20-20 Vision Getting it right first time

Making the right packaging choices is never easy, however, it can provide an opportunity for businesses to achieve greater sustainability. Often, sustainability claims can make that decision difficult and confusing. Clearly, businesses want to make well-informed decisions - which is why PakTech has created a valuable, easy-to-read checklist to ensure that companies can get it right first time. The alternative can prove to be expensive! Here the company sets out its case for the benefit of our readers…

Begin with Responsible Manufacturing

To evaluate the sustainability performance of packaging, the environmental impact of its manufacturing process must be examined first. Make sure to address the following points with the packaging provider in consideration:

• Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

• Ozone depletion

• Water resource depletion

• Water contamination

• Energy source

• Energy consumption

Ask the packaging provider if they have the data related to the above aspects – it will show you how serious they are to their sustainability commitments while allowing you to see how their solutions compare with alternatives.

Alignment with the Circular Economy

Businesses looking for sustainable packaging must also consider its level of circularity. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the circular economy is a “systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.” Designing packaging in a way that is consistent with the circular economy enables us to transition from a “use and waste” linear model to a circular model.

Ask the following questions when gauging the level of circularity of the packaging in consideration:

• Does it use recycled content? If so, how much?

• Is it reusable to elongate its current useful life?

• Is it recyclable?

• Is it infinitely recyclable to ensure a waste-free future?

You can be rest assured that the packaging solution shows high alignment with circular economy principles if it checks all the above requirements.

Design for Sustainability

Perhaps you’re browsing through packaging catalogues, and you want to assess if the packaging in question meets your expectations at a glance. Evaluate whether the packaging embodies sustainable design:

• Does the design ensure efficient product to packaging ratio?

• Is the material durable to reduce waste generation?

• Is the design minimalist in format to minimise resource use?

• Does it use lightweight material to improve transportation and energy efficiency?

If the packaging under consideration does not pass this initial test, you may want to consider an alternative.

Does PakTech pass the Checklist?

A Resounding Yes! At PakTech, we are proud of our holistic approach to the environment:

• By manufacturing with 100% recycled HDPE, PakTech handles generate 78% less greenhouse gases, uses 90% less energy and uses 0 virgin petroleum.

• PakTech handles are 100% recycled, reusable and recyclable to be fully aligned with the circular economy.

• 80% of energy used at PakTech’s production facility comes from 80% carbon-free hydroelectric energy.

• Minimalist, lightweight and durable, PakTech handles are designed to eliminate waste generation while maximising transportation, energy and resource efficiency.

With PakTech, you will be rest assured that your business is choosing the best in class when it comes to the most sustainable secondary packaging solutions.

At SPN, we hope that PakTech’s well - considered approach provides helpful guide and offers answers to procurement managers that may be wrestling with their many complex decisions involved in relation to optimising their sustainable packaging portfolios!