CIRCULAR ECONOMY 2.0: WHAT COMES NEXT? Circular Economy | Reusable Packaging | Resource Efficiency
Editor’s Blog
Dear readers,
How’s your year going?
The second edition of SPN brings you the latest on our brand-new event, Circular Economy week.
Our Circular Economy week, sponsored by Colpac and goplasticpallets.com, brings you the latest innovations and groundbreaking news from Duo, ProCarton and Rockwell Automation and many more. We have also got a roundtable event covering all things Circular Economy and our speakers include Jeremy Blake from Berry Global Inc, Dave Gudgeon from Reconomy and Gary Tee from TIPA. This week starts from 21st April and is not one to miss!
In this edition of the magazine, we also look at how LED printing; a new concept combining mercury lamps and to LED technology and how AI and IoT; new technologies which are having a big impact of the role of sustainability. We also look at statistics surrounding plastic packaging and how hybrid plastics are a potential solution to minimalizing plastic waste and becoming more eco-friendly.
I am very grateful for the companies who have provided us with articles and interview, and my co-writer Dominy Jones; thank you for making our magazine a success!
All the best and keep safe, Emily
linkedin.com/company/ sustainablepackaging-news/ youtube.com/ @sustainable packagingnews
spnews.com
Kevin Gambrill
Emily Gambrill
Dominy Jones
Page 5
Is Industry 4.0 the Key to Sustainable Manufacturing? including
• FRESH FOCUS from ATS Tanner Banding Systems.
Page 12
Driving Sustainability in Printing: LED Curing, 3D Resins and Minimalist Packaging.
Page 16
From Policy to Practice: How the EU and UN are Leading Resource Efficiency. including
• FRESH FOCUS from SP Group.
• Interview with Sandrine DuquerroyDelesalle at Crown Holdings.
• Article provided by Food Packaging Forum.
• BUSINESS LIMELIGHT from Marchesini.
Page 29
Circular Packaging Revolution: Reimagining Reuse for a Greener Future. including
• CIRCULAR ECONOMY WEEK by SPN.
• Article provided by Flint Group.
• Interview with Lea Maguero at BioPaK.
• SPONSORED CONTENT from Colpac.
• SPONSORED CONTENT from goplasticpallets.com.
• Interview with Saxon Wright at Huskee.
Page 48
Reusable Packaging: Moving from Niche to Necessary by Dominy Jones. including
• Article by Emma-Jane Batey, Pont.
Page 52
Sustainable Solutions for Plastic Packaging and the Future of Circular Economy. including - Article provided by Flint Group.
Page 57
Why Corrugated Packaging is Stealing the Sustainability Spotlight by Dominy Jones. including - Article provided by Contact Originators.
Page 61 Can Fibre Bottles and Sustainable Carton Packaging Replace Plastic for Good?
Is Industry 4.0 the Key to Sustainable Manufacturing?
It’s becoming more and more apparent that new technologies are having a big impact on the role of sustainability. Let’s take a further look into what is happening in today’s market. Emily Gambrill reports.
We’re now living in a world where technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and advanced data analytics is a concept understood by most people on the planet. In this article we’re going to see how advances in these areas are enabling optimized resource management, reduced waste, cleaner energy production and more sustainable urban development.
SPN has received news from TNA who have launched an immersive and interactive digital service to help food manufacturers visualise their plant floor, virtually replace systems and validate manufacturing plans and installations in a low-risk environment.
“Much of food manufacturing has readily adopted Industry 4.0 technologies due to the efficiency, productivity and repeatability benefits they offer,” explained Natasha Avelange, Global Extended Reality
Manager at TNA Solutions. “Building on this with XR allows the human element of food manufacturing to be enhanced, with creativity, productivity and problem solving brought together without barriers. This is the essence of Industry 5.0.”
“Food production is an area where there is a continuous drive towards higher output, greater efficiency and continuous uptime. That’s why it’s so important that equipment upgrades or introductions are well-planned and delivered as efficiently as possible. With tna intelliassist, we’ve innovated a way to significantly shorten project planning time, and improve accuracy, enabling teams to get integration right the first time.”
Commenting on the launch, Thiago Roriz, Chief Operating Officer at TNA Solutions said: “As a forward-
thinking company committed to innovation, we are proud to integrate Industry 5.0 technologies, particularly in VR, into our project management process. By harnessing the power of VR, we are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also empowering our teams to collaborate more effectively, train in immersive environments, and optimise production in real time. These advancements directly translate into a more responsive and agile approach to customer needs, allowing us to deliver tailored solutions faster and more effectively. This step marks a significant evolution in how we integrate cutting-edge technology with human-centred design, ensuring that it serves not only operational goals but also drives customer satisfaction. With Industry 5.0, we are ushering in a new era, one that balances advanced automation with the ingenuity of the human touch.”
“Building on this with XR allows the human element of food manufacturing to be enhanced, with creativity, productivity and problem solving brought together without barriers. This is the essence of Industry 5.0.”
For more information, please visit www.tnasolutions. com/campaign/tna-intelli-assist
We have also seen from Ishida that they have created a tray sealer which has been specifically developed for high-volume production lines. Its capabilities are immense and the product’s compact design saves in excess of 40% floor space whilst operating with 50% less power consumption.
Darren Chandler, General Manager for Protein Solutions
at Ishida Europe, said: “We are really excited to return to IFFA. We know meat processing and packaging is all about equipment that can keep production going 24/7 whilst meeting customer demand for high quality products. At IFFA, we will demonstrate that, whatever your production challenges, Ishida has the technology, the people and the experience to work out the best solution”.
“Automation and datadriven decision making is a key requirement from food manufacturers. With Sentinel 5.0, we can give operators smarter insights.”
Food safety is paramount for any food processing solution, especially for poultry processors. The presence of bone and other foreign bodies can lead to costly recalls and a loss of brand reputation. For these reasons, Ishida has developed the IX-PD-Poultry which is an integrated dual lane X-ray system that can inspect up to 400 chicken pieces per minute.
Darren explains: “The IX-PD-Poultry is our answer to one of the poultry industry’s most pressing concerns: bone detection in high-speed production lines. It utilises Photon-Counting Dual-Energy (PD) technology to produce ultra high-resolution images to detect wish, rib and fan bones and very small foreign bodies (such as steel wires).”
“The IX-PD-Poultry helps our customers to maintain or even enhance strict quality control procedures without compromising on throughput.”
In addition to the tray sealer, Ishida have designed the Sentinel 5.0 software. Using artificial intelligence (AI),
Sentinel 5.0 supports food manufacturers with optimising their production lines. It can analyse realtime data across both Ishida and non-Ishida equipment, providing instant performance insights along with identifying potential issues and recommendations for how to rectify them.
Darren adds: “Automation and data-driven decision making is a key requirement from food manufacturers. With Sentinel 5.0, we can give operators smarter insights. It also has an AI chatbot function, so operators can ask Sentinel 5.0 to troubleshoot issues and receive alerts to any deviations from normal machinery behaviour.”
For more information, please visit www.ishidaeurope. com/en
In our last edition of the magazine, we delved into the way we package our goods for transportation. We read interviews with Jim Hardisty at goplasticpallets. co.uk about how to minimize product damage for supply chain managers and Anke Thies at PapairWrap who wrote about how they create suitable alternative solutions to plastic packaging to protect products during transportation. Going on from there, we learn from PAC Strapping Products about how they have engineered a pallet strapping system which enhances pallet strapping efficiency for contract manufacturers across a range of applications.
The PSS733 series features a powerful 733 strapping head capable of applying over 720 pounds of tension, ensuring robust friction-welded joints with over 80% seal efficiency. Its modular arch system supports
The Siemens PLC control system provides intuitive operation through a touchpad interface, complete with onboard diagnostics to streamline maintenance and reduce downtime.
custom sizes, allowing for tailored solutions and shorter lead times. Compatible with both polyester and polypropylene strapping, the PSS733 accommodates various materials within the recommended working range, optimizing pallet security and lowering packaging costs.
Each model in the PSS733 series is built to address specific strapping requirements. Configurations include vertical including both side seal and top seal, and horizontal, with options like indexing heads for precise positioning and a lance system for strapping through pallet voids. The Siemens PLC control system provides intuitive operation through a touchpad interface, complete with onboard diagnostics to streamline maintenance and reduce downtime.
Durability and performance are central to the PSS733’s design. Engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing conveying systems, the PSS733 series ensures consistent, high-quality results across diverse production settings.
PAC Strapping’s commitment to quality is backed by industry-leading warranties, a comprehensive inventory of spare parts, and factory-trained technicians dedicated to supporting long-term performance.
For more information, please visit www.strapsolutions.com
Finally, we look at the role of robotics in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It comes as a surprise to me that the pharmaceutical sector has long been considered slow to adopt new technologies, but it seems they are now catching up. Let’s read what Dr Laura Moody and Daniel Sturm have to say.
Robots in Pharma: Moving Beyond Science Fiction
Robots have always captured our imaginations, whether it’s Wall-E cleaning up the Earth or the Terminator causing mayhem. But in the pharmaceutical industry,
robots are anything but science fiction. They are practical, precise, and efficient machines, designed for tasks that require absolute accuracy.
“Forget the images of robots you see in movies,”says Daniel Sturm. “The robots we use in pharmaceutical environments are specifically designed to improve productivity and consistency. We’re talking about machines that can take on highly specialized roles, enhancing the speed and safety of drug production.”
And what makes these robots unique? It all starts with the axes.
Understanding the Role of Axes in Robotics
When discussing robotics, you’ll often hear about “four-axis” or “six-axis” robots, but what does that really mean? The term “axis” refers to the degree of freedom a robotic arm can move in. The axes determine the robot’s ability to move in different directions, with each additional axis adding more flexibility and range of movement. “You can think of a robot’s axes like a human’s limbs and joints,” Sturm says. “The more axes a robot has, the more tasks it can perform and the more complex its movements.”
In pharmaceutical manufacturing, this flexibility is key. Four-axis robots are commonly used for their ability to handle repetitive and straightforward tasks, while sixaxis robots offer more versatility for intricate jobs. These robots are integrated into everything from packaging lines to gloveless filling systems, where they help maintain cleanroom standards.
What’s Next for Pharma and Robotics?
Looking ahead, the future of robotics in pharmaceutical manufacturing looks bright. As companies continue to invest in automation, the potential for robots to take on even more roles—both inside and outside the machine— is vast. From transferring materials in cleanrooms to operating complex machinery, robots are poised to play an even bigger role in pharma’s future.
Coupled with AI, robotics promises transformative advancements, driving highly adaptive and efficient production processes through predictive analytics and intelligent automation. These technologies are set to revolutionize drug manufacturing by enhancing quality control, streamlining workflows, and enabling groundbreaking innovations such as gloveless isolators and fully integrated digital twins. However, the integration of AI introduces both opportunities and
challenges.
Robotics are not just the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing—they are the present. With companies like Syntegon leading the way, robots are helping to revolutionize the industry by improving efficiency, safety, and flexibility. As the sector continues to navigate regulatory landscapes and technological advancements, one thing is clear: the future of pharma is automated, and robots are here to stay.
For more information, please visit www.syntegon.com
What these articles have in common is that technology is increasing productivity, enhancing quality control and reducing power consumption. We must understand that even though careful application is crucial to diffuse the potential negative impacts, such as increased electronic waste and
energy consumption from new technologies, Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR or Industry 4.0) can be a powerful tool for driving a more sustainable future.
The New PPWR Regulation In The EU
The European Union’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which came into force in February 2025, aims to transform packaging practices across the EU. Its objectives include reducing the use of primary raw materials, ensuring all packaging is recyclable by 2030, incorporating recycled plastics safely, and achieving climate neutrality in the packaging sector by 2050.
Key provisions of the PPWR include setting minimum recycled content requirements for plastic packaging, mandating that all packaging be recyclable, and introducing stringent design for recycling criteria. The regulation also imposes obligations on producers to minimize packaging volume and weight, and to ensure packaging is reusable or recyclable.
The PPWR’s comprehensive approach is expected to significantly impact businesses involved in packaging. Companies operating in the EU need to assess their packaging strategies to ensure compliance with the new regulations and to contribute to the EU’s sustainability objectives.
The Benefits of Banding
Banding is a highly sustainable packaging solution due to its minimal material usage and flexibility. Unlike traditional packaging methods like plastic wrapping, banding uses only a small band to secure products together, label them and reduces so the amount of packaging waste generated. And at the same time it has the same advantages as traditional packaging methods:
- Branding with banding on the shelf.
- Integrated printer.
- Company logo’s, sell-by dates or retail prices can be
printed directly just-in-time during the banding process.
- No additional adhesives needed.
- Less waste.
Banding materials are often recyclable and easy to remove, encouraging proper disposal or recycling. Because it can accommodate a variety of product shapes and sizes, it minimizes the need for excessive packaging, making it an eco-friendly alternative to more resource-heavy options.
ATS offers banding machines with ultrasonic and heat seal technology with material-saving, efficient bundling of all kinds of products for logistical purposes, as well as ecological, promotional and customer-friendly sales packaging. Recyclable paper banding replaces shrink films, plastic bags and other conventional plastic packaging when packing fruit and vegetables, convenience food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products or printed matter of all kinds. Banding is used in e-commerce to bundle ordered products for right-size packaging systems, to seal shipping packages or serves as tamper-evidence for returns handling.
Sustainable Banding Materials
In banding, a 15 to 100 mm wide band of paper or film is placed around one or more products by a banding machine and sealed with ultrasound or heat. The length of the band is determined either by the resistance of the product or by an adjustable fixed length. The force with which the band surrounds the product is infinitely adjustable.
Advantages of TruePaper
TruePaper is an environmentally friendly, ultrasonic and heat-sealable paper band. It consists of optionally at least 95% pure or more than 50% recycled fibers, can be recycled in the normal paper cycle and is suitable for direct contact with food. TruePaper contains a waterbased bonding agent that can be sealed with ultrasonic and heatseal technology. Basically, any paper with the new bonding agent can become TruePaper which means high flexibility and security in the supply chain.
The main drivers behind the development of TruePaper were the sustainability strategies and goals of ATS’ customers, the legal bans on single-use plastic in a growing number of countries as well as the increasingly important implementation of the circular economy.
The new and exclusive post-consumer recycled (PCR)
banding film: FTN PCR35 is an environmentally friendly, high strength banding film with a minimum of 35% postconsumer recycled (PCR) content that can be sealed using ultrasonic and heat-sealing technologies.
