Client
Uriach is a health and wellness company with 185 years of history that, in recent years, has established itself in what they call ‘natural consumer healthcare’, based on the belief that the power of nature, enhanced by science and innovation, is the best way to improve people’s health and well-being, as well as being more sustainable. Currently, Uriach has more than 850 employees and subsidiaries in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Romania. It markets its brands in Greece, and its activity continues to expand worldwide through distribution contracts in more than twenty other countries.
The challenge
To have guidelines for eco-designing the entire packaging system of Uriach and its brands following the principles of the circular economy.
What was done?
The starting point was a diagnosis of the sustainability of Uriach’s packaging systems. To do this, information was collected on the packaging of each brand of the company based on sustainability criteria such as the origin of materials, the content of recycled materials, and the recyclability of the packaging. The eco-design strategies already implemented in each of its brands were also studied. The focus was especially on increasing eco-design strategies in the most sold packaging types, which is why the impact of each packaging was analyzed considering the recurrence of sales per unit of packaging and within each brand.
Once this was done, eco-design strategies were defined, and together with Uriach’s team, those were prioritized according to their alignment with the company’s vision and objectives and their urgency due to regulations, competition, or consumer demand.
Results
A guide with detailed instructions to implement each of the eco-design strategies, explaining how that strategy aligns with Uriach’s objectives and why it is relevant to the company and sustainability. Each strategy includes a section with indicators that demonstrate how it aligns with business objectives, and viability is evaluated in terms of the company’s capabilities and the urgency to implement them, in addition to environmental benefits.
The guide is the basis for Uriach to apply eco-design criteria in both the primary and secondary packaging of all its brands. It also includes a detailed methodology that could be replicated in case, in the future, they want to define new eco-design strategies. With these actions, Uriach will take a further step towards becoming a leader in sustainable packaging aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
Additionally, the working methodology, based on workshops and dynamics to integrate the team and allow for questions, understanding the needs and obstacles of the company, and creating a close environment, also allows Uriach’s team to feel fully involved in their project and their commitment to sustainability.
Conclusions
The guide is the basis for Uriach to apply eco-design criteria in both the primary and secondary packaging of all its brands. It also includes a detailed methodology that could be replicated in case, in the future, they want to define new eco-design strategies. With these actions, Uriach will take a further step towards becoming a leader in sustainable packaging aligned with the principles of the circular economy. Additionally, the working methodology, based on workshops and dynamics to integrate the team and allow for questions, understanding the needs and obstacles of the company, and creating a close environment, also allows Uriach’s team to feel fully involved in their project and their commitment to sustainability.
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