Regulation and Retailer Readiness Case Study: Mutti Parma

As packaging regulations shift from voluntary to mandatory, Mutti Parma Australia wanted to stay ahead. They partnered with Phantm to assess their exposure, build a clearer picture of their packaging data, and uncover practical opportunities to reduce future cost and impact.

With a 125-year legacy built on passion and continuous improvement, Mutti understands that staying ready means staying relevant. They reached out with a clear objective: to understand what steps they needed to take now to prepare for what’s coming next.

The opportuntiy

Phantm worked closely with Mutti’s Australian team, who coordinated with their European counterparts, to build a robust data schema. This framework captured packaging material details using procurement and sales data, material specifications and informed estimates. To validate inputs, Phantm conducted benchmarking and physical assessments, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

The result? Around 80% of the required data was readily accessible, and a few well-placed questions helping to fill in the gaps. Getting into the details gave everyone the clarity needed to make more informed, forward-looking decisions.

Considerations

Together, Mutti and Phantm focused on answering three critical questions:

• What regulations are emerging in Australia – and what do they mean for our business?
• Where are we most exposed in terms of packaging formats and materials?
• How can we act now to reduce future cost, risk and operational complexity?

These insights would guide internal engagement, shape strategic direction and support conversations with global leadership.

What worked

Phantm’s advisory team consolidated Mutti’s data and applied proprietary technology to generate a comprehensive portfolio impact report. The result was clear visibility of current packaging performance, along with actionable steps to improve commercial and environmental outcomes.

The report included:

• A summary of Australia’s regulatory landscape, including how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Eco-Modulation frameworks impact Mutti Parma.
• Packaging data benchmarking, covering recyclability, recycled content and identification of problematic materials.
• Environmental impact modelling, assessing global warming potential (CO2), fossil fuel use and water consumption.
• Fee modelling based on current and projected regulatory frameworks.
• Reduction modelling scenarios to mitigate fees and reduce the physical mass and cost of materials placed on the market (POM).
• SKU-level optimisation, with comparative analysis of key product lines.

Building the business case

Focus on what’s possible – not just what’s currently in place

Phantm’s report identified realistic improvements to Mutti’s packaging formats and materials – small, practical changes that could deliver significant cost and material savings.

As an independent advisor, Phantm isn’t limited by existing supply chains or internal constraints. Our recommendations are grounded in data – spanning packaging formats, supply chain realities and consumer expectations – outlining the business case for change, what it means, how long it might take, and why it’s worth pursuing.

Crucially, we don’t just show the opportunity – we help build the business case for change.

We also understand that change requires collaboration. That’s why our recommendations are framed constructively, enabling our clients to work with existing suppliers or, when needed, explore credible alternatives to drive impact.

Conclusion

Mutti’s engagement with Phantm addressed four critical readiness pillars, giving them a clear line of sight on risks, obligations and opportunities across their packaging portfolio:

• Retailer – Packaging and materials data is now structured and accessible, enabling Mutti to support retailer reporting requirements with ease.
• Reporting – With Phantm’s technology populated, Mutti can now iterate and export data for external reporting, including APCO and PREP compliance.
• Regulatory – Digitised packaging data ensures visibility and traceability, making it easier to demonstrate compliance and prepare for incoming regulations.  
• Readiness – With accurate data and ongoing measurement in place, Mutti can confidently track change, reduce waste and prepare for what’s next. As regulations tighten, technology advances and material costs rise, weight will increasingly drive cost – making readiness a true strategic advantage.

“Phantm’s report detailed opportunities to improve both commercial and environmental outcomes, but as importantly set out the next steps to realise this value, the report was visually engaging, easy to understand and share with external stakeholders.” — Trish Pegorer, Managing Director, Mutti Australia

Readiness is a Strategic Advantage

Mutti is now better prepared, with a clear data baseline covering the materials they place on market and a set of practical steps to improve both environmental and commercial outcomes. Most importantly, they’ve digitised their packaging assets, giving them the ability to model change, respond to evolving regulations and make evidence-based decisions. In doing so, Mutti has taken another confident step forward being part of dinner tables for the next 125 years.