This environmentally friendly banding film promotes the circular economy by using recycled materials and reducing the need for virgin plastics. FTN PCR35 is manufactured from high quality polypropylene (PP) and contains a minimum of 35% post-consumer recycled polypropylene. The film contains no harmful plasticizers and is easily recycled. And with FTN PCR35, our customers can save money: The EU plastic tax aims to reduce plastic waste and promote recycled materials. FTN PCR35 with PCR content supports this goal and reduces taxes.
For more information on this article or to get in touch with ATS Tanner Banding Systems, please visit www.atstanner.com/en/banding
Driving Sustainability in Printing: LED Curing, 3D Resins, and Minimalist Packaging
What does an LED curing system, 3D printing, FSC certified paper and a future in minimalistic design all have in common? A group of companies who have sustainability at the forefront when it comes to printing solutions. SPN has their say on this!
Sustainable printing solutions have been around for over two decades now which, in the grand scheme of things, is not a long time. We look back at the early 2000’s and think it was not that long ago and that it was only yesterday we were celebrating the millennium. Fast forward 25 year and we start to think otherwise. Sustainable solution started gaining traction at the beginning of the millennium with a significant focus on using recycled paper and environmentally friendly inks. However, we all know that the practice of using recycled materials existed long before this.
LED UV printing is a fairly new concept; it has combined
the process of using mercury lamps to LED technology to create a process which is more sustainable. SPN has heard from Aztec Label, who are working with Fujifilm to use the LeXtreme LED curing system.
“The LuXtreme LED curing system has proven to be a game changer. The installation was handled with ease and the system is remarkably efficient. The operators appreciate the simplicity of the controls, and the LED response time is perfect. As soon as we’re ready to print, we can dry our inks almost instantaneously, with no delays.”
“One of the primary motivations for transitioning to LED technology was the significant energy savings. “Through rigorous testing, we demonstrated a remarkable 63% reduction in power consumption compared to traditional UV systems. With energy prices soaring, this shift not only makes financial sense but also aligns with our continued commitment to sustainability,” Colin explained.
“The transition has not only allowed us to maintain energy costs comparable to a decade ago, despite tripling production, but it also enhances operational efficiency. The longevity and low maintenance needs of LED systems are expected to reduce costs and downtime significantly, moving away from the costly and time-consuming routine of annual lamp changes. Looking ahead, we are excited about the future and confident that Fujifilm will play a pivotal role in our journey,” concluded Colin.
For more information, please visit www.fujifilmprint.eu/ label-packaging-sector/
Another form of sustainable printing solutions, as you may know, is 3D printing. There is continuing research and SPN hears from University of Birmingham (UoB) who have designed a new type of photocurable resin that offers to key benefits over existing 3D resins. Current 3D printing usually relies on epoxies or acrylics, which mostly come from petrochemical feedstock. This new resin is made from lipoic acid. This is a naturally occurring fatty acid molecule that is 100% bio-sourced and commonly sold as a dietary supplement. The UoB article says:
Additionally, the recyclability of conventional resins is still limited, because they rely on irreversible bonds created when the resin cures (hardens), and this poses challenges when the material needs to be recycled.
In contrast, the resin designed by the Birmingham team can be printed, then broken back down to its constituent parts, recycled and reprinted, with the addition of just a small amount of photoinitiator to maintain the material’s curable properties, meaning 3D printed products can be recycled in an almost fully closed-loop system.
The new resin is compatible with light-initiated printing techniques such as DLP, SLA or by direct ink write, or InkJet printing, and provides high fidelity, with resolution down to 0.05mm.
They have shown the resin can complete two ‘recycles’, and anticipate further recycling is possible, meaning the material could be used in sustainable packaging, industries that do rapid prototyping, optical and electronic devices, construction and architecture, or fashion and jewellery.
For more information, please visit www.birmingham. ac.uk/university)
When the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was founded in 1993, it was built on the concerns of over-forestation, specifically when it comes to paper and the products derived from it. At the time, it marked the start of the certification process for sustainably managed forests and here at SPN we have news from Nissha and Tetra Pak, who have developed an aseptic carton for milk with a paper-based barrier using FSC certified paper.
“We are extremely proud of this achievement. Our joint effort to develop this solution supports the journey of increasing paper content and reducing carbon emissions in aseptic beverage cartons. Our paper-based solution offers barrier properties that help the package to deliver comparable shelf life and food protection as traditional aseptic cartons for liquid dairy products, such as milk”
says Giorgio Bosso, CEO, NMS.
The portfolio offered by NMS includes paper-based solutions that are classified as recyclable, renewable and mono-material ones. The company uses paper from FSC® (FSC-C109768) - certified forests and other controlled sources. These solutions can deliver the required level of protection from oxygen and light, for example through the application of different coatings. And paper is a material that comes from renewable sources which, when responsibly sourced, can grow back and absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as they do so. Moreover, our products decrease dependence on nonrenewable resources compared to the barrier layer used in traditional aseptic cartons.
“The Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf carton with a paper-based barrier ... demonstrates how the paper-based barrier can pave the way towards tomorrow’s low carbon circular economy for packaging.”
Commenting on the paper-based solution offered to Tetra Pak, Marco Marchetti, Vice President of Packaging Materials and Sales Distribution Systems, Tetra Pak, says “Tetra Pak has always believed in the power of paper, and now we’re taking that even further. Building on the high share of paper in our cartons today, the paperbased barrier pushes the paper content in our cartons to approximately 80% and, when combined with plantbased polymers, increases the total renewable content of a carton to 90% – cutting the carbon footprint by one-third (33%)1. The Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf carton with a paper-based barrier, which we launched with a leading dairy producer in Portugal in November 2023, demonstrates how the paper-based barrier can pave the way towards tomorrow’s low carbon circular economy for packaging.”
Further benefits of the paper-based barrier are also expected downstream, where cartons with a higher fibre yield are likely to become more attractive to paper mills. In this context, the paper-based barrier represents an opportunity for recycling infrastructures and their efficiency, since it changes the material structure of the carton package from three to just two main materialspaper and polymers.
For more information, please visit www. nisshametallizing.com
Most of us have heard of the concept ‘less is more’. When it comes to sustainable printing solutions, it’s definitely the way forward. Minimalistic designs
“However, as consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions, minimalist packaging has emerged as a valuable resource to enhance and amplify a brand’s sustainability initiatives.”
emphasize using fewer materials, reduces waste, energy consumption and the overall carbon footprint. It also means that we can reduce the need to store excess inventory and all leading to working with the space we do have in a more sustainable and efficient way.
Danny Smith, Global Product and Technology Director at SML Group explains to SPN that consumers are beginning to move on from unsustainable fast fashion trends. These practices involve the rapid design, production, and distribution of clothing items, getting new styles to customers at a record pace. However, for all of the output fast fashion generates, it is also responsible for a considerable amount of waste. Fast fashion consumers are quick to throw items away, whilst production also involves the excessive use of
non-renewable energy sources and energy-intensive processes. While these practices still exist, consumers are starting to think differently about how they purchase their items.
Championing a straightforward design, minimalist packaging emerged in response to non-environmentally friendly practices and a change in consumer preferences toward sustainability. This shift in attitude forced brands to rethink how they package their products and adopt alternative solutions. Minimalist packaging offers retailers the opportunity to improve sustainable value by offering a greener alternative, aligning with ecofriendly consumer values.
Using eco-friendly materials in minimalist packaging can also significantly reduce waste and a brand owner’s carbon footprint. Recycled yarn or non-solvent-based inks have minimal environmental impact, improving a retailer’s sustainability initiatives. This appeals to a growing base of customers, where 80% of consumers say they are willing to pay more for sustainably produced or sourced goods, according to PwC.
The appeal of minimalist packaging lies in its design. However, as consumers become more conscious of their purchasing decisions, minimalist packaging has emerged as a valuable resource to enhance and amplify a brand’s
sustainability initiatives. By prioritizing simplicity and brand identity, retailers can reduce their environmental impact and create stronger connections with customers. As this trend continues to gain traction, brands will be at the forefront of a sustainable future for all.
For more information, please visit www.sml.com
Collectively, these innovations represent a forward-thinking approach to sustainable printing solutions, emphasizing energy efficiency, renewable materials, and circular economy practices. As the industry continues to evolve, these pioneering technologies are poised to play a crucial role in achieving environmental sustainability and operational excellence, paving the way for a greener future in printing and packaging.
From Policy to Practice: How the UN and EU Are Leading Resource Efficiency
From reusable packaging projects to cutting-edge recycling advancements, SPN explores how industries and governments worldwide are tackling environmental challenges and revolutionizing sustainability practices.
Resource efficiency focuses on maximising the use of resources while minimising waste and environmental impact. Ultimately, it’s aiming for sustainable practice and optimal resource utilisation. The key principles to this are reduce, reuse, recycle and substitute. All these key principles clearly state that by minimising resource consumption, finding innovative ways to use resources multiple times, processing used materials into new products and using recycled or alternative materials instead of virgin materials, is a fundamental way of contributing to a more sustainable world.
There are many international initiatives which relate specifically to resource efficiency, mainly from the UN and the EU. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) is aiming to support countries in improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impacts as well as working on policies related to sustainable consumption and production (SCP). Also, they have a 10-Year Framework of Programmes on Sustainable Consumption and Production (10YFP) which outlines a global commitment under SDG12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) whilst also encouraging sustainable lifestyles, procurement and food systems. Another initiative that is happening is the International Resource Panel (IRP) which was established by UNEP to provide scientific assessments on resource use and environmental impacts. It published reports on material flows, resource efficiency and circular economy.
The EU initiatives differ slightly to that of the UN but
ultimately have the same goals. The EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) aims to transition the EU towards a circular economy with policies on waste reduction, eco-design and sustainable production. In addition, the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) is a voluntary environmental management system helping businesses improve their resource efficiency and sustainability. Both these schemes have one major thing in common, promoting resource efficiency by supporting sustainability goals, encouraging business and industry participation and contributing to the circular economy. However, there is another initiative which must be mentioned and that is the Horizon Europe program (2021-2027). This research program is funding projects related to sustainable materials, circular economy and resource efficiency. An example of this research program is AIMPLAS, who in 2022, participated in a Horizon Europe project on reusable packaging. The BUDDIE-PACK project aims at implementing a systemic approach for the largescale deployment of reusable plastic packaging (RPP) based on a multidisciplinary approach combining social, technological and economic innovations.
The project will contribute to cut down the production of single-use plastic packaging, reduce water and energy consumption, and avoid the release of microplastics into the oceans.
AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, participates in new European research on reusable plastic packaging
The project BUDDIE-PACK, funded by the Horizon Europe programme, was launched on 21 and 22 September in Oyonnax (France) and is coordinated by the Industrial Technical Centre for Plastics and Composites (IPC).
This circular economy project is aiming at implementing a systemic approach for the large-scale deployment of reusable plastic packaging (RPP) based on a multidisciplinary approach combining social, technological and economic innovations. The project will take advantage of behavioural innovation to promote consumers’ acceptance of RPP by analysing drivers and analysing consumers’ psychology of reuse.
Sound synergies with technological innovations will be developed to manufacture packaging, fulfilling the demanding requirements of RPP based on innovative designs and recyclable materials. The project will focus on innovative cleaning solutions to guarantee the safety of consumers against the possible contamination and ageing of RPP during their repeated use, and the durability of their functional properties to avoid food spoilage. BUDDIE-PACK will dramatically cut down the production of single-use plastic packaging, reduce water and energy consumption, and avoid the release of microplastics into the oceans.
Viable economic models will ensure the sustainability of the proposed solutions thanks to the profitability of stakeholders throughout the value chain, including solutions based on social & solidarity economy models.
This project brings together 19 partners from 6 different countries and will take place over a period of three and a half years with a budget of nearly 7 million euros. The project consortium is made up of IPC, Trivéo, ACTIA, CTCPA, LNE, Technological University of the Shannon, AIMPLAS, Searious Business BV, Vytal Global GMBH, Eternity Systems, Uzaje, Betelgeux, Plasmion GMBH, Knauf Industries Gestion, Auzo Lagun S. Coop, Dawn Meats Group, Plasticos Vicent, Echo Brand Design and the University of Sheffield.
For more information, please visit www.aimplas.net
“Recycling EPS transport packaging is not just feasible; it is already advancing on a global scale,”
Going back to our note about the UNEP, the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance (GESA) report has confirmed that 72 countries engaged in varying level of recycling EPS Transport Packaging in 2023, with many of them achieving recycling rates above 30%. The data summary was announced ahead of the UNEP INC-5 negotiations, which took place at the end of November 2024, where UN Member States will continue to negotiate policy considerations to address global plastic pollution.
Of the 72 countries engaged in EPS sustainability efforts, 54% have reported their respective recycling rates. A significant portion achieved rates exceeding 30%, including the regions of North America and Europe, and countries like Brazil and South Africa. Notably, it also includes smaller island states and developing nations like the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, underscoring the global feasibility of EPS recycling. Several Asian countries reported even higher rates, with China at 46%, Japan 68%, Korea 88%, and Taiwan 83%. The compiled data was verified through multiple sources, including government agencies, third-party EPS industry reports, and EPS recycling machinery suppliers.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognized expanded polystyrene (EPS) as one of only six materials recycled at scale and in practice, underscoring its role in the global push for circularity.
“Recycling EPS transport packaging is not just feasible; it is already advancing on a global scale,” said Betsy Bowers, Executive Director of the Global EPS Sustainability Alliance and the North American EPS Industry Alliance (EPS-IA). “This reaffirms UNEP’s acknowledgment of EPS recycling and demonstrates the industry’s continued efforts and success in spearheading initiatives that contribute to a more circular economy.”
To support ongoing progress in EPS recycling, GESA is developing a uniform data repository that will help standardize reporting and encourage greater transparency. By providing a centralized and reliable source of data, this initiative will foster more accurate benchmarks and help drive continuous growth in EPS recycling globally.
EPS maintains an essential role in key industries including packaging, construction, transportation, manufacturing, and automotive, among others. Applications such as packaging for the safe and effective transportation of food and vital medicines and vaccines, protective gear to prevent injury, refrigeration components, insulation for housing, and car seats are all made using EPS.
