Step On The Box

Kraft Heinz SDG-Challenge Autumn 2025

We are looking for:
Students in Sustainability, Environmental Engineering, Circularity

Status
Finished
Spots
6 available
Registration deadline
15 Sep 2025
Sprintday
29 Oct 2025
Location
Gustav Mahlerlaan 1228, 1081 LA Amsterdam, Netherlands, Hybrid
1. Description of the challenge
2. Expected outcome

The Challenge

Develop a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for our condiment bottles and assess it's potential viability. 

This process should include: 

  • Researching existing DRS models in other products/industries and identifying bets practices for implementation. 
  • Benchmark DRS systems depending on country.
  • Designing a framework for a potential DRS scheme with details regarding the return process, collection infrastructure, and how the bottles will be recycled afterwards (e.g. partnerships with recycling companies) 
  • Conducting cost-benefit analysis to evaluate its feasibility. 

Background challenge

  • There is a significant waste through packaging, specifically condiments
  • The target is to increase the percentage of PCR plastics used
  • Caps with 10% rPP required by PPWR (rPP is not widely available) 
  • Current DRS systems works well for beverage bottled but not for condiments
  • Understanding the future DRS use for condiments bottles

Benefits of the solution

  • DRS sysrtem can reinforce recycling streams and prevent plastic waste from being lost to nature/landfills/incineration
  • It contributes to increasing the percentage of PCR plastics we use
  • Potential cost savings through use/sale of recyclable materials
  • Improved brand experience and potential shift to full circularity


About Kraft Heinz

The Kraft Heinz Company is the fifth-largest food and beverage company in the world, with eight $1 billion+ brands. A globally trusted producer of delicious foods, we provide high quality, great taste, and nutrition for all eating occasions whether at home, in restaurants or on the go. At Kraft Heinz, our Company Dream is To be the leader in elevating and creating food that makes you feel good. We believe in making food that nurtures your body and warms your SOUL. Food that’s good for your HEALTH, and good for our PLANET. Food that delivers good VALUE, with QUALITY you feel good about serving to the people you love.