Featured image for New Tofurky Packaging Puts Climate Change Plea For Action Front-And-Center

New Tofurky Packaging Puts Climate Change Plea For Action Front-And-Center

by Rudy Sanchez on 06/10/2021 | 2 Minute Read

Founded in 1980, Turtle Island Foods, which sells its products under the Tofurky brand, has always focused on creating delicious and affordable vegan-friendly alternatives to meat. But the firm's passion for making products like its plant-based patties, sausages, and other alt-meats is more than just business; it’s also a part of a larger world view. Eating plant-based protein doesn’t just address animal welfare in the food industry-it's also a more sustainable alternative to fleshy meat.

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To inspire consumers to take action on climate change, Tofurky has unveiled new packaging that features six messages with actions consumers can take, such as “Talk to your reps about climate change. Call 202-224-3121” and QR codes that direct consumers to more resources and information online. The brand isn’t burying the lede either. The messages are splashed on the front of the packaging designed by consultant and creative director Gary Huck in big, bold, and colorful type, dominating the premium panel and turning Tofurky’s spot in the supermarket as billboards supporting the fight against climate change.

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Editorial photograph

“Our company is rooted in the founding belief that food can be a catalyst for social and environmental reform,” Tofurky CEO and president Jaime Athos said via press release. “What if we told you that according to studies, raising livestock accounts for an estimated 15% of global emissions? That’s as much as all forms of transportation on Earth - cars, boats, planes, and trains combined. The majority of those emissions come directly from cows. To beat climate change, we have to think big, and we need to act together as climatarians.”

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According to a study lead by researchers from Oxford University and the University of Minnesota, St. Paul, red meat had the highest negative impact on health when compared to a range of commonly eaten foods, including fish, chicken, dairy, eggs, and plant-based ingredients such as grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, vegetables, potatoes, olive oil, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Researchers found that plant-based foods had a much lower impact on the environment as well as on health. Similarly, a University of Michigan study commissioned by Beyond Burger found that the plant-based patty generated 90% less greenhouse gas emissions, required 46% less energy to produce, as well as over 99% less impact on water scarcity and 93% less impact on land use.