Califia Farms Switches to 100% Recycled PET Bottles Across US and Canada

Califia Farms, a plant-based beverage company headquartered in the United States, has recently made a noteworthy announcement regarding its commitment to environmental sustainability. The company is undergoing a substantial transition by converting its bottles in the United States and Canada to be exclusively made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET).

This strategic move is not merely cosmetic but is designed to have a tangible positive impact on Califia Farms' environmental footprint. By making this transition, the company anticipates a significant reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions, lowering them by at least 19%. Additionally, the shift to 100% rPET is expected to lead to a noteworthy 50% reduction in energy consumption.

The comprehensive update in packaging encompasses Califia Farms' diverse product range, spanning refrigerated plant milks, creamers, coffees, and teas. This transition aligns with the company's broader commitment to environmental sustainability and a proactive stance in addressing the global issue of plastic pollution. The move to rPET is a step towards fostering a circular economy and decreasing the demand for new plastic production.

Having successfully completed the conversion of its bottles to 100% rPET in North America, Califia Farms is now poised to communicate this transformative change to its consumers. The brand aims to raise awareness among its customer base by incorporating QR codes on the new packaging. These codes will guide users to a dedicated rPET page, offering insights into the sustainable practices adopted by Califia Farms and providing access to the company's detailed sustainability reports.

Dave Ritterbush, the CEO of Califia Farms, emphasized the significance of this transition in the context of the company's overall commitment to sustainability. While acknowledging Califia's inherently sustainable business model due to its plant-based product offerings, Ritterbush highlighted the importance of continuous progress in their sustainability journey. The shift to 100% rPET is positioned as a major stride in reducing the reliance on virgin plastic, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.

In the period spanning from 2019 to 2023, Califia Farms actively engaged in various sustainability initiatives. These efforts included projects led by an internal 'Green Team,' focusing on lightweighting measures across caps, bottles, and labels. The outcome of these initiatives has been a tangible reduction in the overall plastic usage by the company.

Ella Rosenbloom, the Vice President of Sustainability at Califia, underscored the critical role of replacing virgin plastic with recycled plastic in achieving a circular economy. She emphasized that the company's commitment to circularity involves accelerating transformative changes and thoughtfully exploring innovative ways to circulate and eliminate the use of plastic.