PLA is nevertheless claimed to be an environmentally friendly option for manufacturers. Quoting an independent life cycle analysis conducted in Germany, NatureWorks said Danone’s switch from polystyrene to PLA had reduced the carbon footprint of Activia packaging by 25% and cut fossil resource use by 43%.
NatureWorks, Danone and WWF are working to achieve the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) for the new packaging. The ISCC seal guarantees that the entire Ingeo supply chain meets rigorous social and environmental criteria.
Danone has moved over to Ingeo for about 80% of its Activia products in Germany. It plans to expand the use of the packaging to the other products sold under the brand, including drinks, fruit puree and larger unit-sized yogurt.