On June 5, 2023, ITC, a conglomerate based in Kolkata, restated its dedication to tackling the problem of plastic waste management through various initiatives. Guided by its ‘Sustainability 2.0’ vision, the company has been increasing its investment in the creation of inventive and environmentally friendly packaging alternatives to replace disposable plastics. In FY23, ITC successfully managed 60,000 MT of plastic waste in a sustainable manner, allowing it to maintain its Plastic Neutrality status for the second year in a row.
B Sumant, executive director at ITC, emphasized the company’s dedication to reducing plastic usage. They have implemented extensive waste management measures, with a specific focus on plastics. ITC’s paperboards, paper, and packaging divisions have spearheaded the development of sustainable packaging alternatives, aiming to replace single-use plastics. Furthermore, various brands and business units under ITC have introduced innovative approaches that contribute to a positive environmental impact.
.ITC’s paperboards, paper, and packaging enterprises are leading the way in revolutionizing packaging solutions by reducing reliance on single-use plastics. Through extensive research at its Life Sciences and Technology Centre, ITC has developed sustainable options such as recyclable paperboards (‘FiloPack’ and ‘FiloServe’) and biodegradable paperboards (‘OmegaBev’ and ‘OmegaBarr’). These alternatives effectively replace plastic-coated containers and cups for deep-freeze applications. The IndoBowl has been introduced to address the issue of plastic food containers for delivery, while high-strength, multi-layered paper products and the ‘WrapWell’ food wrapping paper offer eco-friendly substitutes for single-use plastic cutlery and food packaging.
ITC’s Packaging business offers fiber-based and plastic laminate solutions. They are also developing recyclable laminates with reduced plastic usage for enhanced circularity. The business has launched innovative products like Bio-seal and Germfree for Tea envelopes, providing sustainable alternatives in the packaging market. Their efforts have been recognized with three World Packaging Organization (WPO) awards for sustainable beverage and ice cream packaging.
Reducing Plastic Usage in Personal Care Packaging
ITC has taken significant steps towards reducing plastic usage in the packaging of its personal care brands. Several of these brands have made commendable progress in adopting more sustainable alternatives. For instance, Fiama Shower Gel bottles now integrate 50% recycled material sourced from consumers, while the PET layer of Savlon Glycerine Soap Wrapper incorporates 70% post-consumer recycled plastic. The brand has made a complete shift to 100% paper-based recyclable cartons when it comes to Engage Perfume and Cologne bottles.
Plastic Reduction Initiatives in ITC’s Food Business
ITC’s Foods business has taken several steps to decrease the utilization of plastics. Aashirvaad Organic Whole Wheat Atta now comes in a 1kg paper-based bag, resulting in a 25% decrease in plastic usage. Sunfeast Yippee! Power Up Noodles and ITC MasterChef Frozen Snacks have both switched to mono-material laminate, replacing multi-layered plastic packaging. Additionally, B Natural Juices uses shrink wrap with 25% recycled content in secondary packaging to support recycling efforts.
In addition, ITC’s Hotels Business has substituted plastic water bottles with environmentally friendly glass bottles. Furthermore, they have replaced plastic drinking straws, stirrers, and other plastic items with paper and wood-based alternatives, effectively contributing to the reduction of plastic pollution.