SPN June 2023

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING NEWS

Sustainability in FMCG

SPN looks at how businesses in the FMCG sector are embedding sustainability into their practices

Recyclability

Recyclable packaging innovations

Bioplastics Revolution

A groundbreaking development

Paper Packaging

Green Adhesives

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Dear Readers,

I trust that everyone is keeping well and staying cool!

Looking at the current market and having got it together with the “Internet of things” and then the Digital Revolution, we are now confronted with yet another technological quantum-leap forward … AI. Add to this the current problems with supply-chain disruption and with the April’24 EU Legislation looming, there seems to be hardly time to focus on meeting sustainability goals or improving efficiency!

However, amongst all the doom and gloom, a chink of light appeared recently when it was announced that we are not likely to go in recession this year after all and that the number of UK unemployed was now down to the lowest level since before the covid pandemic.

In any event, our industry continues to lead the field in recycling and sustainability, despite the many difficult trading conditions that we all experience. Hopefully the success of the recent interpack exhibition will help contribute to our overall efficiency and thereby help us to move ever-closer to a truly circular economy.

Upon reflection, and when getting to understand the benefits of utilising the latest AI technology, there is a lot to consider. As a result, we will be looking closely at the pro’s and con’s of this phenomena in our next issue. You will find it in our ‘20-20 Vision’ regular feature.

As always with SPN, we have a broad range of contributors and a diverse compliment of industry experts available to share their cutting-edge knowledge. In this particular issue, there is a special insight from the Packaging Consultancy: Aura, as well as a valuable feature on ‘transparency’ from Interseroh+. To close, whatever your area of expertise, we wish everyone a great summer ahead and a happy and healthy outcome in all your endeavours.

SUPPLY-CHAIN

6 Leave supply-chain disruption behind

20-20

7 Top Sustainability Trends 2023

8 ACTEGA - Put a Spring in your Step!

10 Avoid Sustainable Packaging Pitfalls

DIGITAL

12 Increasing ‘PageWide’ web performance

14 Supermarket ‘shop-and-drop’

Sleuths

Leave supply-chain disruption behind

In the face of increasing disruptions, organisations of all sizes need to speed up their transformation initiatives to increase flexibility, agility and visibility to achieve a truly resilient supply chain. Digitising supply chains through modern integration, automation and secure and connected ecosystems, makes it easy to manage information flows and uncover the insights, to ensure continued operations, even in the face of major disruptions.

Disruption alongside increasing economic pressures to decrease costs, without reducing business outcomes, is driving the need for greater digital transformation and supply chain optimisation. In fact, 91% of business leaders believe their company has a responsibility to act on ESG issues[1], driving the need to ensure sustainable, ethical supply chains. Going forward, organizations that understand and act on customer expectations around ethical, sustainable sourcing will demonstrate leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG).

Furthermore, 50%+ of companies lack end-to-end supply chain visibility[2], leading companies to add oversight to their supply chain to mitigate disruption risk. Organisations need Control Towers to better monitor transaction flows to create a transparent, agile, resilient supply chain that mitigates risk across the entire ecosystem.

Circular Economy Boost

More than 95% of executives agree that the circular economy poses an opportunity for their organisation, increasing the focus on complete product lifecycle processes. Intelligent, connected and secure business network platforms alongside innovative technologies are the key to closing the circularity gap and evolving business models for the circular economy.

To achieve Autonomous Supply Chains a company needs vision. This became evident when 72% of suppliers that experienced a supply chain disruption lacked the visibility to come up with a fast and effective solution, thus highlighting a need for better insights. Organisations need to use analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning to avoid disruptions and create autonomous, resilient supply chains.

- Extracts courtesy of OpenText

20-20 Vision

Smarter sustainability

Top Trends 2023

Now half-way through the year, SPN looks at some of the predictions and outcomes provided by StartUs Insights that makes interesting reading ... from the start!

The packaging industry is adopting smart and sustainable solutions to make product packaging more consumer, brand and environmentally friendly. The major packaging industry trends that enable smart packaging are the internet of packaging, active packaging, and nanotechnology. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic has kept people in their homes, packaging from online shopping creates the serious challenge of waste production. Hence, startups and scaleups accelerate innovations around biodegradable, recyclable, and edible packaging. At the same time, the deployment of 3D printing and robotic packaging simplifies packaging processes and reduces costs for consumer companies.

Internet of Packaging

Internet of packaging brings technological disruption to traditional packaging and allows consumers to better connect with brands. Smart packaging leverages technology such as QR codes, smart labels, RFID, and near field communication (NFC) chips. These cutting-edge solutions offer value-added benefits of security, authentication, and connectivity, making the product packaging a data carrier and digital tool. AR packaging provides companies an opportunity to better engage with customers by introducing them to a range of product content, discount codes, and video tutorials. Further, IoT devices allow brands to integrate diagnostic and indicator functionalities in their packaging, providing customers with real-time product conditions.