“By providing a centralized and reliable source of data, this initiative will foster more accurate benchmarks and help drive continuous growth in EPS recycling globally.”
EPS recycling supports some of the world’s leading brands and manufacturers across these industries.
Companies like Canon, General Motors, Hewlett Packard, Hyundai Motors, L’Oréal, and Toyota Motors rely on EPS for packaging, safety, and insulation propertiesspotlighting its critical role in global supply chains and economies.
“As global leaders discuss considerations like production capping, chemicals of concern and problematic plastics, it’s key they also consider the vital role of essential materials like EPS transport packaging, and the viability of proposed alternatives,” added Bowers. “Materials like paper, which itself contains styrene, are not always a one-size-fits-all panacea for environmental challenges to improve circularity. Ultimately, the success of the plastics pollution treaty depends on embracing practical, scalable solutions that foster real, long-term progress.”
References made link to:
• https://globaleps.org/, https://www.unep.org/incplastic-pollution/session-5
• https://www.prweb.com/releases/eps-transportpackaging-now-recognized-as-recyclablein-practice-and-at-scale-in-united-nationsenvironment-programme-plastic-pollution-science-report-302122891.html
• https://www.epsindustry.org/
The global push for resource efficiency and circular economy practices is gaining momentum, with significant efforts from both the UN and the EU. The various initiatives discussed - ranging from the UNEP’s 10-Year Framework of Programmes (10YFP) to the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) - demonstrate a collective commitment to sustainability, waste reduction, and responsible resource management.
Projects like Horizon Europe’s BUDDIE-PACK highlight the importance of innovative approaches in achieving large-scale implementation of reusable packaging systems. These efforts aim to reduce dependency on single-use plastics, minimize environmental impact and foster economic viability in the transition towards sustainability. The role of behavioural, technological, and economic innovations in driving circular economy solutions is crucial in ensuring long-term success.
Additionally, the progress in expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling reflects a growing awareness and commitment among nations and industries. With recycling rates improving across regions, particularly in Asia, and significant endorsements from the UNEP, EPS is proving to be a viable material in the global effort to improve waste management and sustainability. The establishment of standardized data repositories and
transparent reporting systems will further strengthen these initiatives, ensuring greater accountability and effectiveness.
As global discussions continue around policies such as the plastics pollution treaty, stakeholders must embrace practical and scalable solutions that contribute to a sustainable future. The combination of policy frameworks, research initiatives, industry participation, and consumer behavioural shifts will be essential in making circular economy principles a global reality. Through collaboration and continued innovation, the goal of optimizing resource efficiency while minimizing environmental harm is becoming increasingly attainable.
Celebrating 40 Years of Smart, Sustainable Packaging
What began in 1985 as Plastienvase S.A. has grown into a trailblazer in flexible packaging—SPG. Over the past four decades, the company has transformed challenges into opportunities, continuously evolving through cutting-edge technology, sustainability-first solutions, and an unyielding commitment to quality. As SPG celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, it stands not only as a symbol of industry excellence but as a forward-thinking partner ready to shape the future of packaging.
In 2025, SPG proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of excellence in the flexible packaging industry. Established in 1985 as Plastienvase S.A., SPG has consistently evolved, embracing innovation and sustainability to meet the dynamic needs of its customers. This milestone reflects the dedication of SPG’s team and the trust of its clients, suppliers, and strategic partners. Throughout its journey, SPG has led the shift towards more sustainable packaging, emphasizing eco-design and recyclable materials.
The year 2024 was particularly significant for SPG, characterized by substantial growth, innovation, and expansion. The latest incorporations of the company to enhance its production capabilities, are:
• New 9-Unit Rotogravure Printer: Installed at the Villarrubia plant, this high-performance printer is now operational, significantly boosting printing efficiency and quality.
• High-Speed Pet Food Bag Forming Machine: With automatic adjustments, this machine increases production speed and precision in the pet food packaging sector.
• New Slitting Machine: This addition streamlines the slitting process, further improving production efficiency. As part of its continued commitment to innovation, SPG has also expanded its product portfolio with the launch of Cold Seal technology. This solution is specially designed for heat-sensitive products and high-speed packaging lines, enabling secure sealing without the need for heat application. It is particularly well-suited to sectors such as chocolates, energy bars, and ice creams, offering a safe, efficient alternative to traditional heatsealing methods.
“SPG
has anticipated these changes by developing a range of sustainable and recyclable solutions tailored to flexible packaging applications, and stands ready to guide its clients through this transition.”
A Strong Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability remains a cornerstone of SPG’s strategic vision. In 2024, the company made important strides in developing environmentally responsible solutions. One of the most notable achievements was the recognition of RB ECO, SPG’s recyclable material, which received certification from the CYCLOS-HTP Institute. This certification affirms the company’s efforts in creating eco-friendly packaging that meets strict environmental standards.
SPG is also proactively preparing for the European Packaging Regulation (PPWR). This regulation is set to drive major change across the industry, with key objectives including:
• Ensuring all packaging is reusable or recyclable by 2030.
• Reducing packaging waste through optimized design.
• Increasing the use of recycled content.
• Limiting the use of hazardous substances.
SPG has anticipated these changes by developing a range of sustainable and recyclable solutions tailored to flexible packaging applications, and stands ready to guide its clients through this transition.
Strategic Alliances and Market Growth
In parallel with its technological and environmental progress, SPG has also focused on strengthening its strategic partnerships. In 2024, the company consolidated its alliance with Rotor Print, following the acquisition of a majority stake. This move enhances SPG’s capabilities, extends its market reach, and reinforces its position as a key player in the flexible packaging sector.
As SPG reflects on its 40-year journey, the company remains steadfast in its dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With a focus on adapting to regulatory changes, embracing technological advancements, and fostering strategic partnerships, SPG is well-positioned to navigate the evolving landscape of the packaging industry, continuing to deliver value to its customers and stakeholders.
For more information on this article, please visit www.www.spg-pack.com/en/
Exclusive Interview with... Sandrine Duquerroy-Delesalle
Inside Crown Holdings’ 2030 plan: cutting emissions, boosting recycling, driving circularity, and taking global responsibility for a sustainable future.
How does the Twentyby30™ programme aim to address climate change, and what specific targets have been set for reducing environmental impact by 2030?
Crown’s Twentyby30™ programme was built in 2020 to address the pressing sustainability issues plaguing our world. It encompasses five pillars of action – Climate Action, Resource Efficiency, Optimum Circularity, Working Together, and Never Compromise – where Crown can make the most notable impact, including operational improvements in energy, material use efficiency, recycling, responsible sourcing, and food safety.
Within our Climate Action pillar, we have set goals to reduce our Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, targeting a 50 per cent combined reduction in absolute Scope 1 (fuel) and Scope 2 (electricity) emissions by 2030. We also aim to reduce absolute GHG emissions from our supply chain (Scope 3) by 16 per cent in the same timeframe.
We are proud of the progress we have made to reduce our emissions. As of December 31, 2023, we are 33 per cent toward our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions goal and we have exceeded our Scope 3 goal.
What role does circularity play in the Twentyby30™ programme, and how does metal packaging contribute to the principles of a Circular Economy?
Circularity is at the core of our business and our Twentyby30™ programme, with metal’s inherent recyclability supporting our Circular Economy goals and progress. Aluminium cans can be infinitely recycled without loss of properties, making it one of the most circular materials on the market. Additionally, the
process of making a can from recycled aluminium takes only 5 per cent of the energy compared to the same process with virgin aluminium, emphasising the importance of recycling’s impact on the Circular Economy model. With these facts in mind, we have constructed our sustainability programme around the ways Crown can build upon the benefits of a substrate critical to our business to make a difference in climate progress.
“As of December 31, 2023, we are 33 per cent toward our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions goal and we have exceeded our Scope 3 goal.”
How does the company plan to achieve its goal of sending zero waste to landfill, and what are the key steps outlined for waste reduction?
We are committed to increasing material recycling and reuse within our processes, improving our understanding of where and how waste is generated across our global operations. Enhancing our waste reduction culture is critical, ensuring our global team members understand the best practices for decreasing excess materials and how we can work with our suppliers and partners to increase waste reuse. We are constantly validating and verifying disposal practices data to ensure waste is being disposed of properly and to identify opportunities for maximising circularity.
For example, two of our beverage can plants in Turkey recently received a Zero Waste certification from the Turkish government for implementing measures to reduce hazardous waste by 80 per cent, decrease greenhouse gas emission rates through energy-saving activities, and reduce waste deposited in landfills by 95 per cent. The certification is part of Turkey’s Zero Waste Policy, an action plan initiated in 2017 with the primary goals of separating waste and increasing recycling rates.
What is lightweighting in the context of this sustainability initiative, and how will making cans lighter impact resource efficiency and product performance?
Lightweighting references our commitment to reducing packaging material use through the size of our aluminium cans while maintaining the quality, efficacy, and safety of the products. We have set a goal to reduce the weight of our standard 330ml beverage can by 10 per cent, with our progress as of December 31, 2023, currently at 6.44 per cent. Less material leads to less waste, therefore decreasing the resources we need to rely on for our processes and products.
“We have set a goal to reduce the weight of our standard 330ml beverage can by 10%”
How does the company plan to collaborate with industry partners to meet or exceed the recycling rate goals for aluminium beverage cans in different regions by 2030?
In Europe, the updated Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requires all packaging on the EU market to be recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030, emphasising the need for closer collaboration across the supply chain to advocate for improved recycling infrastructure and policies, investment in global recycling systems, and educational campaigns for conscious consumption and disposal. To support this, we work with key European associations such as Metal Packaging Europe (MPE), CanMakersUK, Alupro, and the newly formed Global Beverage Circularity Alliance. The Alliance has launched a global advocacy plan this year to boost the recycling rate of aluminium beverage cans worldwide.
It will take all members of the aluminium supply chain to improve the global recycling infrastructure. No one company or organisation can singlehandedly achieve these goals – we all play a critical, collective role in actioning progress.
What actions are being taken to ensure that the recycled content in metal cans and plastic strapping is increased, and why is this important for circularity?
In addition to the partnership mentioned previously, we have also co-hosted the Global Aluminium Can Sustainability Summit for two years, providing an opportunity to engage in important conversations
with members of the aluminium supply chain. Key discussions include industry decarbonisation, increasing consumer education on recycling rates, improving access to recycling, and working toward common parameters for recycled content in beverage cans. By using these types of platforms to connect with our industry peers, we can work together toward global circularity goals.
While advocating for stronger recycling systems and increased recycling rates are critical initiatives, it is equally important we seek opportunities for using more recycled content in our products. For example, our Transit Packaging Division has engineered a new plastic strap that contains 30 per cent post-consumer recycled material. The new strap features a 9 per cent lower carbon footprint than similar products made with virgin materials, addressing the demand for more sustainable solutions in Europe while maintaining performance standards for customers.
Why is water stewardship a critical part of the sustainability strategy, and what specific measures are being implemented to reduce water usage and replenish water in high scarcity areas?
Fresh water is one of the Earth’s most precious and threatened resources. According to the World Wildlife Fund, only 3 per cent of the world’s water is fresh water, over 1.1 billion people lack access to water, and 2.7 billion find water scarce for at least one month of the year. Water is also a critical component of our manufacturing processes, and we recognise our responsibility as a global manufacturer to protect water sources and replenish water where possible, particularly in high-scarcity areas.
We have initiated three major water replenishment projects in Brazil, Greece, and Mexico, focusing on improving water treatment, conservation, and replenishment to support the surrounding communities. For example, in collaboration with the Global Water Partnership–Mediterranean, our project near the Korinthos, Greece facility recirculates 26,498 cubic meters of filter backwash water annually, helping to preserve the local water basin and balance the facility’s consumption.
“Fresh water is one of the Earth’s most precious and threatened resources. According to the World Wildlife Fund, only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water...”
How does the company align its sustainability efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and which SDGs are most relevant to the Twentyby30™ programme?
Our Twentyby30™ goals address 12 of the 17 UN SDGs so that our actions can contribute to a greater collective impact. By achieving our goals, we will help solve a large set of societal challenges ranging from climate change to water scarcity and natural resources depletion.
What strategies are in place to improve wastewater compliance, and how will the company ensure that its operations do not negatively impact local water quality?
Crown currently maintains a 100 per cent track record of meeting local wastewater standards for our facilities. Our teams regularly seek innovative ways to not only dispose of wastewater safely but also determine methods for the treatment and reuse of wastewater for production processes. For example, one of our U.S. plants safely and effectively filtered wastewater for coolant system reuse, preserving an estimated 7 per cent of water withdrawn annually. The goals across our Twentyby30™ programme strategically go hand-in-hand – in this case, wastewater compliance efforts decreasing overall water use.
How do the sustainability initiatives in locations such as Da Nang, Vietnam; Guadalajara, Mexico; and Dahej, India, reflect the company’s broader goals for resource efficiency and climate action?
Our plants in these three cities are just a few of examples of the work we are implementing globally. With the right framework, dedicated team members, and communities and partners who are committed to change, it is proven that we can successfully manage natural resources and have a positive impact on our climate. Our Best Practices programme is an annual recognition of innovative sustainability work accomplished by our teams across the globe, aiming to elevate the impactful work being done at Crown and serve as an inspiration for others. In many cases, we have implemented the operational efficiencies uncovered by one team in multiple other facilities, emphasising the importance of collective impact.
In years to come, we expect to recognise even more facilities for the innovative, important work they are doing to preserve our world’s resources and reduce the impact on our communities.
Interview conducted by SPN for Crown Holdings. For more information on Crown Holdings, please visit www.crowncork.com.
Understanding Packaging Scorecard Launches Full Version to Help Select Safer, More Sustainable Foodware and Food Packaging
The free Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard tool allows anyone to compare the environmental and human health impacts of their foodware and food packaging choices
The first fully complete version of the Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard is now available for use after four years of beta testing, user feedback, and iteration. Built by the Single-Use Material Decelerator, a collaboration of food service leaders, non-governmental organizations, and technical experts, this free, science-based online tool helps users comprehensively assess and compare foodware and food packaging for their impacts on human and environmental health to support informed decisionmaking.
The UP Scorecard applies standardized life cycle assessment methods and novel scoring approaches to measure the impacts of foodware and food packaging from production to disposal across six key metrics: plastic pollution, chemicals of concern, recoverability, climate impact, sustainable sourcing, and water use. These metrics are compiled into an aggregate score that makes it easy to compare the sustainability of foodware and food packaging products.
