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Integrating Sustainable Practices into CPG Business Models

The Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact and meet growing consumer expectations. Integrating sustainability into the business model is no longer optional; it’s essential for long-term success. Here’s how companies can embed sustainable practices into their operations, ensuring they remain competitive while driving positive change. 

Assess Your Environmental Footprint 

Understanding your company’s current impact is the first step toward meaningful change. Assess energy use, waste production, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions throughout your supply chain. These insights pinpoint areas for improvement and help set measurable sustainability goals. 

Actionable Steps: 

Conduct a sustainability audit of your supply chain.
Use Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools to measure the environmental impact of your products.
Set clear targets for reducing carbon emissions, waste, and energy use.

Unilever and Procter & Gamble have leveraged these assessments to set ambitious goals, such as cutting their carbon footprints by half by 2030, and they regularly update stakeholders on their progress through sustainability reports. 

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Sustainable Sourcing and Ethical Supply Chains 

Sustainable business models start with responsible sourcing. For CPG companies, this means choosing suppliers who adhere to ethical and sustainable practices. This approach minimizes environmental impact and strengthens consumer trust. 

Actionable Steps: 

  • Work with suppliers certified by Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or B Corp.
  • Implement a supplier code of conduct that emphasizes sustainability, ethical labor practices, and resource management.
  • Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and quickly address any gaps.

Publish and share your sustainability efforts for others to replicate. 

For example, Nestlé’s commitment to sourcing key ingredients like palm oil, cocoa, and coffee from sustainable sources by 2025 sets a strong example. Their work with farmers improves agricultural practices and ensures ethical standards are upheld across the supply chain. 

Innovate with Sustainable Packaging 

Packaging is a significant challenge in the CPG sector, often contributing heavily to waste. Innovative packaging solutions can reduce environmental impact, improve brand image, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers. 

Actionable Steps: 

Switch to recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging materials.
  • Use lightweight packaging to reduce transportation emissions.
  • Explore reusable packaging options like refill stations or return-and-reuse programs.

A great example of this type of innovation is PepsiCo’s shift to 100% recycled plastic (rPET) for beverage bottles. This move significantly reduces plastic waste and cuts down on the carbon footprint linked to virgin plastic production. 

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Enhance Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction in Manufacturing 

Reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste during manufacturing are crucial to sustainability. Investing in energy-efficient technologies, waste management systems, and renewable energy sources can vastly improve environmental performance. 

Actionable Steps: 

  • Upgrade to energy-efficient manufacturing equipment.
  • Implement waste reduction initiatives to recycle or repurpose by-products.
  • Invest in renewable energy sources like solar or wind power to reduce carbon emissions.

Mars, Inc. has committed to powering its global operations with 100% renewable energy by 2040, demonstrating leadership in integrating sustainable energy solutions into their manufacturing processes. 

Communicate Transparently and Educate Consumers 

Transparency builds trust. CPG companies should openly communicate their sustainability efforts and educate consumers about their initiatives. This approach not only enhances brand reputation but also empowers consumers to make informed choices. 

 Actionable Steps: 

  • Share updates on sustainability progress through annual reports, social media, and your company website.
  • Label sustainable products clearly, highlighting features like “100% Recyclable” or “Sustainably Sourced Ingredients.”
  • Provide educational content to engage consumers and encourage eco-friendly practices.

Patagonia sets the standard in transparency by sharing its sustainability journey and encouraging customers to buy less, repair more, and recycle products, fostering a loyal and eco-conscious consumer base. 

Use Technology to Drive Sustainable Solutions 

Technology is a powerful enabler of sustainability. From data analytics to optimize operations to AI-powered supply chain management, technological solutions can enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

Actionable Steps: 

  • Deploy IoT sensors to monitor energy usage and waste in real-time.
  • Use blockchain for supply chain transparency, ensuring ethical sourcing and reducing fraud.
  • Implement predictive analytics to optimize production, minimize waste, and manage inventory efficiently.

Coca-Cola’s use of AI to reduce water consumption in its facilities showcases how technology can drive resource conservation, cutting costs while supporting sustainability goals. 

Conclusion: Make Sustainability a Core Business Strategy 

Sustainability is no longer a marketing buzzword—it’s a business imperative. By assessing your environmental impact, sourcing responsibly, innovating packaging, and leveraging technology, CPG companies can lead the way in corporate responsibility. These practices not only meet consumer demands but also strengthen the business for the future. 

For deeper insights into how CPG companies can elevate their sustainability strategies, watch former Hostess’ Chief Sustainability Officer Darryl Riley’s video on leadership and sustainability here. 

Our Impact

In 1995, our founders embarked on a journey that would disrupt the status quo of the executive recruiting industry. We have been transforming companies and lives ever since.

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9,395

First Round Interviews

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3,000+

Total Placements

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47%

Diversity Placements

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$700M

Economic Impact

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Brent Albertson

CEO, Zing Zang LLC

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“ Our experience with Protis Global has been very positive. They have strong multi-industry CPG experience and understand our business model and standards. They know the difference between an “A-player” and a “B-player” in several functions, and the honesty around that standard helps us move faster. Mike and team set up a great process, especially in early canvassing and vetting that helps our leaders engage at the right time and make decisions fast. ”

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Colin Nolan

Executive Vice President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc.