L.S.T Abadi Technology’s Anti-Counterfeit Solutions

Indonesian startup Langgeng SuksesTechnology offers QTRUST, an anti-counterfeit solution. The startup integrates QR codes and cloud computing to allow brand owners and customers to verify product authenticity. The startup installs unique security codes on each product that allows brand owners and retailers to track items throughout the supply chain. This is done through its web-based portal and applications. QTRUST enables brands to interact with customers, deliver the correct brand story, and run customer survey campaigns. The startup’s mobile app enables users to check the product information, location of shops, transaction history, and get reward points.

TrackLegit enables Product Tracking

Slovenian startup TrackLegit builds an IoT-based smart packaging solution for product tracking. It combines near-field communication (NFC) tags on product packaging, blockchain, and a cloud software platform to track products throughout the supply chain. This allows brands to identify counterfeiting activities, detect deviations, and verify product authenticity. Besides, the startup provides a mobile app for customers to verify this supply chain data, enabling a new communication channel for customer engagement in the food, pharma, and textile industries.

Put a Spring in your Step!

Why the Packaging Industry Must Innovate.

By Farouk Forster, Marketing Manager, Springfield Solutions

Innovation in the current climate is essential. Businesses are driven by consumer behavior and consumer demands constantly evolve. Goods are expected to be delivered quicker, to be cheaper and for the companies that produce them to be more sustainable. In the packaging world we’re seeing demands for packaging to be more convenient, and to offer an ‘experience’ – difficult to achieve when trying to deliver sustainable goods quickly and at a lower price. With these factors seeming to compete, we must continually innovate in order to survive as a business and innovate well to thrive.

This drive for innovation extends beyond our industry, with so many competitors throughout each market sector, and startups filling niche industry gaps. Where traditionally companies would look to cut down on costs in packaging, now it’s hard to stand out on the shelf, and companies are looking to invest in more premium packaging to grab the attention of consumers. In order to cut costs in packaging, companies are instead looking for a way to create a premium look cost-efficiently.

Searching new solutions

This means looking for a new solution. It’s hard to find the balance between premium, cost-efficient and eco-friendly. There’s a perception that the more premium packaging, especially with metallic embellishments, isn’t sustainable. Traditionally, packaging is a tricky element of the supply chain to navigate in terms of sustainability, but there are an increasing number of new technologies being developed to help deliver these benefits to customers.

All it takes is a drive to innovate, a little research and a small leap of faith. With many brands now committed to net zero targets, it’s up to us to find ways to help them meet these.

In our search for a new technology that would allow us to meet these challenges, we found ACTEGA’s ECOLEAF technology, and after some research started our partnership with ACTEGA as their first digital print partner for the ECOLEAF machines.

“ we’ll be able to offer embellishments with a premium look at a reduced cost by being more efficient with the materials we’re using ”

Farouk Forster

ECOLEAF will provide many tangible benefits to our customers, as we’ll be able to offer embellishments with a premium look at a reduced cost by being more efficient with the materials we’re using.

While taking on new technology is always a risk, it’s also an essential part of business, and without taking these small leaps of faith, businesses will stagnate, and customers will eventually migrate to a competitor offering a larger range of options and more cost-efficient production. Being the first to take the plunge means you build experience with the new technology faster, giving you a competitive edge and bringing along new customers. For us, taking ECOLEAF on has demonstrated how much customers appreciate innovation, as we’ve already had several big brands expressing a serious interest in the technology.

Game-changer

ECOLEAF could be a massive game changer in the industry, demonstrated by the level of interest we’ve had. It presents an opportunity for massive innovation within the industry and a great offering for eco-friendly embellishments.

With the demand for premium packaging on the rise, innovations like these are vital to companies like us looking to get ahead of the curve and develop their embellishment range to have more options, textures, and finishes for customers.

In order to be a world leader in the supply of innovative, sustainable digital packaging assets, we’re always pushing the boundaries of innovation, and leading the market with new technologies, whether it’s on our print floor or on the media side with connected and interactive packaging. As packaging providers, it’s important to remember that our role in the industry is all about providing a better service and offering to brands, allowing them to convey these benefits to consumers - and we can’t do this without taking a few, carefully calculated, chances.

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“ ECOLEAF could be a massive game changer in the industry ”

Wise-up to packaging Pitfalls!

Four Ways To Avoid Sustainable Packaging Pitfalls Before 2024

By Gillian Garside-Wight, consulting director of sustainable packaging consultancy Aura

Gillian Garside-Wight

Packaging transparency is business-critical

The arrival of EPR simply reinforces the growth of greater awareness when it comes to sustainability in consumers whose expectations have changed the face of the sector. They see its place as part of the overall product experience and will now demand a shift to true sustainable packaging. That means brands that don’t offer transparent solutions (or worse, make false claims/greenwash) might just be de-influenced and even face backlash. People vote with their wallets as well as taking brands down on Twitter.