“Foodware and food packaging fulfill important functions,” said Etienne Cabane, Engagement Director at the Food Packaging Forum, which hosts the UP Scorecard. “They offer convenience to customers, allow for transportation, protect food from spoiling, and support communications and marketing. However, they also have significant human and environmental health impacts. The UP Scorecard helps users assess the complex landscape of foodware and food packaging options using a science-based approach to encourage
more sustainable choices.”
“The UP Scorecard enables sustainable packaging decision-making by providing science-based, easy to understand scores across key categories,” said Sevrine Bethy, Head of Responsible Sourcing with Sodexo North America. “This allows users to prioritize action areas such as climate, health, or recoverability, understand trade-offs across categories, or consider the overall impact of packaging choices. Sodexo is pleased to support the tool’s development and enable operators to navigate the complexities of packaging to make the best choices possible for our clients.”
Unlike other life cycle assessment tools, the UP Scorecard takes into account chemicals of concern within foodware and food packaging materials. This metric has been improved in the new version of the UP Scorecard and now uses peer-reviewed data from the Food Packaging Forum that considers thousands of chemicals with known health hazards and evidence for consumer exposure or migration from food contact materials into food. With this information, the UP Scorecard uniquely helps the food service industry stay ahead of legislation while providing valuable
knowledge for other stakeholders. Other additions in the latest version include new materials, containers, geographic regions, and an interactive user guide as well as the ability to compare entire portfolios of products to each other. More information on all the new features and updates can be found in the UP Scorecard’s change log or the complete methodology.
Article provided by Food Packaging Forum. For more information, please www.foodpackagingforum.org.
Products are shown in order of their summary score (scale from 1 to 100). A higher score means better performance. All scores represent the provision of one functional unit. For coffee Cups this is 1 liter of container volume. Empty Circles with a dotted outline represent scores that had to be approximated due to the limited availability of underlying data.
Marchesini Group’s Latest Sustainable Solutions
Driving packaging innovation through recyclable materials, smart design, and circular economy solutions—Marchesini Group leads the charge in sustainable pharma and cosmetics packaging. Let’s see what they have to say.
Marchesini Group, a leading company in the design and production of automatic lines and machines for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics packaging, has become a conscious and active player in the field of sustainability in the packaging supply chain. In recent years, a dedicated cross-functional team has been created, primarily focused on analysing new types of packaging materials and, subsequently, on testing their machinability in synergy with suppliers. This led to the creation of a network of collaborations with producers of new mono-material and recyclable packaging films, which has fostered mutual discussions aimed at improving the workability characteristics of materials and the performance of the machines handling them.
The project also involved various divisions of the Group with the goal of creating synergies and developing a standardised working method that considers both the different needs of each machine and their integration in
the production lines. The results of all these activities have led to the creation of an internal database that brings together all the know-how derived from the case studies conducted. This database is now a benchmark to help customers identify and implement the most suitable solution for their product’s needs.
The backdrop to this project is the new EU Regulation 2025/40 of 19/12/2024, which will supersede Directive 94/62/EC, with the aim of providing a harmonised and certain framework for the industry’s operations. This regulation, which came into force in February 2025 and will be applicable from August 12, 2026, establishes environmental sustainability requirements for the entire lifecycle of packaging. In particular, it introduces numerous objectives for the recyclability of packaging and its recycled content, while recognising the priority of safety, quality, and protection of human health, with some exemptions for the pharmaceutical sector.
Marchesini Group’s Solutions in Detail
Marchesini Group produces machines and lines able to package products with different types of materials, including paper, recyclable and recycled mono-material plastics, and aluminium. One of the latest innovations from the Group is a machine designed to carton vials in paper trays: this solution is presented together with a new paper tray design, researched and developed entirely by the Group itself, which generates savings of about fifty percent in terms of paper and about fifty percent in terms of glue.
Moreover, the new paper tray is thinner, providing space savings of thirty percent when products are combined inside the case, with clear benefits during shipment in terms of shipping volumes and relative CO2 emissions. The Group, which has been developing paper tray solutions for over ten years as a valid, safe alternative to thermoformed plastic, has created this new prototype with the aim of guaranteeing even more responsible use of packaging material, while further reducing production costs and avoiding waste.
A further innovation is the introduction of technologies in the packaging processes aimed at gradually replacing PVC and introduce mono-material packaging solutions made with recyclable materials in the thermoforming of blisters and trays.
Over more than two years of experimentation and collaboration with some of the main packaging manufacturers, Marchesini Group technicians have
worked to create blisters and trays that can be easily disposed of through normal recycling channels. In particular R-PET, PET with up to 100% recycled content, has allowed the creation of mono-material packaging that is perfectly suited to the purpose. For primary packaging, there are also recyclable monomaterial packaging solutions in PP and HDPE. For products requiring a higher barrier, on the other hand, there is also a new generation of aluminium products with more than 70% aluminium content and which are PVC-free.
The solutions also include a line comprising a Schmucker 12-lane stick packaging machine, a stick inspection system and innovative printing systems. This line is designed to process PP-based packaging materials (with and without PE) such as 100% recyclable mono-material plastics like OPP or BOPP with a metallised intermediate layer. Due to its suitability for food contact, this material is a valid polyolefin-based substitute for the traditional PET/ALU material for production of high-barrier flexible packaging. The sustainability of packaging materials is just one of the many frontiers in which Marchesini Group is investing in order to comply with the paradigms of the circular economy: it is also engaged in other activities such as the business of Rinova, the company created to give new life to pre-owned original Marchesini lines and machines. Indeed, its remanufacturing process allows the Group to offer customers a more advantageous solution in both economic and environmental terms, with the same level of quality and reliability.
For more information on this article, please visit www. marchesini.com/en
Circular Packaging Revolution: Reimagining Reuse for a Greener Future
What does Reuseabox’s model for reusing cardboard boxes, Berry Global’s development of durable and recyclable packaging options and research conducted by City to Sea about consumer thoughts on single-use plastics have in common? Let’s take a look! Emily Gambrill reports.
Where do we start with Circular Economy (CE) and its role in promoting sustainability when it comes to packaging. It is to be said; Circular Economy is considered to be one of the most popular and prominent approaches to sustainability. It gains significant traction among governments, businesses and environmentalists as a potential solution to address environmental issues. We may now know it, but CE is everywhere; it’s on the adverts we see on billboards whilst we’re busy rushing around, it’s on a TV advert which its key point is that they are creating a product which can be recycled instead of put to landfill and it’s all over the SPN website, because we love to talk about it!
“By
putting people and the planet first, we now work with thousands of businesses each year, helping them reuse cardboard boxes and cut their Scope 3 emissions”
Founded in 2015 by Jack Good, Reuseabox is transforming the packaging industry by helping businesses reuse cardboard boxes, reducing waste, cutting carbon emissions, and lowering packaging costs. The company’s innovative impact model has already saved millions of trees and enabled thousands of businesses to adopt more sustainable supply chains.
Jack Good, Founder of Reuseabox, said “It’s fantastic to be recognised in the first-ever Green Growth Awards. We’ve built Reuseabox on the belief that businesses can be both profitable and purpose-driven. By putting people and the planet first, we now work with thousands of businesses each year, helping them reuse cardboard boxes and cut their Scope 3 emissions.”
Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain, said “The Green Growth Awards recognise the outstanding small businesses that are not only leading the way in sustainability but are also using it to fuel innovation and growth. These businesses are proving that greener practices not only benefit the planet but also create real business success, whether through cost savings, waste reduction, or deeper customer engagement. Their passion and commitment are making a real impact on their communities and the economy.”
The nation’s 5.5m small businesses are estimated to represent half of the UK’s business emissions, and the Green Growth Awards has been launched as part of Small Business Britain’s ongoing partnership with BT to empower UK small businesses to better understand their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices and growth opportunities.
Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT, said “The Green Growth Awards shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are not only driving sustainability but also setting the standard for innovation and growth. It’s truly inspiring to see how these businesses are leveraging sustainable practices to achieve real business success and create positive change in their communities. We’re really proud to support this initiative”.
For more information, please visit www.reuseabox.co.uk
Highlights on the stand include Berry’s new range of reusable cups; lightweighted food containers, including those with recycled plastic and enhanced recyclability; and Berry’s high-quality CleanStream® recycled plastic for contact sensitive applications.
Berry Global’s new range of reusable cups meets increasing demand for alternative solutions to singleuse packaging. Ideal for both on-site and takeaway requirements, they combine reusability with a premium quality feel and high-impact branding opportunities. They are dishwasher safe, lightweight but exceptionally durable, and can be recycled when they finally reach their end of life, where appropriate recycling facilities exist.
The wide choice of containers available for food and non-food use include initiatives such as lightweighting, the incorporation of recycled plastic, and the inclusion of robust plastic handles, which provides a monomaterial pack solution for easier recycling.
Isabelle Rival, Area Sales & Key Account Manager, France, Berry CPI Food, Beverage, and Specialities had this to say “We continue to work with our customers in the drive towards a circular, net zero economy. At CFIA Rennes, we will demonstrate ways in which we can achieve this while still devising solutions that meet
other essential requirements for food packaging. As well as safety, these include functionality, consumer convenience, aesthetics, and branding.”
Following on from Berry Global’s new range of reusable cup, they have introduced a versatile, multipurpose sip lid to accompany the reusable cup. This sip lid complements the reusable cup and meets market demand for high-performing alternatives to single use plastics.
Part of Berry’s B Circular Range of standard packaging solutions designed for circularity, the new lid has been developed to enhance the functionality of the cups for both hot and cold drinks and is engineered for flexibility. It is produced to the Ø89 standard market dimension, making it compatible with all Berry hot and cold cups. The lid is leak-proof with a liquid tight fit, ensuring secure transportation, and allows users to enjoy hot or cold beverages with or without a straw.
Crafted from widely recyclable polypropylene (PP), the lid is both stackable and dishwasher-safe. It also offers the option for logo embossing with a matte versus shiny surface contrast, providing a stylish and practical solution. Like the cups, the sip lid is designed for repeated use and reclosure, supporting a circular economy.
The lid is available in a variety of standard colours, all approved for reusable products. For black lids, Berry offers a Near-Infrared (NIR) detectable black colourant, enabling efficient sorting of black cups and packaging for recycling in countries with the appropriate recycling infrastructure.
For more information, please visit www.berryglobal.com/ en/
“The Global Reuse Summit 2025 brings together people from around the world to hold critical conversations to unlock the new reuse economy. The market is ready, the opportunity is significant, and the time is now The market is ready, the opportunity is significant, and the time is now.”
SPN has been informed that research released by environmental charity City to Sea revealed the public overwhelmingly agree that reusable packaging must replace single-use packaging to tackle single-use waste. I know what you’re thinking: this shouldn’t come as a shock, but businesses are facing increasing costs to become more sustainable.
This comes as 69 per cent believe the government should set legally binding targets for reusable and refillable packaging to drive change. Whilst recycling has been touted as a solution to the plastic waste crisis, only nine per cent of plastic has ever been successfully recycled, leaving the rest to be dumped in landfills, incinerated or left in the environment[1]. Alternative solutions have been on the rise, including reusable,
refillable and returnable packaging that can be returned to shops after use to be cleaned and reused.
The majority of shoppers (64 per cent) across the country agree that reusable, refillable and returnable packaging systems are more effective at reducing waste than recycling. Supermarkets in the UK have been implementing reusable packaging schemes with positive engagement from consumers. Meanwhile online retailers, including Ocado and Abel & Cole, have recently expanded their pre-filled returnable packaging schemes to more products. With the urgent need to tackle single-use plastic pollution at scale, 77 per cent want to see all retailers offer reusable, refillable, and returnable packaging long-term, instead of short-term pilot schemes.
Jane Martin, CEO of City to Sea, said “It’s easy to forget that single-use plastic only took over our supermarket shelves in the 60s and 70s, and the decision to use plastic for most of our products was a choice. Half a century later and we understand the damage that single-use plastic causes people and planet. It’s time for retailers to step up and commit to more sustainable packaging systems. Consumers want it, the environment needs it, our economy requires sustainable growth and high street regeneration. Imagine a world of refilling and returning, rather than dumping and burning. The Global Reuse Summit 2025 brings together people from around the world to hold critical conversations to unlock the new reuse economy. The market is ready, the opportunity is significant, and the time is now.”
Will Ghali CEO of Ecosurety said “Over the past few years there has been a welcome increase in alternative
packaging systems, presenting opportunities for innovative solutions to the single-use packaging crisis. We have steered retailers and packaged consumer goods brands in the right direction to make sure their reusable packaging systems are safe for consumers whilst protecting the environment, but more retailers and brands need to feel confident making this transition. The Global Reuse Summit is an opportunity to share insights and ideas and discuss data-driven insights that prove reusable packaging can succeed for all retailers and packaged consumer goods brands worldwide.”
[1] OECE (2022) - www.oecd.org/en/publications/globalplastics-outlook_de747aef-en.html
For more information on the Global Reuse Summit visit: www.refill.org.uk/the-global-reuse-summit
It seems (putting it lightly there, I know!) that there are a lot of companies creating products which are contributing to a Circular Economy and the results from City to Sea show that the consumer in the UK is agreeing that using reusable, refillable and returnable packaging is better than recycling. It’s not just the consumer and the businesses that are seeing a growth trend in CE, but also we have heard from Reusabox, a small business based in the UK, that they have been recognised in the Green-Growth awards.
Driving Sustainability Forward: Circular Economy Week by Sustainable Packaging News sponsored by Colpac and goplasticpallets.com
As the world races to meet ambitious sustainability targets, the circular economy has emerged as a fundamental pillar in reshaping how we consume, produce, and manage resources. It’s not just a trend— it’s a necessary transformation. Shifting from a linear “take, make, dispose” model to one that is regenerative by design is key to minimizing waste, conserving resources, and cutting carbon emissions. Sustainable Packaging News is proud to announce its dedicated Circular Economy Week, a thought-provoking series that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore how packaging is playing a pivotal role in this global effort.
At the heart of this initiative are insightful thought leadership articles from some of the most influential voices in sustainable packaging. Winfried Muehling, Director of Marketing & Communications at Pro Carton, shares his perspectives on how fibre-based packaging
is advancing circular solutions. Zoe Brimelow, Brand Director at DUO, offers a deep dive into how brands can redesign packaging systems to align with circular principles—rethinking materials, supply chains, and endof-life strategies. These articles, and many more from prominent experts, set the tone for a week filled with insight, action, and inspiration.
