HelloFresh wanted to introduce more environmentally-friendly packaging for their Fruit, Vegetables and Herbs category in Germany (initially). In addition, product quality was deteriorating and consumer complaints were on the increase. The aim was also to replace petro-sourced packaging with more effective packaging for preserving these foods.
Process
- Analysis of HelloFresh’s worldwide packaging waste by category, and the number of food items wasted by type ;
- We decided to give priority to herbs, which are the most packaged products in the fruit, vegetables and herbs category ;
- Specification of selection criteria for new packaging: non-toxicity on herbs, product shelf life in packaging, carbon emissions and ocean pollution ;
- Selection of packaging to be tested according to the above criteria (analysis of material properties, carbon emissions and methods of processing this type of waste in the countries where HelloFresh operates) ;
- Packaging suppliers sourcing ;
- Establishment of a protocol for testing shelf life according to storage and transport conditions in HelloFresh’s various distribution centers ;
- Real-life testing at the supplier’s premises ;
- Extending results to other product types ;
- Research into additional product preservation solutions (surface treatment of products, surface treatment of packaging, etc.) ;
Conclusion
HelloFresh has implemented a solution that improves food preservation and thus increases customer satisfaction. In addition, biobased packaging has enabled HelloFresh to reduce its carbon footprint in this area.
Sustainability Consultant 