Ben & Jerry's Celebrates Earth Day Highlighting its Sustainable Packaging

By: Ben & Jerry's | 2 Shares 100 Reads

Responsibly Constructed Pints Promote Environmental Stewardship

BURLINGTON, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Well known for its values-led sourcing, Ben & Jerry's has talked with its fans about the company's use of cage-free eggs, no added hormones in its dairy, and Fair Trade Certified ingredients. But did you know that the paper pint container itself that holds Vermont's Finest is also responsibly sourced? That's right: it's not just what's inside the pint, but also what is the pint that is important.

This Earth Day, Ben & Jerry's is saluting environmentally-friendly companies who endorse and practice environmental stewardship.

"Our social mission has driven our values-led sourcing," said Andrea Asch, Natural Resources Manager. "It would be inconsistent to who we are and what we stand for it we didn't put those responsibly-sourced ingredients into a responsibly constructed pint."

In 2009, Ben & Jerry's completed its transition to using Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paperboard for its pints, a process that took several years to complete. FSC certification requires that foresters meet 10 principles and 56 associated criteria related to environmental stewardship, including the prohibition of the use of hazardous chemicals, recognition and respect of indigenous peoples' rights to land, and the reduction of environmental impact of logging.

"FSC certification is not the finish line," said Asch, "it's a milestone. We are continuously looking into ways on how we can improve our packaging and make it even more sustainable." A step in the right direction is a great challenge for all businesses and individuals on this Earth Day 2011.

To learn more about Ben & Jerry's and their FSC packaging, go to www.benjerry.com.

About Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's produces a wide variety of super-premium ice cream and ice cream novelties, using high-quality ingredients including milk and cream from family farmers who do not treat their cows with the synthetic hormone rBGH. The company states its position on rBGH* on its labels. Ben and Jerry's products are distributed nationwide and in selected foreign countries in supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores, franchise Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops, restaurants and other venues. Ben & Jerry's, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community. Contributions made via the employee-led Ben & Jerry's Foundation in 2010 totaled over $1.8 million. Additionally, the company makes significant product donations to community groups and nonprofits both in Vermont and across the nation. The purpose of Ben & Jerry's philanthropy is to support the founding values of the company: economic and social justice, environmental restoration and peace through understanding, and to support our Vermont communities. For the full scoop on all Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop locations and fabulous flavors, visit www.benjerry.com.

* The FDA has said no significant difference has been shown and no test can now distinguish between milk from rBGH treated cows and untreated cows. Not all the suppliers of our other ingredients can promise that the milk they use comes from untreated cows.

###