Adding further depth, exclusive interviews provide a front-row seat to the strategies being implemented across the packaging value chain. Talia Goldman, ESG Director at Colpac, unpacks how sustainability is embedded in product development and corporate culture. Dan Starnes, Sales Director at goplasticpallets. com, discusses the growing role of reusable transport packaging and how plastic can still be part of a responsible circular model when handled correctly. These interviews offer actionable perspectives from professionals actively working to make circularity a reality.
One of the highlights of Circular Economy Week is an exclusive roundtable event, bringing together leading voices from across the sector to tackle the most pressing challenges and opportunities in circular packaging. The panel includes Gary Tee, VP Global Converting at TIPA Compostable Packaging, Dave Gudgeon, Head of External Affairs at Reconomy, and Jeremy Blake, Director of Circular Economy at Berry Global Inc.
In addition to written content, engaging video features will enrich the week’s offering. These include a spotlight on Rockwell Automation, which demonstrates how intelligent automation is enabling more efficient, sustainable manufacturing. Also featured is Silvia
D’Alessio, Food and Packaging Ecosystem Expert at Politecnico di Milano, who offers an academic perspective on the transition to circularity and how education and innovation go hand in hand in shaping the future of packaging.
Sustainable Packaging News’ Circular Economy Week isn’t just another editorial series—it’s a call to action. It brings together some of the brightest minds in the field to foster a deeper understanding of the circular economy and inspire meaningful change. As the urgency to act becomes more pressing, initiatives like this are essential to keeping sustainability at the forefront of the packaging industry—and beyond.
Round the Loop – Insights Into Supporting Packaging’s Circular Economy
The packaging industry is working hard to achieve a circular loop and its current approach to circularity risks overlooking a crucial reality: creating recyclable packaging isn’t enough if the components used to produce it compromise the recycling process itself. While substrate selection dominates industry discussions, the critical role of inks and coatings in enabling or hindering effective recycling demands equal attention from packaging professionals seeking to achieve meaningful and lasting circularity.
A prime example lies in plastic recycling, where traditional inks can contaminate the recycling process.
During caustic washing for example, ink bleeding can compromise recyclate quality, often forcing valuable materials into lower-grade applications outside the packaging industry. This ‘downcycling’ breaks the industry’s desired goal of circularity. For packaging designated for food contact applications, this is particularly problematic; once materials are downcycled, they typically cannot return to food-grade packaging applications, removing valuable materials from the packaging loop entirely.
However, technological advances from companies like Flint Group are making a real difference.
New ink formulations are specifically designed to either cleanly separate during recycling or remain firmly bonded to materials designated for alternative recovery streams. For instance, in narrow web applications, deinking primers and specialised coatings now enable PET labels to be processed alongside PET bottles, significantly increasing high-quality rPET yields. These innovations can help recover up to 99% of substrate material in a form suitable for reuse in packaging applications, compared to traditional processes where label contamination might render significant portions of the material unsuitable for high-grade recycling.
The challenges extend beyond contamination. While cost-effective, traditional nitrocellulose (NC) inks present a significant threat to recycling infrastructure due to their thermal instability. At high temperatures, these inks can release volatile compounds that compromise equipment performance, disrupt processing efficiency, and undermine sustainability efforts, making them a critical concern for the future of recycling.
Here’s why:
Thermal Instability – Nitrocellulose (NC) is highly flammable and can degrade under high temperatures used in recycling processes. This can lead to volatile compound emissions that may create operational hazards.
Contamination Risk – When NC-based inks break down, they can release byproducts that may compromise the quality of recycled materials. This can lead to defects in new products made from recycled content.
Regulatory & Safety Concerns – Because of NC’s instability, recycling facilities may need special handling procedures to avoid potential fire risks, adding complexity to the process.
Potential Impact on Equipment – While NC itself may not physically damage machinery, the build-up of degraded residues or chemical interactions with other materials could lead to inefficiencies, increased maintenance, or even premature wear of certain components.
So, while NC inks don’t directly ‘damage’ machines, their properties can make the recycling process more complex, less efficient, and potentially more hazardous.
Therefore, the industry is increasingly moving toward more stable polyurethane-based (PU) formulations that not only maintain their integrity during recycling but also avoid the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during processing, creating a safer and more efficient recycling environment while delivering
equivalent performance.
The evolution of ink chemistry reflects broader changes across the packaging sector. In flexible packaging, nextgeneration barrier coatings are replacing hard-to-recycle multilayer structures, enabling mono-material designs that maintain product protection while simplifying recycling. Meanwhile, paper and board printing is moving toward bio-based inks that reduce reliance on petrochemicals, with new formulations achieving up to 90% renewable content without compromising on print quality or resistance properties.
“The path to circular packaging isn’t just about recyclable packaging materials – it’s about ensuring every component, including inks and coatings, contributes to rather than hinders the recycling process.”
What’s becoming clear in today’s sustainability-centric packaging world is that success requires looking beyond individual components to understand how inks, substrates, and recycling processes interact. Only by considering the entire lifecycle of packaging materials, from initial design through to recycling infrastructure compatibility, can we achieve lasting circularity. This in turn demands close collaboration between ink manufacturers, converters, and recyclers to develop technologies that actively support recycling processes while maintaining high performance standards.
This transformation is already underway through strategic industry partnerships. Flint Group’s collaboration with organisations like the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) exemplifies how ink manufacturers can work alongside recyclers to develop products that enhance recycling processes, while maintaining the performance standards that modern packaging demands.
The path to circular packaging isn’t just about recyclable packaging materials – it’s about ensuring every component, including inks and coatings, contributes to rather than hinders the recycling process. Only through this connected approach can packaging truly go ‘round the loop’.
Article provide to SPN by Flint Group through Think B2B Marketing. For more information, please visit www. www. flintgrp.com
Exclusive Interview with... Lea Maguero
As the global demand for sustainable solutions grows, BioPak is at the forefront of reshaping the packaging industry. From pioneering compostable materials to influencing policy and educating consumers, Head of Sustainability Lea Maguero shares how the company is building a future where packaging works in harmony with the planet.
BioPak’s mission is “a world without waste.” What are the biggest challenges you face in achieving this goal, and how do you plan to overcome them?
A world without waste is no small feat, and as our desire to disrupt and drive meaningful change grows, so too do our challenges. Today, one of the biggest obstacles we face is the complexity of global waste management systems. While BioPak creates certified compostable and sustainable packaging that is designed for a circular economy, many regions lack the necessary infrastructure for commercial composting. There are a number of reasons and complexities for this that differ per country, however, our goal and focus lies in our ability to be at the forefront of advocacy, education, innovation and collaboration to help tackle this challenge. For example, we work with governments, waste processors, and industry partners to increase access to composting facilities and advocate for policy changes that support a circular economy. We create educational resources and campaigns to help consumers and businesses understand best practices for end-of-life disposal. Our certified products are truly groundbreaking, not only in their quality and performance, but we also track their impact on the planet through the latest technology. And, waste requires a collective effort. We partner with like-minded businesses, such as Huskee, to drive adoption of reusable models alongside compostable solutions to help champion circular solutions.
Your composting initiative, Compost Connect, has been described as the ‘Airtasker of composting.’ Can you elaborate on how this platform is making composting
more accessible for businesses?
Compost Connect was born from a desire to help make composting more accessible to businesses and consumers. Since its inception, Compost Connect has now become a platform committed to growing composting infrastructure and education, lifting composting rates, and connecting foodservice businesses to commercial composters. We are proud to acknowledge that it is one of the most comprehensive hubs and sources of information available online. Our investment into R&D has even resulted in the release of our very own campaign, ‘Compost for Climate’, and thirdparty conducted research on consumer attitudes and behaviours towards composting. We believe knowledge is power, and the goal is to empower people to compost – both at an individual and business level.
“We believe knowledge is power, and the goal is to empower people to compost”
BioPak has been at the forefront of innovation in sustainable packaging since 2006. What are some of the most groundbreaking materials or technologies you’ve introduced?
Since 2006, BioPak has been pioneering sustainable packaging solutions, and 2024 was a landmark year for innovation. We introduced Australia’s first PHAlined cups, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional plastic linings, making them both home and industrially compostable. Additionally, we launched aqueous-coated compostable sushi trays and sauce cups, providing plastic-free solutions for the foodservice industry. These innovations not only help businesses transition away from single-use plastics but also align with evolving government regulations, ensuring our products are fit for purpose while minimising our impact on the planet.
You work directly with governments to help shape sustainability policies. Can you share a recent policy change that BioPak has influenced, and how it benefits the circular economy?
BioPak works closely with governments to shape sustainability policies, ensuring they are both practical and effective. A recent example is our involvement in the Single-Use Plastic (SUP) bans across various states in Australia. We’ve collaborated directly with local state governments to ensure these bans are feasible and that businesses have access to acceptable alternatives. Our R&D team has developed products specifically designed to meet these new requirements, working hand-inhand with government technical teams to ensure the solutions are both compliant and functional.
A great example of how this partnership benefits the circular economy is seen in South Australia’s approach. By integrating effective composting systems alongside the SUP bans, we can create a sustainable loop where organic waste is turned into valuable compost, benefiting the environment while reducing landfill. This combination not only supports the transition to a circular economy but also ensures that waste is managed responsibly and sustainably
Many companies struggle with greenwashing accusations. How does BioPak ensure transparency and credibility in its sustainability claims?
At BioPak, we prioritise transparency and credibility by ensuring that all our sustainability claims are backed by rigorous evidence and independent certifications. All of
our manufacturing facilities and products are certified to several local and international standards which shows our commitment to doing the right thing – for people and the planet.
We recently partnered with Pickler to further back our claims and track our impact to launch BioPak’s Environmental Impact Label. This sets a new standard for transparency; providing clear data on the environmental footprint of our products to empower smarter choices and drive sustainability. We also regularly share our progress through third-party conducted research and annual sustainability reports, ensuring that our efforts are documented, measurable, and transparent. This level of accountability is what sets BioPak apart and helps us build trust with our customers.
BioPak has helped major brands like McDonald’s and Woolworths transition to more sustainable packaging. What has been the most significant impact of these partnerships?
Our partnerships with major brands like McDonald’s and Woolworths have had a profound impact on accelerating the transition to sustainable packaging across industries. These collaborations have not only demonstrated that large-scale adoption of compostable and sustainable packaging solutions is possible, but they have also set a precedent for others in the sector to follow. Every single customer and business who chooses to use BioPak products plays a significant role in our
goal and vision. We want to inspire, unify and amplify our message - and our business partners and customers are our biggest supporters in helping us achieve this.
With Australia aiming for 100% food and garden waste collection by 2030, how does BioPak support businesses and consumers in making this transition successfully?
BioPak is supportive of these targets, however, a big part of hitting these goals lies in advocacy and education. We will continue to support businesses and consumers with our not-for-profit platform, Compost Connect. We will also continue to work with government, industry bodies and key stakeholders to invest in composting infrastructure that not only accepts certified compostable packaging, but can furthermore help divert food waste from landfill.
Your products are designed for the circular economy. What are the key differences between compostable packaging and traditional recyclable packaging, and why is composting a better solution?
The debate between differing packaging solutions is riddled with complexity. Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that there is a place for both certified compostable and recyclable packaging. When looking at the foodservice industry, compostable packaging can be considered a better alternative to recyclable plastics. The key reason for this centres around the fact that plastic packaging cannot be recycled if it is contaminated by food. This is where certified compostable packaging comes into play. Our products
are low-carbon, made from rapidly renewable resources that are designed to be returned to nutrient soil. As a result, food waste and compostable packaging can be composted together - the packaging is a vessel or conduit that can capture food in the process. When food waste in landfill emits methane, it traps heat under the ozone layer and warms up the earth’s climate. By composting and using certified compostable foodservice packaging to carry food waste, we’re taking this waste away from landfill. There is no one-size fits all solution. And packaging, its purpose and its impact on the planet will vary from industry to industry.
You’ve phased out PFAS from your plant-fiber range. Why is this an important step, and what should consumers and businesses know about PFAS in packaging?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 4,700 man-made chemicals that are used in a great number of products across many industries. PFAS additives provide oil resistance in many applications, from carpet, dental floss, non-stick pans to nail polish. These chemicals do not biodegrade and persist in the environment with potential adverse effects. PFAS has been found in soil, water, fresh produce, and sewerage.
As industry leaders, BioPak was the first to release a full range of plant fibre products with no intentionally added PFAS, and removed PFAS additives from production in July 2024. It is important to note that fundamental work is still required from a legislative level to ban ‘forever chemicals’ from a wide range of products, including packaging.
Looking ahead, what are the next big sustainability goals for BioPak, and how do you see the future of the packaging industry evolving in the next five years?
At BioPak, our commitment to fighting climate change is stronger than ever. Our goals will focus on our emissions reduction targets aligned with the SBTi NetZero standard, updating our plan to reduce emissions across our value chain, which accounts for 99% of our total emissions. We’ve made our carbon emissions per product publicly available via our Environmental Impact Label in a bid to have increased transparency and visibility, and to help our customers make more informed decisions. As we grow, tracking and meeting these targets will be challenging, but we remain committed to transparency and improvement.
In
the next five years,
the packaging industry will continue to evolve with an increasing emphasis on sustainability and circularity. Compostable and recyclable packaging will become key features as businesses adapt to varying market needs and regulatory requirements. At BioPak, we’re already leading the charge by measuring our carbon footprint and committing to low-carbon packaging solutions, which will be crucial for staying ahead in the future.
The future of packaging will be driven by low-carbon alternatives, and companies that can evidence their carbon reduction efforts will have a competitive advantage. We also foresee a greater focus on recycled content and paper-based packaging as part of a broader shift toward more sustainable, resource-efficient materials. As the industry advances, businesses that prioritise sustainability will not only meet consumer demand but will also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Interview conducted by SPN for BioPaK. For more information on BioPaK, please visit www.biopak.com.
Colpac Helps Customers Navigate Change in Support of Circularity
With an incoming seismic shift in policy, the packaging industry is on the brink of change. Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR), Simpler Recycling, and other packaging reforms are bringing significant impacts to stakeholders throughout the supply chain.