It will all come out in the (green)wash

This year’s Packaging Innovations event was quite a show, featuring keynotes from everything from the circular economy and recycling infrastructure, to new packaging technologies. However, unsurprisingly, one of the most consistent topics of concern from the show floor was the EPR legislation that’s set to come into effect on the 1st April 2024, with reporting requirements from later this year.

There is absolutely no doubt that this will have a huge impact on retailers, brands and packaging manufactures alike. No-one wants to be behind the curve, so here are the four factors - in a nutshell – that our sector needs to heed in order to stay ahead of the curve once EPR goes live and beyond.

Repackage your business, not just your packaging

Out-of-date, retrospective data on sustainability wastes hundreds of hours of time for businesses and hiring a large EPR compliance team will always cost. That means brands will have to refocus around technology solutions that deliver better data at their fingertips. So thinking in terms of the bigger, circular economy picture, it’s averages and estimates that hold it back from becoming a reality, which means EPR submissions will have to be supplied using definitive, real-time data.

On a related note, as consumer attitudes shift, more of us are concerned about taking sustainability seriously. The current status of a lot of packaging alluding to sustainability targets or vagaries without delivering on them is over. That will be a challenge for many brands, because EPR is not the only legislation out there. Current rules are both regionalised and inconsistent - and debate continues to rage over recycling policies and infrastructure improvements. Some businesses may be greenwashing without even realising it.

Stop selling hot air

Finally, think about what isn’t being sent. Many brands may be haemorrhaging capital by having too much air in their packaging, making boxes bigger and shipments more expensive as well as affecting their sustainability credentials. It’s yet another example of just how many factors there are to consider when it comes to packaging, and why having the right real-time data to manage them is so vital.

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING NEWS

CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONFERENCE

The SPN Circular Economy conference is now available to watch on our website

Featuring a wide range of speakers providing valuable insight into ways that services and packaging techniques can be circular and more sustainable.

The speakers featured in the conference include...

Nerida Kelton MAIP World Packaging Organisation

Anna Altner Yangi and The Loop Factory

Shira Rosen The Israeli Packaging Institute

Chris Smith Comply Direct Ltd

Andrew McCaffery Ecoveritas Limited

Silvia D’Alesio aizoOn Technology Consulting

Winfried Muehling Pro Carton

Alena Maran Avery Dennison

Chris Fiander Westpak Group Ltd

Joachim Quoden EXPRA

Lars Hancke hubergroup

Increasing ‘PageWide’ web performance Digital Digest

The US’ leading digital press printers: BR Printers of California, continues to drive innovation forward with two new HP PageWide Web Presses T240 HD. This significant investment will help BR’s customers uplevel the quality of their print jobs, whilst increasing productivity and driving innovation forward across a variety of segments, including publishing and commercial print.

BR Printers told SPN: Our company is based in San Jose, CA, with facilities in San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Appleton, WI, Cincinnati, OH, and Independence, KY, BR Printers serves the industry’s most recognisable names. The company’s national footprint, combined with a solution-centric focus, allows it to leverage data and technology while maintaining appreciation and respect for traditional print craftsmanship.

Since its founding, BR Printers has evolved from a small digital printer serving the tech industry to a multifaced provider of print and marketing services at scale. What has driven the company’s growth and ever-evolving solution set is the desire to support customers in the constantly changing print industry.

To continue its mission to uplift its customers, BR Printers added the HP PageWide Web Press T230 HD to its facility in San Jose, California, in 2014, and since then has added three more HP PageWide Web Presses T240 HD, two for its facility in Independence, Kentucky and another for its facility in San Jose, California. Therefore, with this set of four total HP Web Presses, the company is able to double its capacity, better support the entire supply chain, and streamline the manufacturing process.

“ the company is able to double its capacity, better support the entire supply chain, and streamline the manufacturing process ”

Huge milestone

Since installing the HP PageWide Web Press T230 HD, BR Printers has printed over 3 billion pages on the PageWide Presses, a huge milestone, and has no plans of stopping there—the company is deeply focused on offering customers outstanding image quality for a diverse range of products including books, catalogues, magazines, commercial marketing collateral, and transactional print.

Additionally, with the two new HP PageWide Web Presses T240 HD, BR Printers has also been able to prioritize its sustainability goals and initiatives. What was essential for the company was the energy-efficient features of the presses, such as the automatic shut-off and power-saving modes as well as its use of water-based inks that decrease the emission of volatile organic compounds during production. Not only are these machines designed to meet worldwide regulatory requirements, but with these additions, the company can focus on reducing its environmental footprint.

