In this edition of the Packaging Innovation Dashboard, we explore how the Chicago Bears, DoorDash, and Graza are working to reduce packaging waste and implement reusable packaging systems through innovation and strategic partnerships.
Chicago Bears x Bold Reuse | Reusable Cup Pilot at Soilder Field
Photo from Keurig Dr Pepper
In Q4 of 2024, the Chicago Bears announced a partnership with Keurig Dr. Pepper & Bold Reuse to implement a pilot reusable cup program at Soldier Field.
The pilot will take place in the "United Club”—a premium area that serves “about 8,000 attendees per game.” Attendees will be encouraged to return the empty cups at marked collection bins, which will be picked up by Bold Reuse for sanitation, etc.
According to a Packaging Dive article, the Chicago Bears are amongst the first NFL teams to test a reusable packaging program.
Other professional sports teams in the US have implemented similar programs, including:
The Colorado Rockies—working with r.World to pilot a reusable cup system.
The Portland Timbers—launched a reuse program with Bold Reuse in 2022 and recently announced they are renewing their program.
Read more on the Bears plans to implement a reusable cup program here.
Story from Packaging Dive
DoorDash x DeliverZero | Reusable Packaging in US Markets
Did you know that if you live in the following areas in the United States you can order food through DoorDash served in reusable packaging at select restaurants?
Denver, Colorado
Los Angeles, California
The Bay Area, California
New York City, New York
Hudson County, New Jersey
The option for reusable packaging is made possible by a partnership between DoorDash and DeliverZero—building off the work of DoorDash to enable “180,000 orders with reusable packaging globally” in 2023 through a partnership with Wolt.
In April of 2024, DoorDash announced a similar partnership to be brought to select US cities, following similar initiatives from other food delivery companies—like UberEat’s partnership with DeliverZero.
By now, you might be wondering how you can take advantage of this program. DoorDash lays out the steps, including:
Search “DeliverZero” in the app to find a restaurant that participates
Add menu items you want
Receive the order in reusable packaging
DeliverZero will reach out within 24 hours receiving the order with instructions to return the packaging to be reusable again for future orders
Read more on the partnership to boost the use of reusable packaging systems in the food delivery industry here.
Story from DoorDash
Graza | Beer Cans to Refill Olive Oil
Photo from Graza
With only 2 full years in operation, Graza has taken the olive oil market by storm with their ergonomic squeeze bottle design and playful branding.
Building off of this success, Fast Company reported that Graza was introducing a line of olive oil refill containers in aluminum beer cans. The containers are meant to be used to refill the iconic Graza squeeze bottles. With the help of a funnel, unnecessary packaging waste is reduced and a unique experience is created for olive oil lovers.
Fast Company highlights that the bottles are “opaque and nitrogen-sealed,” which helps protect the oil from oxygen, a known contributor to the rancidity of oil.
The idea for the new refill system was catalyzed by customer feedback through social, emails, surveys and more—desiring a refill system that uses less plastic and contains more sustainable packaging materials.
The refill cans are available at Whole Foods stores nationwide and also on Graza’s site.
Read the full story here.
Story from Fast Company
Measure the Impacts of Reusable Packaging with LCA
As the Chicago Bears, DoorDash, and Graza have demonstrated, reusable packaging innovations and systems are a great way to make an impression on consumers and reduce unnecessary packaging waste . . . but how can you measure if these systems are more environmentally friendly compared to single-use options? It all starts with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)!
Learn more about the process of conducting a packaging-specific life cycle assessment in our online Certificate of Sustainable Packaging program! Baseline your current primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging systems, compare a reusable system to alternatives, and more—understand your pack's impact from cradle to grave.
Learn more here!
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