Ingredients and packaging giants align on net-zero, traceability, and the circular economy

Two major players at opposite ends of the food supply chain — ingredient specialist CSM Ingredients Group and packaging film giant SÜDPACK — have simultaneously released their 2025 sustainability reports, revealing a shared focus on measurable, science-backed targets to drive decarbonisation and supply chain transparency.

The reports confirm that both companies are dramatically increasing their use of renewable electricity and establishing aggressive targets for material certification and circularity as they future-proof their operations against tightening regulations, particularly around deforestation and single-use plastic.

CSM Ingredients Group, in its fourth annual report, emphasised its “Thrive for Impact” strategy, setting clear benchmarks for its raw materials. The Group is aiming for

100% of its direct materials (including palm oil, cocoa, soya, and paper-based packaging) to be certified by 2030.

The company is actively preparing for compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) by rolling out new supplier questionnaires across high-risk commodities. Furthermore, CSM is leveraging platforms like Sedex and EcoVadis and has set a target of 100% direct suppliers monitored and assessed for social impacts by the end of 2025.

“By working closely with our suppliers, investing in circular solutions, and rethinking packaging and product innovation, we are positioning ourselves to deliver long-term positive impact for people, the planet, and the food industry,” said Christian Sobolta, CEO of CSM Ingredients Group.

Both firms showcased significant progress in reducing their environmental footprint, with renewable energy use a key focus:

• CSM Ingredients reported that 80% of its electricity was sourced from renewables in 2024, a notable jump from 62% in 2023.
• SÜDPACK reported that 88% of its electricity came from renewable sources in 2024, helping it improve its corporate carbon footprint by a total of 24% between 2021 and 2024.

On the packaging front, SÜDPACK’s progress report detailed its ZERO WASTE strategy, which includes recycling production-related plastic waste into compounds at its own materials centre. The film manufacturer also saw an 8% reduction in waste volumes during the reporting period.

Design for Recycling principles with innovations such as its CarbonLite family of recyclable PP- and PE-based tubular pouch films.

“Sustainability means keeping valuable raw materials and material structures in the loop. What we produce today must not become waste tomorrow,” emphasised Carolin Grimbacher, managing partner at SÜDPACK.

The reports confirm that sustainability is now viewed as a core business accelerator.

CSM Ingredients is targeting a massive expansion, aiming to triple the business volume of its value added solutions category by 2030. This growth is underpinned by new launches, including Micro Protein (winner of the Global Food Industry Award 2024) , a pioneering micronised protein range, and Egg ’n Easy Plus, an advanced plant-based egg substitute.

CSM also demonstrated packaging leadership in Italy by switching its plant-based creams range to Tetra Brik Aseptic packaging made with 87% renewable materials, delivering a 12% CO₂ reduction.

For SÜDPACK, which recently achieved Platinum status in the EcoVadis rating , the focus on sustainable material development is a key driver, supported by external validation of its climate targets by the SBTi.