New possibilities

When speaking on the latest additions, Adam DeMaestri, CEO and President of BR Printers stated: “The continued investment into HP PageWide Web Presses is creating new possibilities for our clients through high-volume and high-quality digital printing, resulting in greater ROI for their print projects. Our digital print portfolio has been significantly strengthened with the addition of these presses, demonstrating our dedication to making infrastructure investments in the latest technologies. Our diverse customer base will reap the benefits of these investments, as they enable BR to provide cutting-edge digital solutions to meet our client’s growing needs.”

David Gall, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, BR Printers said: “Our goal was to create a unified, connected solution that complements offset facilities, expedites production, and delivers high quality prints.” He continued, “Since purchasing our new HP digital presses, we’ve been able to exceed these priorities.”

Additionally, Greg Fredwest, Plant Manager, BR Printers noted: “With these digital print additions, we’ve had the opportunity to be more nimble, more innovative, and more resilient in this fast-paced, competitive environment.”

BR Printers showcases how investing in digital print technology improves efficiencies, streamlines processes, and is invaluable to marketing and publishing businesses today, all whilst ensuring sustainability remains a top priority.

To learn more about BR Printers, visit: https://www.brprinters.com/

images courtesy of BR Printers, California USA

“ Our goal was to create a unified, connected solution ”

Retail Round-up Supermarkets lead with ‘shop-and-drop’

“Supermarkets are leading the way by providing customers with shop-and-drop facilities to recycle their flexible packaging”. SPN is pleased to publish this helpful Supermarket review from KM Packaging Services for the benefit of our readers!

KM’s regular knowledge articles and industry Wrap-ups this year have reported how the major supermarkets have installed points in their stores to collect the hard-to-cycle material.

Flexible – or soft – packaging includes crisp packets, food pouches, film lids, salad bags, and biscuit and cake wrappers, all of which are currently only accepted for kerbside collection by a small number of local authorities.

Earlier this year, WRAP released a guide to help retailers simplify recycling for their customers. The key takeaways for retailers were:

1. Collect “all flexible plastic packaging” at front-of-store locations.

2. Always refer to the material as “plastic bags and wrapping”.

3. Recycling containers should be easy to find and access.

The guide supported the ambition of The UK Plastics Pact for supermarkets to provide widespread collection points for plastic bags and collect 10% of material placed onto the market by the end of 2022.

The Co-op followed suit by providing their customers with this three-point guidance:

1. Clean it – First, rinse your packaging out.

2. Scrunch it – Now, scrunch it up tight - if it pings back, it’s a useful indicator it’s soft plastic.

3. Co-op it – Pop it into our soft plastics recycling bin at a Co-op near you.

Similar activity has been conducted in other countries. In Australia, REDcycle (of which we are a partner) is a recovery initiative for post-consumer soft plastic with collection points in Coles and Woolworths supermarket stores.

Supermarket Summary

Here’s a summary of the major UK supermarkets’ activity regarding the collection of flexible packaging:

• Aldi In May, Aldi added collection points to 20 stores with a view to developing a broader roll-out.

• Asda Food packaging and plastic bags can be recycled at some Asda stores by using specified bins.

• Co-op In July, recycling units for soft plastics were launched in 1500 Co-op stores, with the aim to offer the service at another 800 stores by the end of this year. Thin plastic lids of all types are included in the list of what you can recycle in-store.

• Iceland In July, Iceland launched recycling points for soft plastics in 13 branches of The Food Warehouse. It planned to roll them out across about 140 stores in the year ahead.

• Lidl In September, Lidl launched a trial plastics bag and wrapping recycling scheme across stores in the West Midlands with a plan to expand the project nationwide.

• Tesco In August, Tesco completed installing collection facilities for flexible packaging recycling in all its major stores. Shoppers can bring back any soft plastic packaging for recycling and Tesco will recycle as much of this material as possible back into products and packaging sold in Tesco stores.

• Morrisons In September, Morrisons announced plans to launch six “zero waste” stores, including collecting “hardto-recycle” soft plastics. Morrisons has recently bought a significant stake in a new recycling facility in Scotland to process hard-to-recycle soft plastics. As a result, it has become the first UK supermarket to own its own recycling operations.

• Sainsbury’s In June, 520 Sainsbury’s stores offered frontof-store recycling points for all flexible plastics, including peelable film lids.

• Waitrose A flexible plastics recycling trial began in 37 Waitrose stores in May. Also, not to be outdone, dedicated recycling points for flexible pet food packaging were introduced by Pets at Home in August, which was claimed to be an industry first.

SPN: The guidelines published here from WRAP and the CO-OP are well worth noting for future reference!

Tesco completed installing collection facilities for flexible packaging recycling in all its major stores

The Bioplastics Revolution: Paving the Way for Sustainable Materials

By Dominy Jones

In recent years, the global focus on environmental sustainability has led to a surge in innovation within the materials industry. One groundbreaking development gaining significant attention is the bioplastics revolution.

Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources, present a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, offering numerous environmental advantages. This article explores the growing prominence of bioplastics and their potential to revolutionize the way we produce and consume materials.

A Sustainable Solution

Bioplastics are composed of organic materials, such as starch, cellulose, or polylactic acid (PLA), derived from plants like corn, sugarcane, or even algae. Unlike their conventional counterparts, these materials are biodegradable and have a significantly reduced carbon footprint. By utilizing renewable resources, bioplastics mitigate reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to mitigating climate change. A great example of this is Notpla’s takeaway food boxes that are lined with a unique solution, Notpla Coating, the London-based firm’s most industrially advanced product.

This coating is made from seaweed - one of nature’s most sustainable resources- and plant extracts. Globally abundant and fast-growing, seaweed doesn’t require fresh water or fertiliser and does not compete for arable land, unlike many land-based natural crops. Seaweed also reduces ocean acidification and effectively absorbs carbon, making it one of our greatest weapons against climate change in the foodservice industry.

Reducing Plastic Pollution

One of the most pressing environmental issues today is plastic pollution. Conventional plastics take centuries to decompose, leading to an accumulation of waste in landfills and oceans. Bioplastics offer a potential solution to this problem. They can be designed to degrade naturally over time, reducing the long-term impact on ecosystems. Additionally, some bioplastics are even compostable, meaning they break down into organic matter that can enrich the soil.

For example Coffee capsules made of Solinatra are 100% natural, plant-based, biodegradable, compostable and contain zero fossil-derived ingredients nor leave behind any microplastics. The innovative capsules have high oxygen barrier and water vapour barrier properties, meaning the coffee stays fresh for a perfect brewing experience every time. Solinatra CEO, Robert de Jong: “We’ve developed our natural and plant-based materials to be the solution to fossil based, polluting plastics. The certification is confirmation that Solinatra is the truly sustainable choice.”

Applications and Advancements

The bioplastics revolution has sparked numerous advancements in materials engineering and manufacturing processes. Bioplastics can be used to produce a wide range of products, including packaging materials, disposable cutlery, textiles, and even medical implants. Researchers are continuously exploring new applications and refining bioplastic formulations to enhance their properties and durability, making them suitable for a broader array of uses.

Economic Benefits

Beyond environmental advantages, the bioplastics industry presents significant economic opportunities. As the demand for sustainable alternatives grows, so does the market for bioplastics. This creates a new avenue for job creation and economic growth. Countries and companies that invest in bioplastics research and manufacturing can position themselves as leaders in the global transition towards a more sustainable future. TotalEnergies Corbion Luminy® PLA bioplastics are derived from sugarcane, an annually renewable resource, and are among the few types of bioplastics that are both biobased and biodegradable.

As outlined in the “Planting the Future with PLA,” whitepaper, creating a kilogram of PLA requires 1.75m² of sugarcane farmland which captures 1.8kg of CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows. TotalEnergies Corbion’s entire production capacity requires just 0.08% of arable land in Thailand, where the company produces PLA locally. Simply put, the efficiency of land use combined with the benefits of carbon capture make PLA bioplastics a great option for reducing our global reliance on fossil-based plastics.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the bioplastics revolution is gaining momentum, challenges remain. Scaling up production to meet the demands of a growing market can be a complex task. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the availability of land and water resources for growing the necessary crops. Research and development efforts are underway to address these challenges and improve the overall efficiency and sustainability of bioplastic production.

Looking ahead, the bioplastics revolution holds tremendous potential. As technology advances and economies of scale are realized, bioplastics are expected to become more costcompetitive with traditional plastics. With continued innovation and investment, we can envision a future where bioplastics become the norm, replacing fossil fuel-based plastics and significantly reducing our environmental footprint.

Conclusion

The bioplastics revolution represents a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable materials. By harnessing the power of nature, these innovative materials offer a promising solution to plastic pollution and the associated environmental challenges. As we embrace bioplastics and support further research and development, we move closer to a world where materials are not only functional but also kinder to our planet. The future is bright for the bioplastics industry, and its revolution is set to shape a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.

“ By harnessing the power of nature, these innovative materials offer a promising solution ”

Biesterfeld

“ Biesterfeld makes its technical expertise available to its customers, supporting them on the path to sustainable product development ”

Sustainability along the entire value chain

Plastics are essential to progress: There is no shortage of breakthrough innovations to back up this statement. However the same cannot yet be said in the public perception, that plastics are essential to sustainability. But there are as many examples of this as there are materials themselves. As a distributor, Biesterfeld forms the link between plastics producers and the processing industry. In close collaboration with its partners, the company analyses and advises its customers on more sustainable solutions in the plastics industry.

When people talk about sustainability in connection with plastics, they think almost exclusively of recycling. This is of course partly justified: recycling is a key component in the ongoing transformation towards a more sustainable industry, which is striving to build a circular economy.

