A Case Study: Sustainability vs. Performance featuring The Good Grain.
The Sustainability Challenge
As the direct-to-consumer (DTC) food and drink market continues to grow, so does the demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Consumers are more aware than ever about the environmental impact of their purchases, and businesses are under increasing pressure to provide solutions that help towards environmental goals, without compromising product integrity.
So, when it comes to temperature-controlled packaging, is it possible to maintain high performance whilst meeting environmental goals?
Keeping perishable goods fresh in transit requires a combination of insulation, ice packs, and protective packaging. Traditionally, this has meant relying on materials like polystyrene which poses environmental concerns due to limited recyclability.
With sustainability becoming a key factor in consumer purchasing decisions, food and drink brands must find alternatives that meet environmental expectations while still ensuring reliable temperature control. Switching to sustainable packaging isn’t as simple as replacing one material with another; it requires careful consideration.
One of the biggest concerns when shifting to sustainable cold packaging is whether it can match the performance of traditional solutions. After all, if a product arrives out of temperature or damaged, it not only leads to waste but also affects brand reputation and customer trust.
Sustainability in Practice
At Icertech, we’re always excited to support businesses that prioritize sustainability. That’s why we’re proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with The Good Grain, a company dedicated to delivering delicious, wholesome overnight oats (free from gluten, dairy and refined sugars and always made from 100% natural ingredients- they taste incredible!).
Previously, The Good Grain used polystyrene boxes from Icertech to ensure their products arrive chilled and in good condition. However, as part of their commitment to reducing their environmental impact, they were keen to explore alternatives.
As the oats are sent out in glass jars ensuring the delivery arrives intact is just as important to The Good Grain as ensuring the oats arrive at the correct temperature. The financial viability of the alternative solution was also an important consideration; sustainable packaging must not only perform well but also remain cost-effective to ensure it aligns with a company’s overall business model.
The Good Grain founder, Jubilee, was key to making this transition a success. After assessing different options, including sending out trial deliveries, The Good Grain successfully made the switch to our Eco-Box- a fully paper-based solution that offers the temperature performance they need, as well as providing cushioning and impact protection.
By carefully assessing their options and conducting real-world testing, The Good Grain found a solution that meets their temperature control needs, protects their glass-packaged products, and aligns with their environmental goals. Their journey highlights the importance of balancing sustainability with practicality, proving that with the right approach, businesses can reduce their environmental impact without compromising on quality or cost-effectiveness. At Icertech, we’re proud to support companies like The Good Grain in making meaningful changes that benefit both their customers and the planet.
