Califia Farms shifts to 100% recycled plastic for US and Canada bottles

California-based Califia Farms, a plant-based beverage brand, announced that it has converted all its bottles in the US and Canada to 100 per cent recycled plastic (rPET). 

This strategic move aims to decrease the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 19 per cent and slash its energy consumption by 50 per cent. 

The transition covers a range of products, including refrigerated plant milks, creamers, coffees, and teas, showcasing Califia’s dedication to promoting environmental sustainability and reducing the demand for new plastic.

Dave Ritterbush, CEO of Califia Farms, says, “This transition to 100 per cent rPET represents a significant commitment to soften Califia’s environmental footprint.”

“While Califia is an inherently sustainable business thanks to the plant-based products we produce, we recognise the importance of ongoing, forward progress in our sustainability journey.”

“By moving to 100 per cent rPET for our iconic curvy bottle, we’re taking a major step in reducing our reliance on virgin plastic and advancing the principles of a circular economy.”

Commitment to environmental responsibility

Califia Farms, through its sustainability initiatives including ‘Green Team’, reduced plastic use in caps, bottles, and labels. Between 2019-2023, these efforts saved four million pounds of plastic, emphasising the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Ella Rosenbloom, VP of sustainability at Califia Farms, says, “Replacing virgin plastic with recycled plastic is a critical part of ‘closing the loop’ in a circular economy. When it comes to circularity, we’re focused on accelerating change and thoughtfully considering how best to innovate, circulate, and eliminate the plastic that we use.”

“This rPET project has been an enormously rewarding and complex one that has involved countless team members focused entirely on driving positive impact.”

Califia Farms has completed the transition of all North American bottles to 100 per cent recycled plastic (rPET). The brand plans to communicate this change to consumers through updated packaging starting in the spring. 

The refreshed packaging will feature QR codes linking to an rPET landing page and the brand’s sustainability reports. 

These resources provide additional details about Califia’s collaboration with key sustainability leaders, including Climate Collaborative and How2Recycle, emphasising their commitment to environmental responsibility and circularity. 

Brief about Califia Farms

Founded in 2010, Califia Farms is dedicated to creating a future where plant-based alternatives replace dairy without compromise. 

The company claims to have become one of the leading plant-based beverage brand in the US, offering a diverse range of innovative and healthy products such as plant milks, creamers, barista items, brewed-to-blend coffees, and heavy whipping cream. 

The brand emphasises using the highest-quality ingredients sourced from whole food plants. In addition to its presence in the US, Califia has on-the-ground operations in the UK and a brand presence in various other countries.