How our paper solution reduced Carulla's carbon footprint by 92,000kg of CO2 per year

Replacing plastic bags with a more sustainable shopping experience

Carulla wanted its packaging to better reflect the sustainability values at the heart of its Fresh Market organic stores. Smurfit Westrock developed a biodegradable paper bag solution that strengthened the brand's environmental credentials, engaged consumers through sustainability-focused messaging, and helped significantly reduce plastic waste across its operations.

The Challenge

Colombian supermarket chain Carulla opened a new line of organic shops called Fresh Market, where initially plastic bags were used. Carulla´s value promise is based on environmental impact and sustainability, which plastic packaging did not contribute to, affecting the brand image. Our challenge was to develop a biodegradable packaging solution to strengthen the sustainability perception.

The Approach

To align with sustainability goals, a paper bag was developed, and a QR code was included to redirect the customer to Carulla's website which shows the brand's environmental and sustainability commitment to the planet. Environmental seals FSC, SAC and WWF are also included to make customers aware that they are contributing to the protection of Colombian natural forests.

The Result

As a result of the new biodegradable packaging, Carulla is a national leader in the use of paper bags in supermarkets, with the implementation in all its points of sale in the country. They also reduced their carbon footprint by 92,000 kg of CO2 per year, by no longer using 11,500,000 plastic bags