4 MIN READ
4-8-2025
How Sports Nutrition Brands Are Reducing Plastic Waste
Alex Schulze , CEO/Co-Founder
How Sports Nutrition Brands Are Reducing Plastic Waste
Over the past ten years, there has been a sharp increase in demand for the sports nutrition sector, which is well-known for its colorful protein powders, energy bars, and supplements. But this expansion has also brought about a serious environmental problem: plastic garbage. Single-use plastic containers are used to package a large number of the products in this industry, which adds to the growing worldwide plastic catastrophe. A growing number of sports nutrition companies are embracing sustainability in response to this problem by cutting down on plastic waste through creative packaging ideas, substitute materials, and circular business methods. This article examines the ways in which sports nutrition companies are tackling plastic waste and the implications of these initiatives for the industry's future.
The Environmental Impact of Plastic in Sports Nutrition
The sports nutrition sector is rife with plastic packaging. Because of its durability and ease of use, plastic has become the preferred packaging material for everything from tubs of protein powder to individual supplement sachets. However, this reliance on plastic has a significant negative impact on the environment.
78 million metric tons of plastic packaging are used annually worldwide, with a large portion of that amount ending up in landfills or the ocean, according to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Like many other industries, the sports nutrition sector is impacted by this problem because of packaging that is frequently composed of non-recyclable materials or is challenging to recycle because of mixed elements like labels, lids, and seals.
Sports nutrition companies are starting to take steps to lessen their reliance on plastic and implement more sustainable methods as awareness of the negative environmental effects of plastic trash develops.
Innovations in Sustainable Packaging
Brands that provide sports nutrition are looking into a number of ways to cut down on plastic waste, such as repurposing materials or redesigning packaging with sustainability in mind. Here are a few of the main strategies that companies are using to deal with this urgent problem.
1. Recycled and Reusable Resources
The use of recyclable and recycled materials is one of the biggest developments in sports nutrition packaging. In an effort to support a circular economy and lessen the need for new plastic manufacture, several firms are choosing packaging made from post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics. The environmental impact of plastic manufacture is reduced because these recycled polymers are made from resources that have already been used and repurposed.
For instance, the well-known sports nutrition company Bulk has made a determined effort to employ PCR plastic in its supplement containers. Bulk contributes to resource conservation and carbon emission reduction by using recycled materials in its packaging instead of virgin plastic. They are also dedicated to making sure that all of their packaging is recyclable, providing a greener option to traditional plastic containers.
Another sports nutrition company, The Protein Works, has made its protein powder packaging entirely recyclable. In addition to using sustainable materials, the business preserves the product's integrity, guaranteeing its freshness and environmental responsibility.
2. Compostable and Biodegradable Substitutes
Although recycled plastics are a positive move, some companies are taking things a step further by using compostable and biodegradable materials. These substances are made to decompose more readily in the environment, which lessens their long-term effects on ecosystems.
One well-known company in the sports nutrition and meal replacement market, Huel, has advanced the use of biodegradable packaging for their goods. The company sells protein bars and powders in packaging composed of biodegradable and compostable renewable plant-based materials. This action helps address the growing problem of plastic trash in landfills and oceans and drastically lessens their reliance on plastic.
For many years, the cosmetics and wellness company Lush, which also sells nutrition items, has packaged its goods in plant-based, biodegradable containers. Despite its primary concentration on beauty items, Lush's dedication to minimizing plastic waste has impacted other industries, such as nutrition, and promoted a move toward sustainable alternatives.
3. Systems for Reusable Packaging
Another innovation that is becoming popular in the sports nutrition sector is refillable packaging systems. By enabling customers to reuse their original containers, these systems lessen the need for new packaging for every purchase. Brands may drastically reduce the quantity of single-use plastic packaging produced by promoting refills.
For several of its protein powder and supplement lines, MyProtein, one of the biggest sports nutrition companies in the world, has implemented a refill mechanism. Customers can purchase refill bags, which utilize less material and are easier to recycle, as an alternative to constantly buying new plastic tubs. The company's sustainability strategy also encourages customers to reuse their tubs.
Another example is Klean Athlete, which offers a line of protein powders and supplements that come in recyclable tubs. The brand is focusing on creating packaging that can be reused or refilled, minimizing the need for excessive plastic containers.
4. Design of Minimalist Packaging
Minimalist package design is becoming more and more popular in sustainable packaging across a range of industries, including sports nutrition. Brands can lessen their environmental impact by using less packaging and removing extraneous plastic components. This method frequently results in packaging that is less complicated, more recyclable, and requires less materials.
The plant-based nutrition brand Sunwarrior has adopted minimalist packaging by adopting recyclable, single-material containers and shrinking the size of its protein powder tubs. The product's integrity is preserved while waste is decreased thanks to this efficient method.
Similarly, many of the goods from Orgain, a company well-known for its organic protein powders, come in eco-friendly, simple packaging. To further reduce plastic waste, their protein powders are packaged in recyclable tubs with extra layers of packaging and fewer labels.
5. Systems for Circular Packaging and Sustainable Sourcing
To encourage sustainability, some sports nutrition companies are reconsidering their whole supply chain, not just the packaging. This entails using circular packaging solutions that enable the reuse, recycling, or upcycling of packaging materials as well as obtaining ingredients sustainably.
By utilizing eco-friendly packaging made from recycled materials and sourcing ingredients from sustainable farms, Athletic Greens, a supplement company that specializes in greens powders and other health products, has taken a step toward sustainability. In order to further promote sustainability, they also provide a subscription plan that incentivizes users to refill their containers.
The Role of Consumers and Future Trends
Although companies are making great progress in cutting down on plastic waste, consumer behavior is also very important to the success of these efforts. As more buyers place a higher value on environmentally friendly items, their choices may have an impact on the industry as a whole. Customers who wish to support businesses that have a good environmental impact are inclined to connect with brands that embrace sustainability and transparency in their operations.
With more companies using recyclable, compostable, and refillable packaging methods, the sports nutrition sector is probably going to keep moving toward sustainable packaging in the future. We may anticipate more developments in materials science as technology progresses, which could result in new, environmentally friendly packaging choices that further cut down on plastic waste.
Conclusion
Sports nutrition companies are acting to lessen their dependency on single-use plastic packaging as they become more aware of the negative effects plastic waste has on the environment. These companies are setting the standard for a more sustainable future for the sector by employing biodegradable and recyclable plastics, refillable packaging, and simple designs. The sports nutrition industry will probably keep coming up with new ideas and implementing more sustainable methods to cut down on plastic waste and support the worldwide environmental movement as consumer demand for eco-friendly products keeps growing.
Sources:
1. Bulk, "Sustainable Packaging: Our Commitment to PCR Plastics," Bulk, 2022.
2. The Protein Works, "Sustainable Packaging Practices," The Protein Works, 2023.
3. Huel, "Compostable Packaging and Sustainability Initiatives," Huel, 2021.
4. MyProtein, "Refillable Packaging and Sustainable Practices," MyProtein, 2022.
5. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, "The Global Plastic Crisis and Packaging," Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2020.