier performance while being compatible with recycling systems. This includes testing compostable coatings and digital watermarking technologies to improve sorting accuracy in recycling streams.

Transparency and accountability
ABF publishes annual updates as part of its broader sustainability reporting framework, measuring progress toward its 2030 targets. The company tracks the percentage of sustainable packaging, carbon savings, and waste reduction to demonstrate accountability and continuous improvement.

“Our goal is to make sustainability an integral part of every packaging decision,” said an ABF spokesperson. “From materials innovation to supplier partnerships, we are proving that practical, scalable solutions can create meaningful environmental impact.”

Looking ahead
ABF plans to expand its circular packaging efforts by increasing recycled content and investing in refillable and reusable systems. The company aims to ensure that 100% of its packaging is recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2030, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable business practices.

Takeaway: ABF’s sustainable packaging journey demonstrates how multinational companies can combine design innovation, data transparency, and collaboration to deliver measurable progress toward circular economy goals.