Bunzl Canada

Bunzl Canada is leading the shift toward sustainable packaging solutions across the food, retail and industrial sectors, addressing the growing consumer demand for sustainability. According to NIQ’s 2023 Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) Sustainability Report, 92 percent of consumers now view sustainability as a key factor in their purchasing decisions—proving that Bunzl’s efforts are more timely and essential than ever.

At the core of this transformation is Blue Key, an in-house sustainability consultancy that empowers businesses to choose sustainable packaging solutions without sacrificing functionality or quality. A team of 20 global experts offers advice on eco-conscious strategies. Their expertise covers the latest sustainable practices, legislation and climate change considerations, ensuring clients remain at the forefront of environmental responsibility.

“As a business enabler, we deliver essential sustainable packaging solutions that foodservice operators and retailers depend on daily, helping them reduce their product footprint while maintaining the integrity of their brand,” says Jennifer Mackey, senior director of sustainability.

Bunzl’s sustainability strategy comes to life through its material footprint tool and the EcoSystems line, each playing a crucial, complementary role in reducing environmental impact while driving business success.

The material footprint tool is a powerful data-driven resource that gathers insights from hundreds of packaging suppliers, detailing all aspects of packaging, including materials, compostability and their recyclable content verification. Decision-making is simplified with a detailed view of sustainable alternatives based on environmental impact, material composition and cost efficiency.

Complementing the material footprint tool is EcoSystems, a product line designed to balance ecological responsibility with financial practicality. With insights drawn from the tool, EcoSystems identifies packaging alternatives that align with our customers’ circumstances, and embrace cutting-edge materials, such as options without intentionally added per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), advanced polymers and innovative designs.

A standout feature of the material footprint tool is its support for businesses navigating extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations. EPR policies, which are gaining traction in Canada and the U.S., hold companies accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, from production to disposal and recycling. Bunzl’s tool offers a critical advantage and will soon support clients in estimating fees associated with different packaging materials and product types through detailed product composition and volume data. The growing adoption of EPR regulations makes Bunzl’s tool indispensable, promoting responsible recycling practices.

“We help clients address evolving customer expectations and support them with the data reporting they need to meet legislative requirements. This proactive approach safeguards their market position, elevates their reputation and positions them as leaders in responsible business practices,” says Margo Hunnisett, vice president of marketing and communications.

One recent example of Bunzl’s proactive support involved a major client struggling with misleading marketing claims that undermined their sustainability goals. Bunzl’s material footprint tool offered a comprehensive solution, assessing the risks associated with these claims and guiding the client toward more accurate, sustainable alternatives. With data on the environmental impact of different materials, the tool enabled the client to substantiate their sustainability messaging with confidence.

Looking ahead, Bunzl’s packaging goals are centred if using CPSG on delivering solutions that are recyclable, reusable or compostable. Its holistic approach factors in data on carbon footprints, ecological impacts and human health, ensuring that sustainability is woven into every step of the packaging process. This strategy is about driving meaningful, industry-wide change that fosters both environmental responsibility and business success.