However, sustainability involves more than just recycling. The concept includes a wide range of approaches encompassing the entire value chain, starting with the production of materials. In many cases plastics producers and processors are already using renewable energy such as solar, wind or hydro.

Another aspect that is often discussed in the public sphere is the feedstock used for production. The list of substances used to make renewable carbon, biomass and recycled materials is growing constantly. As already mentioned, the ability to return the maximum number of materials to the production cycle is another important aspect.

Distributors are sparring partners – especially when it comes to sustainability

Distributors such as Biesterfeld are aware of the variety of different solutions to achieve greater sustainability. Given their position as an interface between producers, decision-makers and the processing industry, they are involved in the entire value chain. They have diverse materials in their portfolio for a wide range of applications, making them the ideal partner for increasingly efficient and sustainable product development.

Developing new applications is complex and associated with many requirements. When it comes to sustainability, new challenges come into play, including EU directives, plastic taxes, environmental certificates, environmental product declarations, the amount of organic or recycled content, recyclability and biodegradability, life cycle analysis and other considerations. Biesterfeld helps its customers to tackle the factors and process steps that are relevant to them and their application.

Which factors can be influenced?

The company strives to use its application expertise to recommend to its customers solutions that are sustainable with respect to the choice of raw materials, product design, processing and suitability for the circular economy. Given the range of options available, implementing them is often easier than may at first be assumed.

In the area of climate and energy, for example, every application within a life cycle can be associated with a defined quantity of carbon equivalents. This value reflects the energy consumed per kilogram of material in the value chain. This impact can be minimised not only through the construction of more efficient plants but also using renewable energy.

Another factor that needs to be evaluated is circularity, which describes the physical mass contained within a circular economy. Depending on the requirements of the application, it may be desirable to use recycled or bio materials. It is also essential to ensure that the application can be returned to the cycle as a useful material in line with the design for recycling principle.

Taking the sustainable transformation forward together

Through assessments and analyses, Biesterfeld as a distributor makes its technical expertise available to its customers, supporting them on the path to sustainable product development. As part of its services, the company provides support for the development of new applications and the optimisation of existing ones through its Technical Service Vision. As part of this process the distributor works with customers to evaluate costs and benefits and provides independent recommendations.

For more information visit: www.biesterfeld.com

Sustainability in FMCG

Own-Labels gaining ground

Sustainable packaging and the cost of living

There have undoubtedly been some welcome and eyecatching initiatives on plastics reduction from retailers and FMCG manufacturers in the last couple of years. For instance, Morrisons’ decision to ditch ‘bags for life’, a move it claims saves 3,200 tonnes of plastic per year. Yet it is hard to escape the feeling that overall progress has been lacklustre. That is certainly the view of MPs who, in November 2022, criticised supermarkets and their suppliers for being “too slow” in a report on ending the toll of plastic waste. There is an unpackaged elephant in the room: the cost of living crisis. Rising prices and affordability concerns have seen sustainable packaging slip down the agenda.

Market research firm Kantar recently found that the cost of living crisis has dented eco-shopping habits, noting a decline in the number of ‘Eco Active’ shoppers for the first time in the four-year history of its report.

It comes as no surprise that many consumers have sought to save money by switching from branded products to supermarket own label. Asda found that within a few weeks of launching Just Essentials in summer 2022, 33% of its shoppers had products from the own label line in their baskets.

Environmental protection

Sustainability remains important to shoppers, and brand and product marketing is still awash with eco-claims. These had better be whiter than white – or perhaps greener than green would be more apt, as intolerance of greenwashing continues to grow. Trade magazine The Grocer reported on 10 February 2023 that the greenwashing crackdown is on, “with everyone from watchdogs to financial investors placing the claims of food companies in their crosshairs.” The Competition and Markets Authority, for instance, will be scrutinising everyday product labels for misleading green claims.

Meanwhile, one strand of the UK’s Environment Act seeks to protect rainforests and clean up supply chains by banning companies operating in the UK from using products grown on illegally deforested land. There is a feeling in some quarters, however, that these aspirations do not go far enough.

The European Commission is considering proposals under which companies selling products derived from poultry, cattle, palm oil, soy, maize, cocoa and other foodstuffs must verify they were not produced on deforested or degraded land. A higher bar than “illegal” deforestation.

Odgers Interim recently published a report on how the drive for sustainability in the FMCG market is being compromised by recent events, including the rising cost of living.

Plant based alternatives

While many people have been forced into making changes to their shopping habits by the cost of living crisis, there is also evidence that consumers are being more proactive in adopting a more sustainable lifestyle. Deloitte research finds that consumers have significantly increased their focus on buying just what they need, which of course also ties in with financially-driven belt-tightening, and on reducing meat consumption.

