American Licorice® Company aligns with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastic Economy Global Commitment to Combat Plastic Waste
La Porte, Ind. (July 23, 2019) – American Licorice® Company, makers of Sour Punch® Straws and Red Vines® Candy, announced today that it has joined The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastic Economy Global Commitment. This Global Commitment brings together corporations, non-profits and government entities from across the globe to tackle one of the largest problems our world faces, plastic waste. By collectively tackling this critical issue, American Licorice and supporters hope to create a circular economy in which plastics never become waste. As part of their dedication to the cause, American Licorice Company is committed to ensure that all plastic packaging is 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable by the year 2025. As a first step toward their New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, American Licorice Company is switching the materials of their iconic Red Vines Jar. Historically this jar was made from a PVC plastic resin, but will now be offered in a PET based jar—which will be much easier for consumers to recycle.
Family owned and operated since 1914, American Licorice Company holds a strong legacy that remains rooted in its commitment to sustainable operations, driven by a community-centered work experience and approach to delivering the best possible product. With robust programs designed to make the workplace a both fulfilling and enjoyable environment, American Licorice Company is constantly evolving to uplift employees, helping to better serve the communities where they live and operate, enriching the lives of those they touch.
To move toward their goals, American Licorice Company has joined the Organic Sustainable Community’s (OSC2) Packaging Coalition. This group is specifically
focused on researching and supporting compostable packaging products and looks at non-petroleum-based materials as they work toward more sustainable packaging. It is American Licorice Company’s hope that this membership will provide insight into compostable packaging options and will also provide a network of like-minded companies and opportunities in the sustainable packaging world.
“At American Licorice Company, we are always striving to improve our business practices to have a positive impact on our communities and the natural environment. Sustainability measures and robust reduction efforts have always been a part of our commitment to social responsibility,” said Kristi Shafer, VP of Marketing for American Licorice Company. “As another extension of our commitment, we are thrilled to be a part The Ellen MacArthur Foundation and its mission to build a framework to help restore and regenerate the environment.”
Throughout the years, American Licorice Company has held steadfast to its roots as an organization that is committed to going beyond the status quo, finding new ways to spread happiness and hope to all. Reaching beyond substantial efforts to lessen their carbon footprint and robust programs to support the local community, American Licorice Company aims to highlight the profound difference that investing in brand, self and community can make for many years to come.
For more information on the New Plastics Economy or the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, visit https://www.newplasticseconomy.org/ and http://ellenmacarthurfoundation.com/.
About American Licorice® Company
The American Licorice® Company, privately owned and operated since 1914, is one of the original licorice manufacturers in the United States and one of the oldest candy companies in the industry. The brand aims to bring happiness to consumers with its classic Red Vines® candy, one of the top-selling licorice twists in the western United States. In 1990, American Licorice® Company expanded into the sour candy market with the launch of Sour Punch® Straws. These iconic straws with their signature mouthwatering crystals satisfy anyone’s sour craving. In addition, the brand continues to make nostalgic favorites such as Super Ropes® and SNAPS® candies.
American Licorice Company is headquartered and manufactures in La Porte, Indiana with another manufacturing facility in Union City, California, and an affiliated manufacturing facility in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.