Consistent collaboration across the supply chain is essential to the ultimate goal of these reforms: to achieve a circular packaging industry. Colpac is providing two-way support for industry and customers in achieving this, through advising government in shaping pEPR governance, whilst representing manufacturers and demonstrating the practicalities of new policy. By working with Colpac, customers gain access to a
CIRCULAR PACKAGING SOLUTIONS
We partner with our customers to navigate legislation, providing industry insight and expertise in support of the circular economy.
wealth of expertise across packaging legislation and the implementation of circular solutions.
Colpac’s ESG Director, Talia Goldman, has been part of pEPR implementation from the start as part of the pEPR Scheme Administrator (now PackUK) interim steering group. Talia also represents Colpac as a co-chair of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, which aims to unify the voice of the fibre supply chain. Involvement in these key groups cements Colpac at the heart of industry reform and in supporting customers through this period of change to facilitate a circular packaging industry.
For more information, please visit www.colpacpackaging.com
Work
“We
Colpac’s newly developed Tower Trays™, a multi-purpose packaging solution which supports reduced EPR costs.
help customers to navigate regulatory change and educate consumers on recycling best practices in support of circularity. Our technical packaging experts instil industry knowledge and eco-design principles into our products, whilst helping to reduce pEPR impact for customers.”
Andrew Grimbaldeston – Managing Director at Colpac
lpac’s ESG Director, Talia Goldman, taking part in the launch of PackUK at Packaging Innovations.
Building a Circular Economy with Sustainable Supply Chain Solutions
At goplasticpallets.com, we’re on a mission to help businesses build responsible, sustainable supply chains. We understand the growing demand for solutions that reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and support a circular economy. That’s why we supply the UK’s largest range of plastic pallets, pallet boxes, small containers, crates, and trays, which are durable, offer a long-term ROI, and are 100% recyclable.
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Over 93% of our products are made from 100% recycled plastic, ensuring that valuable materials are kept in circulation rather than going to waste. By choosing highquality, long-lasting plastic pallets and containers, businesses can significantly reduce their reliance on
single-use packaging and improve operational efficiency.
“At goplasticpallets.com, we’re on a mission to help businesses build responsible, sustainable supply chains.”
We are proud to be the sole UK distributor to Europe’s leading pallet manufacturers - and therefore the quality of the products we offer is unparalleled. We supply tailor-made solutions to a wide number of key industries, including food and agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical, retail and many more.
Beyond just supplying sustainable products, we take full responsibility for recycling them at the end of their lifecycle. Since launching our industry-leading recycling scheme in 2019, we have already recycled over 2,000 tonnes of plastic, helping businesses to meet their environmental goals.
By working together, we can create more sustainable, circular supply chains that benefit businesses, people, and the planet. Join us in making a difference.
For more information on goplasticpallets.com’s sustainable logistics solutions, or its pioneering recycling scheme, please contact sales@ goplasticpallets.com or call the team on 01323 744057.
“We are proud to be the sole UK distributor to Europe’s leading pallet manufacturers - and therefore the quality of the products we offer is unparalleled. We supply tailormade solutions to a wide number of key industries, including food and
agriculture, manufacturing, automotive, pharmaceutical, retail and many more.”
Exclusive Interview with... Saxon Wright
Saxon Wright, Co-founder of Huskee, shares how the company transforms discarded coffee husk into durable, reusable products. With a mission rooted in supporting farmers and eliminating single-use waste, Huskee is pioneering scalable reuse systems and product stewardship that redefine sustainability in the coffee industry and beyond.
What inspired the creation of Huskee, and how did its origins in Yunnan, China, influence the company’s mission?
Our goal initially was to support the local coffee farmers and produce an additional source of income for them. Additionally, we wanted to create products that could do something positive in the world, made from a waste product.
Can you explain how Huskee transforms coffee husk waste into reusable products, and what makes this process unique?
Husk is the outer layer of the coffee bean removed after the coffee has been dried and in the milling stage. This husk is usually dumped - instead, we take this and mill it down into a fine powder and this is the base of our product. We then add proprietary binding agents to create a biopolymer that we can then injection mould. It’s unique because we have actually created our own material with chemical and mechanical bonds under high pressure.
Huskee aims to enable the transition to a waste-free world. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in achieving this goal?
While many companies are trying to create sustainable products and simply do business well and ethically, a key difference of Huskee is that we are trying to solve other businesses problems - in particular the single-use dependency issue.
We really see ourselves as an enabler; but the challenges for us are around communicating what we do, and that a lot of our efforts require behaviour change by the businesses and the consumers, which we don’t have direct control over. What we do know is that there is growing support for reuse strategies, and this has been increasing since we started Huskee, which is positive.
How does HuskeeLoop contribute to a circular economy, and what makes it different from traditional recycling programs?
Huskee takes the commitment to repurpose materials seriously. That starts with the material choices of our own products; and we incorporate recycled materials and content whenever we can.
We also are not a recycling outcome - we are focused on reuse, which is a higher priority and better option for waste management, if you can reuse waste at the source.
Finally, we are the only reuse company in the world with a product stewardship scheme called HuskeeLoop, where we are actively taking back our own products put onto the market, and turning them into new products. This is exciting and important, because the reality is just because something can be recycled, doesn’t meet it is, or will be, recycled.
Both designing our waste and ensuring materials have as long a life as possible are key circular economy efforts.
What role do HuskeeSwap cafes play in promoting sustainable coffee consumption, and how has the response been from both consumers and businesses?
HuskeeSwap and Borrow cafes are extremely important in offering reuse options and normalising this behaviour. When you order a coffee today; you aren’t really ordering the cup and simply accept what it is served in.
While BYO is a great way to get your drink, it remains a challenge when you are busy and it’s not always as convenient. Our venues are at the forefront, and we are making reuse service easy and convenient for them, and their customers.
The response has been extremely positive, and we continue to evolve and iterate the programs to improve the options and convenience for reuse. We want it to be the standard service option in the future, not the optional alternative.
Sustainability is at the core of Huskee’s vision. How do you ensure that Huskee products maintain durability and functionality while staying environmentally
friendly?
It is all about smart material choices, good design and quality manufacturing. We spend a lot of time so that our venues and customers get the quality they deserve and the best experience we can offer.
HuskeeLoop aims to achieve a 90% return and recycling rate for end-of-life products. What strategies are in place to reach this ambitious target?
We have always offered bespoke collections and all of our HuskeeSwap sites can return cups to us annually and get full replacements - which means all customers have to do is visit and swap at a nearby cafe.
And in 2024 we have started a partnership with RecycleSmart, which makes things even easier - as clients and individuals can book returns to us and they are collected wherever they are. We are now exploring even more options in Australia to make returning cups back to us increasingly simple and can apply those learnings overseas.
How does Huskee’s approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) set an example for other companies in the industry?
Just making a cup ‘recyclable’ is not enough. Even stainless steel, which is technically recyclable, is often not eligible for kerbside recycling and doesn’t get recycled, which is a shame. At Huskee, we are owning that, and making sure we can guarantee true pathways for repurposing materials.
With the growing demand for eco-friendly products, how does Huskee differentiate itself in the sustainable product market?
Huskee is about solving problems and designing solutions. We are not just creating and selling ‘sustainable products’ like many other reusable cup options out there. We are designing services and solutions that make it easy to implement reuse in your daily life.
Looking ahead, what are Huskee’s future plans for expansion, innovation, and increasing its impact on
sustainability efforts?
Huskee is looking to build and implement the next generation of service in reusables, that can be scaled and applied to cityscapes, regional areas, at events and at your local cafe.
“We want it to be the standard service option in the future, not the optional alternative.”
Our mission hasn’t changed, and we continue to grow and innovate and we hope to continue to accelerate and advance the transition to a waste-free world in Australia, and across the globe.
Interview conducted by SPN for Huskee. For more information on Huskee, please visit www.uk.huskee.co/.
global
Reusable Packaging: Moving from Niche to Necessary
By Dominy Jones
We’ve all heard the saying reduce, reuse, recycle – but for a long time, “reuse” felt like the forgotten middle child. Not anymore. Reusable packaging is stepping into the spotlight, and it’s changing the game for how we think about waste, convenience, and sustainability. And it’s not just environmentally responsible — it makes solid business sense, too.
A growing number of companies across multiple sectors are now developing reusable packaging systems that are scalable, user-friendly, and commercially viable. The momentum is unmistakable. This isn’t just about swapping plastic for paper — it’s about designing smarter systems that allow packaging to circulate multiple times before reaching end of life.
At the forefront of this shift is The Refill Coalition, a trailblazing collaboration between retailers and service providers working to integrate closed-loop refill systems into mainstream grocery retail. Their pilot scheme, trialled in-store and online, uses a universal range of reusable packaging for everyday staples such as pasta, rice, and cleaning products. By standardising container sizes and formats, they aim to streamline reverse logistics and reduce confusion for consumers. If successful, the initiative could fundamentally reshape how food and household products are sold and consumed.
Meanwhile, in the health and beauty space, Aptar Beauty is proving that reusables can be both elegant and efficient. With a growing portfolio of refillable pumps, compacts, and jars, Aptar supports brands in reducing single-use components without compromising aesthetics or user experience. Their work underscores the importance of marrying sustainability with convenience — a key factor in consumer adoption.
Berry Global, known for its expertise in rigid packaging, is making significant strides in the reusable space as well. The company is investing in durable, refill-friendly formats for sectors such as personal care, foodservice, and industrial applications. By applying their deep technical knowledge of materials and manufacturing to the design of long-life packaging, Berry is helping customers reduce both waste and carbon emissions across the lifecycle of their products.
neat. – a Certified B Corp. and sustainability award winner – has garnered attention with its concentrated cleaning solutions and sleek, reusable aluminium bottles. Customers receive a small bottle of concentrated formula, mix it with water at home, and reuse the same dispenser bottle time and again. It’s a simple but powerful model that drastically reduces packaging weight, transport emissions, and plastic waste. For brands and retailers alike, neat. represents a blueprint for how to balance style, functionality, and environmental impact.
“And it’s not just environmentally responsible — it makes solid business sense, too.”
But reusability isn’t confined to consumer-facing formats. It’s making waves in the B2B sector too. The Pallet Loop is reimagining the humble pallet — a staple of logistics that’s often treated as disposable. Their circular pallet scheme encourages recovery and reuse through a deposit-based system that incentivises returns. This approach not only reduces timber waste and costs for businesses, but also cuts emissions associated with manufacturing and disposal. It’s a strong example of how systemic thinking can bring sustainability to the core of operational processes.
Croxsons, a leading supplier of glass packaging, is another key player in the reusable revolution. With a long-standing commitment to returnable glass, Croxsons is working with brands to develop refill and return schemes, especially in the drinks and food industries. Glass, as a material, is infinitely recyclable — but it’s also inherently reusable, and Croxsons is helping businesses tap into that potential through the design of robust, attractive containers that can be washed and refilled repeatedly.
So why is reusable packaging gaining such traction now?
For one, the environmental case is compelling. Reusable systems reduce the demand for raw materials, lower emissions tied to production and transport, and reduce overall waste volumes. As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations tighten and carbon reduction targets become more pressing, reusable formats offer a pathway to compliance — and competitive advantage.
Secondly, consumers are increasingly aware of — and frustrated by — excessive single-use packaging. Reusables offer a tangible way for brands to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, often improving customer loyalty in the process.
But perhaps most importantly, technology and infrastructure are finally catching up. Advances in materials, digital tracking, and reverse logistics are making it more feasible to deploy reusable systems at scale. It’s still early days, and challenges remain around hygiene, collection, and behavioural change. But the direction of travel is clear.
Reusable packaging is no longer a niche idea. It’s becoming a cornerstone of modern, sustainable packaging strategies — and the companies embracing it now are likely to be the ones leading the industry into a more circular, resilient future.
Classic Packaging, Modern Purpose: Pont’s Sustainable Powder Jars Redefine a Timeless Staple
By Emma-Jane Batey
A sustainable twist on classic powder jars
The new powder jar range from Pont is exactly the kind of progressive development that the company founder, Constant Pont, who established his eponymous glass packaging factory in the Netherlands in 1906, would be proud of. His faith in offering packaging that values both performance and reliability means that Pont’s growth continues to be steady and sustainable.
Available in traditional white flint glass and UV-resistant amber glass, the new powder jars are bringing a more contemporary twist on the much-loved classic, allowing brands that have a foot in both camps find exactly what they’re looking for.
“His faith in offering packaging that values both performance and reliability means that Pont’s growth continues to be steady and sustainable.”
Pont Europe Ltd’s New Product Development & Sustainability Director Jacquelien Spenkelink has led the team in the development of this new range. Jacquelien says, “We’re really proud of our latest range of glass powder jars because they represent the best of old and new. They also show how the multi-department project team at Pont works so well together, as we’ve brought our expertise into this one product. From marketing to R&D and production, we’ve all put our heads together to come up with a sustainable packaging solution that looks great and has a huge potential for growing sectors that value environmental performance as well as packaging performance.”
Watching powder jar trends
The sectors that already utilise the popular powder jars include food, personal care and sports nutrition, with all powdered products finding a happy home in these practical, easy to fill and easy to dispense containers. In the food sector, sales of powdered spices and seasoning mixes are increasing, as well as powdered mixes for baking and world foods. The beauty industry is reporting growing sales in powdered products due to the joint impact of liquid restrictions for travel and the sustainability demand for products that can have water added by the consumer to help reduce weight and volume. Powdered beauty products have also been identified as a key growth market thanks to the cool appeal of Korean and Japanese brands, which often favour this format.
For the vitamins and sports nutrition sector, the boom in protein powders means that this product is now available in mainstream supermarkets rather than just in specialist stores. With the protein powder market now worth USD 21.4bn and expected to increase by 9% between 2024 and 2032, this represents an exciting growth opportunity.
Jacquelien is clear that understanding these trends and the impact they have on their customers is integral to the new product development at Pont. “We’re always looking at what is selling well and analysing trends, then ask ourselves ‘What could we do better? Could we make new variation that would bring something fresh without taking away what’s working?’ With the powder jars already so popular, we wanted to bring a fresh twist with a sustainability edge.” The range starts at 015ml and goes right up to 500ml, with a range of neck finishes from 28/400 to 58/400.
“From marketing to R&D and production, we’ve all put our heads together to come up with a sustainable packaging solution that looks great and has a huge potential for growing sectors that value environmental performance as well as packaging performance.”
