CHICAGO — Conagra Brands, Inc. has partnered with Berry Global to launch a new sustainable packaging design for its Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa. With the debut of the new packaging, Conagra said Swiss Miss becomes the first major hot cocoa brand to move from round canisters to a more eco-efficient recyclable cube.

Created in partnership with Berry Global's Blue Clover Studios, the new light blue easy-grip container is made of recyclable plastic with a wraparound in-mold label and a space-efficient tapered cube design. According to Berry Global, the new design reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting the hot cocoa containers by 15%. Conagra said it initially will use the new package design for its 38-oz Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix.

“This redesign is an important step forward on our sustainable packaging journey,” said Katya Hantel, senior director of sustainable development at Conagra Brands. “We will adopt the recyclable cube design over the next several years, supporting Conagra’s target to make 100% of its plastic packaging renewable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.”

Conagra said the new design will reduce the package’s carbon footprint by 98 tonnes each year due to less energy required to manufacture and transport the material. In addition, the cube shape will allow Conagra to better utilize space in transit, saving more than 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually from fewer truck loads transporting plastic tubs, the company said.

The new Swiss Miss package is the result of a cross-functional design process between Conagra Brands and Berry Global's Blue Clover Studios, including manufacturing, packaging and business stakeholders.

“The magic happens when the right people come together early and often, which saves time in the long run when launching a new custom package,” said Scott Fisher, Blue Clover Studios design director.

“If your company is committed to sustainability, this package is a giant leap for many reasons,” added Dave Weaver, vice president of product management at Berry Global.