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“Protis Global’s approach to talent acquisition is marked by diligence, transparency, and a genuine dedication to client satisfaction. Their strategic insights and personalized service have made a substantial impact on our organization, ensuring that we always have the best professionals driving our initiatives forward. The team at Protis Global demonstrates a keen ability to identify individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also align seamlessly with our company culture.”

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Hilal Tabsh

Chief Revenue Officer, Glass House Brands

Cannabis
Cannabis

“Over the last 10+ years my experience with Michael Bitar and the Protis Global team has been exceptional across multiple industries. Michael and his team work to get to the true needs of my hiring plan and partner with us throughout the process. They understand our business, company culture, what success looks like, and then propose candidates that will produce results while also fitting into our team dynamic. Overall it’s a great team and experience and I would recommend to anyone looking to hire top-notch quality candidates reach out to Protis Global and Michael Bitar.”

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Peter Iglesias

Chief Executive Officer, Bespoken Spirits

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

“I highly recommend Protis Global as a top-notch recruiting agency. I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past 15 years, both as a candidate and employer in the Spirits and Wine industry. In my 25 years of experience, I have found Protis Global to be the most efficient and effective recruiting agency I have ever dealt with. Protis Global has consistently come through for me in the clutch, providing exceptional professionalism and execution in job searches and placements. Their dedication to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers sets them apart from other agencies. I have always been impressed by their ability to understand the needs of both parties and successfully connect them in a timely manner.”

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Soley Van Lokeren

SVP, People

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“I have been in the field of human resources for over thirty years, in executive level roles both in-house and in outsourced positions. Michael Bitar is my favorite talent acquisition professional with which I have ever worked. He cares deeply about building a relationship with his clients, learning their business, culture, challenges, and truly understanding the needs of a role requisition. His approach is mirrored by the rest of the Protis team, who are courteous, thorough, and who make you feel like you are their only client. Protis successfully delivered hires for our Chief Commercial Officer role and for three key challenging roles (in both Marketing and Sales). They are simply – the best!”

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Brian Kuz

Chief Sales Officer

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“Protis is unique in their go-to-market strategy in that they not only find the right candidate for the role, but they find the right opportunity and company for the candidate. Protis Global looks for people who are ready to make a change...I will continue to recommend Protis Global as one of the best placement agencies in the World, as I have worked on every continent and have dealt with the big executive placement firms and the boutique ones. Protis shines above all, and as long as I am hiring, I will continue to go to Protis Global first, if not exclusively.”

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Chris Hall

CEO, poppi

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Partnering with Protis Global has been a game-changer for poppi. They understood our vision and the unique challenges we faced as a rapidly growing brand. Their expertise in executive search helped us find the right leaders who not only fit our culture but also brought the skills and passion needed to drive accelerated growth. The Protis Global team actively took our feedback and adapted the search so that we could focus on what we do best – creating innovative, healthy beverages that our customers love. They’ve truly become an extension of our team, and we couldn’t imagine achieving our success without the team members they helped us to bring aboard.”

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Chad Palma

President of Sales, Spindrift

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Michael Bitar and the Protis team have been such a pleasure to work with over the years. Not only do they do amazing work with recruiting but we have also developed a partnership between our two companies. Michael and his team provide a crucial role in reviewing my hiring needs at the beginning of each year. Once the review is complete, Michael begins searching for quality candidates that fit the role and culture for Spindrift. He and his team do an outstanding job of finding the right candidates for the position in need. I highly recommend Michael and the Protis team for your hiring needs.”

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John Sacksteder

President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“From the start, the relationship with Protis Global was different than other recruiting firms.  The team had a deeper level of commitment and desire to learn about our business than I had experienced with other firms. Our company was experiencing a time of exponential growth and our staffing needs were complex. We needed very experienced people across every possible function in the Operation and Supply Chain Teams and we needed them in a hurry. The Protis Global Team mobilized quickly and established a methodology to identify strong candidates and work them through the interview process in a professional and timely manner. Their grit, determination, understanding our needs and culture, sense of urgency and drive to exceed our expectations set them apart from the pack.”

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Kathleen Hutchison

Senior National Account Manager at Arla Foods

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Kayla was awesome and very thorough in her vetting of candidates. She understood our brief as we were looking for candidates and helped to weed through those who were not a good fit for the role. 

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Thomas Frisch

Chief People Officer at IJW Whiskey

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“The team worked quickly and efficiently to find a unique position.”

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Kim Nguyen

VP of Supply Chain at Lallemand

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

Everyone involved was extremely helpful - Gary, Michael, Ben - thank you!! The team didn't only search for candidates based on the job description, but also the qualities that I look for in candidates. 

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Shashank Gaur

VP of Product Technology & Innovation

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The interview process was smooth and extremely professional. Ben and team represented me as much as they represented the company. 

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Jeremy Schulman

Regional Business Manager - Foodservice

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Consistent communication, updates, and detailed knowledge of the client. The whole experience was top notch!

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Blake T. Bermingham

Supply Chain Manager

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

Very simplistic process finding the right role for the right candidate...keep up the great work! 

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Don Stohrer Jr.

CEO, Arla Foods USA

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“We’ve been a Protis Global client for eight years, and during this time have always appreciated the thoroughness of the recruitment process, as the candidates brought to us have been well-vetted, not only from a competency perspective, but more importantly from a [cultural] fit dynamic. Mike and the team have always been highly engaged to ensure they bring us candidates that match our culture. That’s been critical to the success of the candidates that have landed here by way of our relationship with Protis.”

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