Taco Bell and TerraCycle are teaming up to introduce recycling flexible film packets that can be returned by customers for cleaning, melting and remolding, so that more recycled products can be made. TerraCycle is known for working with materials that are tough to properly dispose of and as Liz Matthews, Taco Bell's global chief food innovation officer, says "In the food industry today, there is no widely available solution for recycling the flexible film packets that are so commonly used for condiments." With this solution, Taco Bell is helping customers to reduce waste one meal at a time.
Taco Bell is on a mission to make all consumer-facing packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025, as part of 'Eliminating the Idea of Waste.'
Recyclable Sauce Packets
Taco Bell & TerraCycle Accept, Clean, Melt & Remold Use Empty Packets
Trend Themes
1. Recyclable Food Packaging - Taco Bell and TerraCycle's partnership to introduce more recyclable flexible film packets offers opportunities for companies to innovate in the food industry by developing more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging options.
2. Circular Economy - The introduction of a circular economy model using empty packets for cleaning, melting, and remolding offers opportunities for companies to reduce waste and environmental impact by reusing materials and creating more closed-loop systems.
3. Consumer-driven Sustainability - The convenience of returning used packets for recycling gives customers a sense of agency in reducing waste and promotes a culture of sustainability that companies can capitalize on and encourage in their business models.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food Restaurants - Fast food restaurants can use recyclable food packaging options like Taco Bell's as a competitive advantage to attract consumers who prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness.
2. Packaging Design and Production - Companies that specialize in packaging design and production can start to focus on creating recyclable flexible film packets to meet the growing demand for environmentally-friendly options.
3. Waste Management and Recycling - The recycling of flexible film packets requires specialized processes and technology, which presents opportunities for companies in waste management and recycling industries to develop such solutions and offer them to other businesses.