“We’ve just made them more sustainable and ready for the innovative products that our customers create.”
A family affair
The multi-team new product development at Pont included collaboration with leading UK glass packaging producer Beatson Clark, Pont’s sister company that is also part of the Newship Group. Jacquelien continues, “Beatson Clark has been established for over 270 years, so between us it’s fair to say we have considerable packaging expertise! The new powder jars are available in transparent white flint and amber versions, with both options easily recyclable and beautifully reusable. They use 36% and 56% of cullet respectively, which is the recycled content, making them a responsible choice too. The glass powder jars can be white flint frosted, with the Beatson Clark spray plant able to create any colour required.”
The sustainability performance of the powder jar portfolio from Pont doesn’t stop at the recycled content, recyclability or reusability. The inclusion of a square design means that logistics and point of sale also benefits, with Pont shipping all across the UK and Europe. With the trend for square packaging increasing across sectors from a style perspective, the shape also means that more units can be stacked on pallets – and on the shelves – giving more efficient shipping and improving returns on investment.
With any dry goods and powders – including popular new products like CBD gummies and gummy vitamins - able to be perfectly packed in the new sustainable round or square glass powder jars from Pont, Jacquelien notes that samples are now available, with various closure options. She concludes, “We’ve made a modern design in what is a largely non-moving market, but we’ve not lost what’s great about the classic powder jars. They’re popular for a reason! We’ve just made them more sustainable and ready for the innovative products that our customers create.”
For more information on this article please visit www.ponteurope.com/
Sustainable Solutions for Plastic Packaging and the Future of Circular Economy
With plastic waste polluting our planet at an alarming rate, industries are racing to find sustainable packaging solutions—SPN is highlighting how hybrid plastics, bio-based materials, and innovative recycling systems are shaping the future of a circular economy.
Due to the cost effectiveness, versatility and durability of the product, we have been using plastic packaging for the majority of our products for many decades now. It means that companies can keep their costs low and ultimately reduce the cost to the consumer too (which is a win win situation surely?). However, it’s important to take into consideration the hard facts which affect our planet too such as production, pollution and recycling capabilities - to name a few! Here are some interesting statistics:
1. The world produces an estimated 141 million tons of plastic packaging each year.
2. Roughly a third of plastic packaging leaks into the environment.
3. Only 9% of all plastic ever made has been recycled.
4. Plastic production, use and disposal contribute to roughly 1.8 billion tons of carbon emissions each year.
5. Over 50% of plastic is regarded as single-use plastic. Over 98% of this single-use plastic comes from fossil fuels.
6. Landfills are filled with almost half of all the plastic waste.
7. An estimated 22% of plastic waste is littered.
8. About 17% of plastic is incinerated.
Information has been taken from www.google.com using Generative AI.
When written down and detailed, it is scary to see
that we all, using the term broadly here, contribute to this. Saying this, here at SPN, we know that there are companies who are working together to ensure that these statistics are going one way, and that is down.
Hybrid plastics are becoming more well known, due to their combination of polymers which result in creating composites with enhanced characteristics. SPN has heard from Gem-Pack Berries who have partners with Reborn Materials Inc. to introduce Full Cycle™ Hybrid Plastic™ packaging.
“The
world produces an estimated 141 million tons of plastic packaging each year.”
Through this partnership, Reborn Materials leverages its Full Cycle™ Hybrid Plastic™ technology to develop packaging optimized for recyclability and responsible end-of-life management. Unlike conventional plastics, this innovation considers real-world collection and disposal challenges, aligning with industry needs without requiring specialized infrastructure.
“This partnership is a milestone in sustainability for the produce industry,” said Madu Etchandy, SVP of Operations at Gem-Pack Berries. “By utilizing Full Cycle™ Hybrid Plastic™, we are taking proactive steps to reduce plastic waste and create practical solutions for our industry.”
“Unlike conventional plastics, this innovation considers real-world collection and disposal challenges, aligning with industry needs without requiring specialized infrastructure.”
Reborn Materials’ technology works with PET, bio-based plastics, and recycled materials, ensuring compatibility with existing recycling systems. The company follows strict regulatory guidelines, including FTC-compliant claims and certifications such as ISO 17556, ASTM D5988, and ASTM D5511, ensuring credibility and transparency.
“Our collaboration with Gem-Pack Berries highlights the importance of addressing sustainability beyond the lab,” said Jason Kang, COO of Reborn Materials Inc. “By working directly with the agriculture sector, we have gained valuable insights into how plastic is used, collected, and repurposed. This real-world data informs our innovations and helps drive truly scalable solutions.”
For more information, please visit www.www.gempackberries.com
You know that I wrote earlier on plastic contributes to roughly 1.8 billion tons of carbon emissions each year? Well, a report made by SAP and research consultancy Earth Action has been launched to urge global industry to prepare for incoming plastic legislation to protect its profit and the planet.
The report highlights the risks to businesses failing to scale plastic data management, with corporate liabilities associated with use of the material likely to exceed $20 billion globally by 2030. “Shift into Gear” details how the risk to business can be acute, such as industrial disasters, or chronic, resulting from long-term damage to the environment or human health.
Transition risks include regulatory changes, such as plastic bans, and EPR fees that increase costs, market shifts driven by evolving consumer preferences and stakeholder pressures, and rising R&D expenses to adapt to new technologies. Additionally, companies face reputational damage from increased awareness of plastic pollution and greenwashing, as well as potential liability exposure.
Delphine Garin, Manager, Circular Finance and Data, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): “Effective plastic footprint management is no longer just about sustainability—it’s just smart business.
“As regulations tighten and consumer expectations evolve, companies face mounting financial and reputational risks. By equipping companies with the tools and insights to navigate complex plastic regulations, we can not only advance industry leadership but also drive systemic change.”
“As a business community, we can create a global landscape where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand, ensuring long-term value for companies, society, and the environment alike. This is the inevitable direction of travel, and forward-thinking companies are already positioning themselves to benefit.”
It is interesting that there is still serious confusion around the environmentally safe disposal of different types of packaging used by the fashion industry, and I understand this completely. How the consumer should be disposing of their packaging from their fashion items in a sustainable way is widely discussed which can lead to the belief that it is primarily the consumer that is responsible for the correct disposal of packaging. However, a report from ‘The Future of Packaging in the Fashion Industry’, published by Aquapack Polymers ltd, looks into it, detailing that this may not be the case.
“This is in stark contrast to official data from the World Economic Forum which shows that approximately 36% of all plastic produced is used to create packaging, 85% of which ends up in landfills, highlighting the confusion that exists when it comes to the fate of plastic packaging waste.”
The report is based on research(1) with senior executives, including CEOs, Retail Directors, Sustainability Directors and COOs, of fashion brands and retailers in the UK, US and Australia.
All of those surveyed said they still use plastic or recycled plastic in their business. Almost two fifths (38%) said that plastic is recycled after use, 25% said it went to landfill, 22% said it was reused and 14% said incineration. This is in stark contrast to official data(2) from the World Economic Forum which shows that approximately 36% of all plastic produced is used to
create packaging, 85% of which ends up in landfills, highlighting the confusion that exists when it comes to the fate of plastic packaging waste.
The picture is similar when it comes to home compostable packaging, with just 36% saying it was home composted as intended, 28% said it was reused, 20% said that they thought it went to landfill and 15% said it was incinerated. The findings highlight the opacity and complexity of safe disposal in developed waste markets like the UK, US and Australia.
“However, when UK consumers were asked about packaging and disposal, it became clear that the expectation that consumers are ultimately responsible for disposal is somewhat misguided.”
When asked who is responsible for the correct disposal of packaging, 44% said it was their customers’ responsibility, 30% said it was the responsibility of the brand and one quarter said was up to both to ensure that waste packaging is disposed of properly.
However, when UK consumers(3) were asked about packaging and disposal, it became clear that the expectation that consumers are ultimately responsible for disposal is somewhat misguided. Just 14% said that they know what type of material the fashion items they buy are packaged in, two thirds said they sometimes know what packaging type it is and a further 21% said they never know.
Furthermore, over half (53%) said they find the disposal and recycling of different types packaging confusing
and this confusion has resulted in 59% of respondents recycling less.
The findings also suggest that the industry isn’t always helping its customers as much as it should. Just 5% of consumers said there are always clear instructions on the packaging to show how it should be disposed of without damaging the environment, 58% said there are sometimes, 23% said often, and 6% said there are never instructions displayed. Yet again, a confused picture.
John Williams, Chief Technology Officer at Aquapak, comments: “Our study highlights the misconception of plastic disposal versus reality, where recycling rates remain stubbornly low. The confusion over how to dispose of waste packaging is an age-old problem and one which is holding back recycling rates around the world.“
“We also need to recognise that this is not a problem for consumers to solve. There are packaging innovations which perform the same job as plastic but without the negative environmental impact because they offer a range of end of life options from recycling to composting. We need more brands to embrace new technologies and the waste system to accept more materials if we are to achieve a circular economy, rather than pushing the responsibility on to the end-user.”
For more information, please visit www. aquapakpolymers.com
(1) Research conducted by PureProfile with 100 board and senior executives, including CEOs, Retail Directors, Chief Operating Officers, Sustainability Directors and Finance Directors, in the UK, US and Australia in November 2023.
(2) World recycling facts for 2022: Plastic, paper and more | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)
(3) Research with 1063 UK adults conducted by Consumer Intelligence in November 2023
The plastic packaging industry is at a turning point, facing both environmental concerns and regulatory pressures. While companies have long relied on plastic for its cost-effectiveness and durability, the staggering waste and carbon emissions demand urgent change. Businesses are now exploring hybrid plastics, bio-based materials, and recyclable solutions to reduce their footprint. However, confusion over plastic disposal persists, indicating a need for greater transparency and industrywide education. Moving forward, collaboration between corporations, policymakers, and consumers will be crucial in achieving a sustainable circular economy for plastic packaging.
The Transition Away from Forever Chemicals
PFAS ‘forever’ chemicals have been making the headlines over recent years. Here Peter Tindale, European Sales Director at Selig Group, a global leader in container sealing and venting technology, discusses the increasing pressure to remove PFAS substances from food contact packaging and the transition that is underway.
Why are forever chemicals facing the chop?
Due to their grease and water resistant properties PFAS, or Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, are found in a myriad of applications, including food packaging, paper and cardboard containers and nonstick and waterproof coatings. They break down very slowly and are therefore accumulating in significant amounts in our environment and water supplies. At least two of the substances, PFOS and PFOA have been linked to a wide range of health conditions.
According to a report by environmental charity Fidra : ‘Many PFAS are considered bioaccumulative, they concentrate up food chains and are not easily expelled from the human body. And 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood and numbers are now considered to be similar all over the world.’ It is no wonder therefore that PFAS bans on food contact materials are gathering momentum.
Denmark became the first country to ban PFAS in food contact materials made from paper and cardboard, with effect from 1st July 2020. Since then key states in the US, Australia and the European Union have been taking action. One of the priorities under the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability is the restriction of PFAS ‘forever’ chemicals. And the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) scientific committee has been meeting to decide on a Restrictions dossier for PFAS applications.
The challenge of PFAS transition
Many different forms of PFAS have been shown to migrate from packaging and food contact materials. Particular culprits for high levels of PFAS in the food supply chain can be found in the coatings used on paper and fiber-based food-contact materials. As supermarkets begin to phase out PFAS from foodcontact packaging, producers are having to work closely with their packaging suppliers to provide PFAS free
material proof via total fluorine test results.
The presence of PFAS is tested in parts per million (ppm), which are units commonly used to indicate total fluorine content, and although the detection limit depends on the method and the mass of the sample, the result should be 10 ppm or below. Ensuring complete PFAS absence can be challenging due to such factors as environmental contamination and supply chain complexities. To overcome, brands are using packaging material producers who can verify their PFAS NIA (Not Intentionally Added).
At Selig Group we are working with suppliers of our raw materials to ensure our products remain PFAS NIA for our customers. A case in point is our popular Lift ‘n’ Peel™ liner, which our R&D team has sought to ensure is PFAS NIA. To make sure that a product is PFAS NIA requires careful collaboration with all materials providers. Although this can be a drawn out process, the end goal of reducing forever chemicals is one that is essential to achieve. Change is coming, so are you ready to embrace it for a better future for us all?
For more information on Selig’s global capabilities and solutions, visit www.seliggroup.com, and for further information, contact Selig Communications: marketing@ seliggroup.com.
Why Corrugated Packaging Is Stealing the Sustainability Spotlight
From reuse initiatives to high-tech custom designs, corrugated packaging is proving it’s more than just a cardboard box. As companies across the UK embrace smarter, greener solutions, this humble material is stepping into the sustainability spotlight – reshaping how products are packed, shipped, and perceived in a circular economy.
When it comes to packaging that’s both practical and planet-friendly, corrugated cardboard is having a serious moment – and for good reason. It’s sturdy, customisable, widely recyclable, and made from a renewable source. But the real magic lies in how companies across the UK (and beyond) are pushing the boundaries of what corrugated can do for sustainability.
Take Reusabox, who recently announced its expansion into a new 78,000 sq. ft facility for instance. They’re giving corrugated boxes a second life by promoting reuse before recycling. Their model is all about circularity – collecting used but good-quality boxes from businesses and redistributing them to others who need packaging. It’s a simple idea, but it cuts emissions and waste in a big way.
Then there’s Sandland Packaging, who has continued to
improve its environmental credentials by successfully passing its latest Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certification. Best known for a wide range of bespoke packaging and fitments, this is part of a wider effort to lead on sustainability in the corrugated packaging sector. Based in the Midlands, they source FSC®-certified materials and manufacture everything in-house. That means fewer transport miles and a tighter grip on quality and sustainability. They’ve even introduced carbon calculators to help customers make greener packaging choices.
On the tech and machinery side, Bobst is helping manufacturers optimise corrugated packaging design and production. Their equipment supports precision cutting and folding, which reduces waste and speeds up processes. Plus, Bobst’s digital printing solutions mean you can customise packaging without excess ink or materials – a win for branding and the environment.
Boxway Packaging is also doing great things, particularly in designing fit-for-purpose solutions that avoid overpackaging. Their tailored corrugated designs reduce the need for void fill and extra wrapping, which means less material used and more efficient transport. They’re proving that sustainability doesn’t have to come at the cost of performance. Their commitment to sustainable corrugated packaging recently landed them a coveted silver Ecovadis rating.
