The company initially started using the ARL at the beginning of 2021 with around 40 per cent of its locally made products now incorporating the recycling label.

In addition to adopting the ARL, Danone is leveraging the Packaging Recyclability Evaluation Portal (PREP), which allows the company to analyse all its packaging for recyclability.

According to Danone, the PREP tool is invaluable in helping its packaging technologists evaluate different kinds of packaging formats and materials. The tool is particularly valuable for new products being brought to market, ensuring packaging materials conform to local recycling standards.

“It’s fantastic to see another ARL program member commit to fully implementing the label across all locally produced packaging,” said CEO of the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation, Brooke Donnelly.

“As consumers continue to see the label across more and more household brands, their confidence will only grow in making environmentally-friendly purchasing decisions. Helping consumers to recycle correctly and more often is a core tenet of achieving both the 2025 National Packaging Targets and the development of a true circular economy for packaging in Australia. Seeing the label across all Danone packaging will no doubt encourage others in the industry to join the growing number of members helping Australians to recycle correctly.”

“Danone’s global commitment to circularity is deeply embedded in how we approach our packaging design for our products manufactured in Australia and New Zealand,” said Danone ANZ managing director, Rodrigo Lima.

“By 2025, one hundred percent of our packaging will be either recyclable, reusable or compostable. The rollout of the ARL is an important dimension of this broader commitment as it provides full transparency for our customers, consumers and other stakeholders.”

Danone’s commitment to society and the environment sits at the very heart of the company in accordance with its status as an Entreprise à Mission, which under French law uniquely embeds Danone’s purpose into its by-laws.

In addition, Danone is pursuing B Corp certification for all business entities globally by 2025, demonstrating the highest level of commitment to environmental protection, social progress and governance.

“At Danone we take great pride in our history and ongoing commitment social progress and improving the health of our planet,” added Lima. “As a company with a portfolio completely focussed on health categories, we understand the intimate connection between the health of the planet and the health of people.

“Now more than ever, consumers are taking an increasing interest in their food. Where does it come from? How was it produced and what impact does it have on the planet? Initiatives like the ARL are empowering consumers by helping them to make more informed decisions about the products they purchase.”

In Australia, Danone makes yoghurt brands including Activia, Alpro, So Delicious, Two Good, Ultimate and YoPro, while in New Zealand Danone manufactures leading baby formula brands Aptamil and the iconic home-grown Kiwi brand, Karicare.