Environmental Nappy

Globally, its estimated that 300,000 disposable nappies are sent to landfill or incinerated every minute, leading to environmental issues as many contain plastics and synthetic materials and can take hundreds of years to decompose. While there's sustainable alternatives such as washable nappies, the effort and cost limits how widely they're used. Over the years many start-ups have marketed greener alternatives to disposable nappies. Can the latest make an impression? Texas-based company Hiro Technologies has created unbleached disposable diapers that comes with a packet of fungi which is added to the used diaper when it's ready to be thrown away. The fungi are able to break down and digest the diaper over time, says co-founder Miki Agrawa, who started the brand after being shocked by how many nappies her son was going through. The diapers cost $136 (£100) for a month's supply, though there is a subscription price of $199. That's significantly more than regular disposables, which are estimated to cost cost around $70 a month.Is the price out of range for most parents? Price tags aside, Sonali Jagadev, senior research analyst at Euromonitor, says progress in creating a more innovative and sustainable nappy remains slow and uneven due to several factors including high production costs and supply chain constraints. And, of course, there are consumer priorities. "Parents continue to prioritise performance, hygiene and convenience over sustainability, meaning brands take a risk if greener solutions compromise any of these core expectations."

BBQ - Do you think there will ever be enough demand for a sustainable nappy?

Hiro Nappies

, externalto cost around $70 a m

Misleading Green Claims

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads from major fashion brands Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste for making misleading claims about their environmental sustainability. The rulings were made because the paid-for Google ads used terms like "sustainable," "sustainable materials," or "sustainable style" without providing the high level of clear, substantiated evidence required under the UK's advertising code. The ASA determined that without qualification, these absolute claims were ambiguous and risked misleading consumers who are increasingly looking to make greener purchasing choices. This decision, part of a wider industry crackdown on greenwashing, sends a strong message that broad, unproven environmental statements must be avoided, and brands must now ensure the basis of all future sustainability claims is explicit and verifiable. Nike for example used the phrase 'Serve An Ace With Nike Sustainable Materials' with a recent promotion on tennis polo shirts but the brand did not clarify what made the materials sustainable.

BBQ - Why is it important that a brand needs to substantiate these sustainability claims?

Sustainability

 

Tesco Trials Avocado Scanner

 

Tesco has launched a trial of infrared avocado ripeness scanners in five UK stores, aiming to revolutionize how customers shop for fresh produce while tackling food waste. Developed by Dutch agritech firm OneThird, the scanners use light-based technology to assess the internal ripeness of avocados in seconds—eliminating the need for squeezing, which often damages the fruit. This innovation is part of Tesco’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes removing plastic labels and packaging from avocado products, saving over 20 million pieces of plastic annually. With avocado sales surging—15 million more sold this year compared to last—the scanner helps shoppers choose fruit suited to their needs, whether for immediate use or later consumption. By improving customer experience and reducing waste, Tesco demonstrates how technology can be leveraged to solve everyday retail challenges and support environmental goals.

BBQ - How can technological innovation like Tesco’s avocado ripeness scanner improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction in retail?

Avocado Scanner

Ford Cut 800 Jobs

In a significant move to address ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle market, Ford Motor Company has announced plans to cut 800 jobs in the UK over the next three years. This decision is part of a broader European restructuring strategy aimed at enhancing the company's financial health and competitiveness. The job reductions will primarily impact administrative, commercial, and development roles, while manufacturing facilities in Dagenham and Halewood will see minimal changes. Despite these cuts, Ford remains committed to its long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, continuing to invest in sustainable technologies and hybrid powertrains. This restructuring highlights the difficulties faced by the automotive industry as it navigates the transition to electric vehicles amidst economic and regulatory pressures.

BBQ: Discuss the potential impacts of this decision on Ford's business operations and its employees.

Ford Cut Jobs

Cadburys New Wrappers

 

Cadbury is set to enhance its sustainability efforts by wrapping its core sharing bars in 80% recycled plastic packaging, utilizing advanced recycling technology. This initiative, a collaboration between Mondelēz International, Amcor, and Jindal Films, aims to cover around 300 million bars, significantly reducing the environmental impact of their packaging. This move builds on Cadbury’s previous efforts, such as using 30% recycled plastic for its 110g Dairy Milk sharing bars since 2022. The new packaging will feature a QR code that consumers can scan to learn more about Cadbury’s sustainable packaging journey and find local recycling points. This initiative not only demonstrates Cadbury’s commitment to environmental sustainability but also aims to educate and engage consumers in the recycling process, fostering a more eco-conscious community.

BBQ: How can Cadbury’s use of 80% recycled plastic packaging impact its brand image and consumer perception, and what are the potential business benefits and challenges of this initiative?

Cadburys Wrappers

Paper Quality Street Tubs

 

Nestlé is trialling a new paper tub for its iconic Quality Street chocolates in collaboration with Tesco, aiming to reduce the use of virgin plastic. Over 200,000 paper tubs, designed with a luxurious feel and gold foil embellishments, will be available in selected Tesco stores this festive season. The trial will help Nestlé gather feedback from shoppers and supply chain teams to assess the tub’s popularity and effectiveness. This initiative is part of Nestlé’s broader sustainability efforts, which previously included switching to recyclable paper packaging for Quality Street’s twist-wrapped sweets. By introducing these paper tubs, Nestlé hopes to not only reduce its environmental footprint but also appeal to eco-conscious consumers who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. The success of this trial could pave the way for a broader rollout of paper packaging across more of Nestlé’s product range, further cementing the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

BBQ: How can sustainability initiatives, like Nestlé’s trial of paper tubs for Quality Street, impact a company’s brand image and consumer behavior?

Quality Street