Barilla advances circular packaging

Barilla has announced major progress in its sustainability strategy, revealing that 99.8% of all packaging placed on the market in 2024 was designed to be recyclable, alongside a 45% increase in water recycled and reused compared to 2022.

The update, released to coincide with Global Recycling Day and World Water Day, highlights the company’s continued investment in responsible resource management across its global operations.

The food group’s packaging achievements stem from long‑standing design principles introduced in 1997, which prioritise recyclability, reduced material use and the elimination of unnecessary components. More than half of Barilla’s packaging now incorporates recycled materials, and 71% is paper‑based.

The company is also working toward its goal of removing 4,000 tonnes of packaging from the market by 2030 through redesign and material optimisation. Its signature Blue Box pasta packaging remains a flagship example, made from virgin fibre cardboard sourced from responsibly managed forests and printed with low‑odour inks to support efficient recycling.

Water stewardship has become an equally important pillar of Barilla’s environmental agenda. The company has significantly expanded its use of advanced treatment and recovery systems, enabling a 45% rise in water reuse globally and a 164% increase in water reuse in water‑stressed regions.

At its Rubbiano plant alone, more than 62,000 cubic metres of water were recovered between 2022 and 2024, with a further €5 million investment planned as part of Barilla’s wider €168 million Energy & Water Plan. By 2030, the company aims to increase recycled water volumes by 250% in water‑stressed areas.

Barilla’s progress reflects a broader shift toward circularity and resource‑efficient manufacturing within the global food industry. By advancing both packaging recyclability and water‑reuse systems, the company is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable production and long‑term environmental resilience.