Decline in meat eating at least in part reflects the ongoing rise of veganism, vegetarianism and ‘flexitarianism’. Globally, the vegan food market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.6% from 2022 to 2030.

Food giant Unilever, which owns the Vegetarian Butcher brand and has been adding vegan options to the product range of some its most prominent brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Hellmann’s, is committed to an annual $1 billion sales target from plant-based meat and dairy alternatives within five to seven years. Mars, meanwhile, launched vegan versions of its Topic and Bounty bars in time for this year’s Veganuary, while Cathedral City launched its first plant-based cheese in September 2022. These launches are just the tip of the iceberg given that NPD of plant-based products is thriving in response to rising demand for meat-free options.

- Extracts: Philip Yorke c/o Daniel Wood Odger Interim Consultant Consumer & Retail practice (June 2023)

“ Globally, the vegan food market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 10.6% from 2022 to 2030 ”

Image Courtesy Unilever

adapa

Increasing shrink bag performance

Packaging specialist adapa has made a major new investment in its production capacity for shrink bags for the UK market. The adapa Group, is one of Europe’s leading companies in the flexible packaging solutions segment. This significant investment will provide two new lines for high-performance shrink bags at its UK St Helens plant. The company now offers its UK customers an exceptional level of shrink bag capacity. This strategic move further strengthens adapa’s supply chain agility, thus enabling improved service to existing and new shrink bags customers.

Shrink materials are an important part of adapa’s strategic product portfolio. The specialist for flexible packaging supplies all types, shapes and film thicknesses for perfect shrink solutions and has been doing so for over 40 years. With this recent investment, UK customers will benefit from improved service backed by the group’s comprehensive shrink expertise.

The two new lines in St Helens can process shrink bags in widths of between 200mm and 1050mm and lengths between 100mm and 2000mm. Shrink bags are available in a variety of configurations including straight or round bottom seals, loose or as perforated on reel (POR) formats. Inline printing of single colour stamps and logos is available for the entire range.

The shrink bag - better all-round

Modern shrink materials are extremely thin and consist of several different layers that give the respective packaging its special properties. Shrink packaging is enormously efficient and offers the packaged goods best protection and quality preservation throughout their entire life cycle. Shrink bags are used as ripening packaging for certain products, such as cheese or meat. With their barrier properties optimally adapted to the respective packaged goods, they ensure first-class product quality. In terms of look and feel, shrink packaging is an “honest package”: it presents its contents in a way that is clearly visible and tangible from all sides.

Increased robotic automation

The process sequences in shrink bag packaging are largely automated today. The bags are opened in the machines, filled with the product, vacuumed, sealed and finally shrunk. Robot technology is increasingly used to fill the pouches. This high degree of automation has massively increased the cycle rate (packs/minute) and has led to a doubling of the packing speed in recent years. The high speed, combined with shorter cycle times, leaves less time for sealing, so the sealing media have been adapted to ever smaller processing windows.

In addition, shrink bags for these highly automated packaging processes require appropriate mechanical strength as well as particularly reliable sealing seams, as these are exposed to high loads in the filling process. Overall, the degree of automation and thus the packaging speed depend strongly on the product being filled.

Sustainable with material savings

In the spirit of resource conservation and climate protection, adapa strives with its entire portfolio of flexible packaging solutions to combine the best packaging performance and material usage. In the shrink bag segment, this has been achieved through many years of development work, which has resulted in ever thinner films, and has made this packaging variant an extremely sustainable solution. Shrink bags combine reliable product protection - which thus simultaneously counteracts food waste - with minimal material use. For example, a shrink bag with a weight of only about 12 grams is needed for the ripening packaging of a cheese wheel weighing about 3.5 kilograms - on balance, an excellent ratio between the weight of the packaged product and that of the packaging material.

For more information: www.adapa-group.com

Looking back on approximately 40 years of experience, the specialist for flexible packaging supplies all types, shapes and film thicknesses for perfect shrink solutions.

Setting new benchmarks for transparency

Showing greenwashing the red card with its proposed Green Claims Directive - the EU Commission is planning to create transparency around environmental marketing claims and thereby help consumers to make well-informed buying decisions.

In the future, all environmental claims will need independent third-party verification and will also require to be substantiated with scientific evidence. This new criteria has already been met in full during the past five years by the “Made for Recycling” seal from Interseroh+. The first-class packaging analysis provided by the Recycling Alliance from Interzero, Europe’s leading circular solutions provider, is setting the benchmark internationally. “Our uncompromising focus on quality and reliability has long been a hallmark of our analysis work,” says Julian Thielen, Head of “Made for Recycling” at Interseroh+. “Manufacturers and consumers alike can be sure that ‘Made for Recycling’ on the outside means genuine recyclability inside.”