And let’s not forget UFP Packaging, who are exploring high-performance corrugated alternatives for traditionally plastic-heavy sectors. From protective corner boards to heavy-duty transit packaging, they’re showing that cardboard can take on more than just your average shipping box. Corrugated packaging makers are empowering retailers – and by extension, consumers – to make smarter, lower-carbon choices by offering custom solutions that reduce excess material, improve transport efficiency, and prioritise recyclability. By using responsibly sourced, lightweight, and often recycled materials, they help cut down on emissions throughout the supply chain. Many also offer carbon footprint data and eco-design support, making it easier for brands to choose packaging that aligns with their sustainability goals and appeals to environmentally conscious shoppers.
I’ve saved my personal favourite ‘til last. The ‘hexquisite’ six pack from Westbury Packaging, made for free range egg purveyors, CackleBean. The new box is made from paper-based corrugated packaging, which has superb structural and technical qualities, as well as excellent sustainability, recycling and biodegradability credentials. The Westbury Packaging site is FSC certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®, which helps support
the future of forests and the people and wildlife who call them home.
Paddy and Steph Bourns, aka Mr and Mrs CackleBean, said, “We don’t sleep until we know our flock is tucked up safely in bed at the farm and now, we can extend that feeling of safety knowing that our new packaging supports our eggs on their journey from the farm to our customers’ homes. This new packaging has been a labour of love and it’s our pride and joy to introduce it to our customers! We came up with the concept fifteen years ago and recently we’ve worked very closely with Westbury Packaging to make it into a reality. Our new boxes deliver on many fronts - functionality, sustainability and excitement. We’re very pleased with the finished product.”
All in all, corrugated packaging isn’t just recyclable – it’s smart, versatile, and increasingly circular. With companies like these leading the way, the humble cardboard box is becoming a quiet hero in the fight for a more sustainable future. So next time you open a package, take a moment to appreciate the clever thinking that might have gone into that bit of brown board. It’s doing more than you think.
Scope 3 is Coming: Why the Printing Supply Chain Must Step Up Now
With just a few short months to go before the UK’s new Scope 3 carbon reporting standards take effect, the packaging industry is looking at another key shift in accountability. From July 2025, large UK businesses - including publicly listed companies, financial institutions, and private firms with a turnover above £500m - must disclose their Scope 3 emissions.
While this applies directly to high-turnover companies and many UK-based packaging businesses and printers will fall well under this threshold, its impact will ripple much further through the supply chain. Brands and retailers are already pushing reporting requirements upstream, meaning printers and packaging converters
must in turn scrutinise their own suppliers for greater transparency on emissions.
Scope 3 emissions encompass indirect environmental impacts across a company’s supply chain. For the packaging sector, this includes raw materials like paper, board, inks, and adhesives, plus emissions from transport, waste, and energy usage. Often accounting for 80-95% of total emissions, these are becoming a major focus for large brands and suppliers unable to provide verifiable sustainability data will soon find themselves at a competitive disadvantage.
“One of the problems is that too many companies still treat sustainability as an afterthought, scrambling to patch together lastminute initiatives.”
One of the problems is that too many companies still treat sustainability as an afterthought, scrambling to patch together last-minute initiatives. But accountability is coming, and businesses relying on surface-level claims will find themselves exposed and vulnerable. When printers are asked to supply carbon data to brand clients, they’ll turn to their own suppliers. If those suppliers can’t deliver, they will be seen as liabilities, not partners.
At Contact Originators, we saw the need for sustainable transformation long before Scope 3 reporting requirements emerged. When we suffered a devastating fire in 2020 that almost ended our business were it not for our team and loyal client base, we had an opportunity that very few businesses get: to rebuild with sustainability at the core of our operations. Rather than follow the more common path of token sustainability initiatives, we designed our business around resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and waste minimisation. Today, we operate one of the most advanced and sustainable prepress facilities in Europe.
A prime example is our 24,000-litre distillation unit, Goliath. The name is no accident - it’s the largest platemaking still in Europe. It could have been a major carbon emitting source, but instead we chose to heat it using steam rather than oil, cutting fossil fuel reliance and lowering emissions without compromising quality. It’s just one of many incremental changes that, together, make a very significant impact. From zero waste to landfill certification to renewable energy adoption, every single aspect of our operation helps reduce emissions across the packaging supply chain.
And that connected approach is how the industry needs to progress. Printers and packaging converters now have a choice to align with suppliers scrambling to play catch-up on sustainability or partner with those who have embedded carbon reduction into their DNA.
Scope 3 reporting isn’t just another regulatory shift for already encumbered printers to follow; it signals the industry’s future. The harsh reality is that those still treating sustainability as a tick-box exercise will be left behind. Those making real, measurable reductions in their carbon footprint will shape the future of print and packaging. With just months to go, the time for action is now.
By Steve Mulcahy, CEO at Contact Originators.
“At Contact Originators, we saw the need for sustainable transformation long before Scope 3 reporting requirements emerged. When we suffered a devastating fire in 2020 that almost ended our business were it not for our team and loyal client base, we had an opportunity that very few businesses get: to rebuild with sustainability at the core of our operations. Rather than follow the more common path of token sustainability initiatives, we designed our business around resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and waste minimisation. Today, we operate one of the most advanced and sustainable prepress facilities in Europe.”
Can Fibre Bottles and Sustainable Carton Packaging Replace Plastic for Good?
With over 600 billion plastic bottles produced annually, NBCo’s Fast Forward 50 initiative is helping brands transition away from single-use plastic by offering free fibre bottles to test as a sustainable alternative. Meanwhile, companies like Kingspan and MM Packaging are driving change through innovative recycling programs and sustainable carton-board solutions, highlighting the growing shift toward regenerative, biodegradable, and recyclable packaging materials. Emily Gambrill investigates.
There are significant differences between bottles and cartons. Plastic bottles are typically made from fossil fuels, and the recycling rates vary, which leads to not all plastic being easily recycled. Cartons on the other hand are often made from renewable paperboard, which not only incorporates a high percentage of recycled fibre but is biodegradable too. To ascertain which form of sustainable packaging is better, there are key considerations we need to look at:
Life Cycle Assessment
To determine the most sustainable option, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is crucial. This must consider all stages from raw material extraction to disposal.
Recycling Infrastructure
This is important as the availability and efficiency of recycling infrastructure play a significant role in the overall sustainability of packaging materials.
End-of-Life Management:
The way packaging materials are managed at the ‘end of their life’, whether it is recycled, composted or sent to landfill, is a critical factor in the sustainability journey.
Material Choice:
The specific materials used in both bottles and cartons can impact their sustainability. Also, not just its sustainability factor, but whether that material is suitable for packaging the specific product.
We’ve written briefly about how plastic bottles can be a difficult alternative to recycle when it comes to packaging our products, however, NBCo has launched Fast Forward 50 to accelerate the shift away from singleuse plastic to fibre bottles. NBCo, innovator in moulded fibre packaging, has launched Fast Forward 50, a progressive initiative designed to help brands take their first step in transitioning away from single-use plastic bottles. As part of NBCo’s commitment to driving real change in packaging, the company is offering 50 free fibre bottles to the first 50 brands that sign up, allowing them to test and trial the technology with their own products.
The initiative, launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, removes barriers to adoption by providing brands with a viable, high-performance alternative to plastic. With over 600 billion plastic bottles produced annually, NBCo’s regenerative, circular supply system offers a scalable solution to a growing environmental crisis.
“Fast Forward 50 is about action,” said Alvin Lim, Founder & CEO of NBCo. “We know brands want to move away from plastic, but transitioning supply chains can feel overwhelming. By offering these first 50 bottles for free, we’re helping companies take that crucial first step - without risk, without delay.”
“50 bottles are all it takes to start real change,” added Kelvin Lin, VP of Strategic Partnerships at NBCo. “Brands often hesitate to take the first step, but this initiative allows them to kickstart the preliminary barrier and compatibility tests and see first-hand how our bottles could work within their existing product lines and help stakeholders realise the feasibility of an alternative.”
“The plastic crisis is not a waste problem - it’s a design problem and a production problem,” said Sian Sutherland, Co-founder of A Plastic Planet and PlasticFree, during the launch event at Davos 2025.
“With regenerative, circular solutions like NBCo’s fibre bottles, brands now have a realistic and rapid way to move beyond plastic and into a future where their packaging works in harmony with Nature, packaging that literally disappears without harm.”
“We know brands want to move away from plastic, but transitioning supply chains can feel overwhelming. By offering these first 50 bottles for free, we’re helping companies take that crucial first step - without risk, without delay.”
NBCo believes the shift away from plastic should not be a solely consumer burden but an industry responsibility as well. Fast Forward 50 is part of a larger movement to rethink how packaging is designed, manufactured, and integrated into circular systems.
“The longer brands wait to transition away from plastic, the costlier it will be for the environment,” said Lim. “We are providing the technical expertise to help make the switch easier including the infrastructure, supply chain, and even free products to trial. Now, we’re calling on brands to take the next step with us.”
Following on from the introduction on how plastic bottles can be difficult to recycle, SPN has news from Kingspan who have met their target to recycle one billion PET bottles per year into its manufacturing processes. This milestone marks the achievement of one of Kingspan’s Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme targets, a whole year ahead of schedule.
The achievement is part of a collaborative effort with Synthesia Technology (Synthesia), the subsidiary of Kingspan Group which specialises in chemical products, polyester polyols and polyurethane systems for thermal and acoustic insulation.
At its sites in Barcelona, Spain, Synthesia uses postconsumer waste PET as a raw material to create polyester polyols that are used in the manufacture of a variety of thermal insulation and insulated panel products, largely across the Kingspan Group. This recycling process not only helps to reduce the volume of waste PET that ends up in landfill or oceans, but also lowers dependence on virgin raw materials. With buildings and infrastructure accounting for 38.8 billion tonnes of global raw material consumption annually[4], such technologies will play a critical role in transforming how resources are used and managed within the construction sector.
Increasing its use of recycled, bio-based and renewable input materials is an important facet of Kingspan’s circularity strategy. The recycling of one billion PET bottles[5] by 2025 was a key element of this strategy and is fundamental to Kingspan’s ambition to help accelerate the transition to a circular economy, part of its wider Planet Passionate environmental sustainability programme, which was launched in 2019.
“Achieving our target to recycle one billion PET bottles[6] into our manufacturing processes is a critical milestone in our Planet Passionate programme, and we are immensely proud to have hit our goal one year ahead of schedule. This is testament to the dedication of teams around our organisation and the development of innovative recycling technologies by our Synthesia Technology business.” said Holly Loughman, Head of Sustainability at Kingspan Group.
Vittorio Bonapersona, Corporate R&D Manager at Synthesia Technology, added: “The demand for solutions that help tackle plastic pollution will only increase, and we are delighted to offer technology that contributes to this global effort while also supporting the construction industry’s transition to a circular economy. This milestone is an excellent indicator of what is possible when we commit to transforming how the world’s finite resources are used. For us at Synthesia and across the Kingspan Group, this is just the beginning; we are also leveraging our advanced technologies to recycle insulation waste, which will help us make further important headway as an organisation towards our circularity ambitions.”
For more information on Planet Passionate, visit Kingspan’s website here: https://www.kingspangroup. com/en/sustainability/planet-passionate/ Find more information about Synthesia Technology, visit the company’s website here: https://www.synthesia.com/en/
We move on to carton packaging. MM Packaging has showcased its sustainable carton-board solutions. This will see the business sharing its wide range of sustainable board and paper options for food and drink customers, including the latest enclosed cartons, wraps and clips.
The first is MM Packaging’s paper-based food tray GreenPeel with its lightweight design using up to 90 percent less plastic compared to regular plastic trays. The product comes in standard and custom sizes, as well as skin and modified atmosphere packaging formats.
In addition, the business will highlight plastic replacement concepts for fresh fruit and vegetables. These can be easily adapted depending on the product. A catalogue of concepts will highlight the wide variety of shapes, sizes and options on offer.
Barriers and coatings for the bakery sector is another key area for the show with MM Packaging demonstrating technology that can reduce plastic with a coating on the reverse of the cartonboard, providing a grease barrier for goods such as cookies and doughnuts.
The business will also present its solutions for the beverage industry, including its cartonboard range which can replace shrink wrap for multipack cans and bottles in applications such as fizzy drinks, beer, cider and premix cocktails.
Julian Freeman, managing director at MM Packaging Deeside, said: “Our debut at Packaging Innovations and Empack will show our knowledge and experience in developing the latest in sustainable cartonboard solutions for the food and drink sector.
“These are testing times for packaging specifiers and developers, under pressure to hit sustainability targets thanks to the Plastic Packaging Tax and a raft of
additional legislation. Visitors to this show know they must act – it’s something that will impact their business, and our sustainable, innovative cartonboard packaging will help them meet these demands.”
Following on from its success at the UK Packaging Awards, the business will be showcasing its awardwinning designs that typify MM Packaging’s approach to producing creative and impactful packaging for brands.
“On our stand, we want to show that we go beyond providing standard cartons, and that we have inventive and innovative solutions in an ever-changing packaging landscape,” said Julian. “The four areas of focus highlight why food and drink manufacturers need to seriously consider MM Packaging. Our proven paper and board solutions are designed to help customers provide the sustainable packaging their brands require.”
For more information, please visit www.mm.group.com
The transition from plastic to more sustainable packaging solutions is a critical step in addressing environmental challenges. NBCo’s Fast Forward 50 initiative is a proactive approach that enables brands to explore fibre-based bottles as an alternative to plastic, removing barriers to adoption. Similarly, Kingspan’s success in recycling one billion PET bottles underscores the importance of circular economy strategies in reducing plastic waste. Meanwhile, MM Packaging’s advancements in sustainable carton-board solutions highlight the growing role of paper-based materials in replacing plastic across food and beverage industries.
While no single material offers a perfect solution, evaluating life cycle impact, recycling infrastructure, and end-of-life management will be essential in determining the most sustainable packaging options for the future. The industry’s shift toward regenerative, recyclable, and biodegradable materials represents a promising step toward a more sustainable and circular economy.
“The transition from plastic to more sustainable packaging solutions is a critical step in addressing environmental challenges.”
“The industry’s shift toward regenerative, recyclable, and biodegradable materials represents a promising step toward a more sustainable and circular economy.”
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Taking the lead in Sustainability
