Sika's first Sustainable Packaging Challenge for North America launched in March 2023 with the goal of working with current and potential suppliers to find innovative sustainable packaging solutions that can help Sika achieve its sustainability goals. The North American challenge included five different packaging solutions: Corrugated boxes, valve bags, plastic cartridges, plastic buckets, and tinplate buckets.
Innovating Sustainable Packaging Solutions & Teaming Up with Suppliers
Lyndhurst, NJ – The Sustainable Packaging Challenge organized by Sika in North America provided suppliers with a two-month window to submit their sustainable and innovative packaging proposals that aligned with Sika's requirements. These proposals underwent a thorough evaluation process led by a 12-member committee consisting of representatives from various key departments within Sika. This multidisciplinary committee included experts from sustainability, procurement, operations, marketing, and product management.
The committee's primary objective was to ensure that the winning proposal not only met Sika's sustainability goals but also received the necessary support for seamless integration into the company's operations. By involving all relevant departments, Sika aimed to leverage the collective expertise and perspectives of its teams, fostering collaboration and increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.
Top Ideas Showcased During Live Exhibition
The competition witnessed a remarkable response, with over 20 packaging suppliers enthusiastically participating in the challenge. After careful evaluation, five suppliers emerged as finalists, earning the opportunity to showcase their proposals at the highly anticipated final live exhibition. The exhibition took place on July 11, 2023, in Lyndhurst, NJ, serving as a platform for finalists to present their ideas to a captive audience
During the live exhibition, finalists were not only able to present their proposals but were also asked to prototype their concepts, bringing their ideas to life and demonstrating their feasibility. This interactive element allowed attendees to witness firsthand the practical application of the finalists' innovative packaging solutions.
By providing finalists with the opportunity to prototype their proposals, Sika emphasized the importance of practicality and real-world implementation. This hands-on approach enabled suppliers to showcase the functionality, performance, and sustainability aspects of their packaging solutions.
Congratulations to Our Winner: Berry Global!
The winner of our challenge is Berry Global, a U.S.-based global packaging manufacturing company that strives to minimize the impact of its products and operations while helping its customers meet their ambitious sustainability goals.
Their proposal consisted of plastic buckets that are 100% recyclable and 30% PCR material to reduce virgin material consumption and lower the carbon footprint while maintaining the same bucket performance.
Through this rigorous selection process and live exhibition, Sika aimed to identify the most promising and impactful sustainable packaging solution for its operations. The company's commitment to innovation and sustainability was evident throughout the challenge, as it sought out proposals that could not only meet its requirements but also drive positive change within the packaging industry.
As Sika continues to emphasize the significance of sustainable packaging, its first Sustainable Packaging Challenge stands as a testament to its dedication to collaboration, innovation, and a greener future. By providing a platform for suppliers to showcase their ideas and fostering a culture of sustainability, Sika is leading the way in reshaping the packaging industry and inspiring others to embrace more sustainable practices.