“Made for Recycling” the packaging analysis

The Bifa and Fraunhofer ‘Made for Recycling’ audit resulted in a 0% error rate. This new standard for recyclability was developed jointly by Interseroh+ and the Bifa Environmental Institute based on a scientific assessment method and has been independently validated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging. An annual quality control procedure carried out by Bifa and Fraunhofer IVV is part of this method and ensures accurate evaluation according to the method used. The latest results show an error rate of zero. “Every single one of our assessments of recyclability has been independently verified,” explains Professor Rommel, Director of the Bifa environmental institute. “This result also shows how Interseroh+ continues to go from strength to strength as a company, allowing it to tackle the often-multifaceted issues that arise as a result of a complex packaging design.”

While recyclability assessments may be challenging, the process for customers of Interseroh+ could not be simpler. Companies do not need to track down specs or fill out lengthy questionnaires: instead, they simply send off five samples of the packaging in question and the recycling experts handle the rest.

Paper packaging, for example, is analysed according to the recent European Cepi method or the PTS method (PTS-RH 021/97), while packaging made from plastics is examined by Interzero’s accredited Centre of Competence for Plastics Recycling in Maribor.

Assessments not only consider the packaging materials and the design but also account for its collection and the local sorting and recycling infrastructure, which can vary widely from one country to another. Manufacturers receive valuable insights into optimising their packaging for sustainability and once achieved, can then include the “Made for Recycling” quality seal on their packaging. A clear sign of sustainability – and a strong selling point.

“ Made for Recycling on the outside means genuine recyclability inside ”

Julian Thielen

FMCG – The Top Trends

Businesses in the FMCG sector are recognising the growing business opportunities arising from embedding sustainability into their practices. Here are some of the top FMCG sustainability trends.

Businesses in the FMCG sector are recognising the growing business opportunities arising from embedding sustainability into their practices. This has increased since the pandemic, with studies showing that one in five consumers say they have acquired more sustainable habits since it began. In fact, now $1 in every $5 spent on FMCG comes from an environmentally conscious consumer, according to McKinsey & Company.

With this in mind, companies in the sector are ramping up their sustainability efforts to keep up with consumer demands and reap the business benefits that come with it. Here are some of the top impact areas on which FMCG companies are focusing their efforts.

Sustainable packaging

Opting for sustainable packaging is one of the most impactful ways companies in the sector can reduce their emissions. Out of the 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic that has been disposed since we started mass-producing, 4.9 billion tonnes has been sent to landfill or left in nature.

Studies show that by 2050 there could be more plastics than fish in our oceans, with the main culprit being single-use plastic packaging. As global climate action accelerates and consumers become more conscious of where they invest their money, companies in the FMCG sector are rapidly adopting innovative approaches to packaging.

Regulation is also having an impact on the industry. The UK Government introduced the Plastic Packaging Tax in April which offers greater financial incentives for businesses to move towards recycled plastics. This will in turn create greater demand for the material and encourage increased levels of recycling and collection of plastic waste, diverting it away from landfill or incineration.

When looking at packaging, it’s important FMCG companies use as little material and excess air as possible. Using recycled materials should be prioritised as well as plasticfree alternatives such as paper-based packaging. According to circular economy principles, all plastics should be recycled into new plastics in the first instance. Once companies have selected the correct sustainable packaging for their product and have understood how best it should be disposed of, then the rest of the packaging – including labels, lids and tapes – should be selected or designed to suit this end-of-life method. In addition to this, it’s crucial that brands encourage consumers to dispose of their packaging in the correct way which can be done through clear labelling on the packaging itself.

Supply-chain focus

To meet our global net zero ambition, companies across the sector must focus on the impact of their supply chain. This means identifying critical sustainability issues across the entire supply chain and working to address them while helping suppliers manage their own environmental and social impact.

True sustainability within a company’s supply chain is not only a focus on its environmental impact, but a holistic approach that considers environmental, social, and economic issues. For example, a company should be asking things like – were the agricultural products grown in a sustainable way, using water appropriately, and on land appropriate for the crop? Are workers being paid fairly and treated ethically?

The biggest challenge for companies is ensuring visibility when it comes to monitoring sustainable practices in supply chains, with studies showing that when it comes to responsible sourcing of necessary raw materials, just over half of FMCG companies have significant or complete visibility into their own processes, and only about one-fifth have the same visibility into their suppliers’ processes.

- Excerpts from a new report by: Charlotte Cameron / Mark Planet

“ it’s crucial that brands encourage consumers to dispose of their packaging in the correct way ”

“ The biggest challenge for companies is ensuring visibility when it comes to monitoring sustainable practices ”

Ariel Cardboard Packaging

Image courtesy P&G

Reel-to-reel savings

SPG offers big savings with its latest SOL CO2 range by significantly decreasing thicknesses in its ‘SOL CO2 Reduction Range’. This is achieved whilst fully retaining the product’s integral mechanical properties. As a result, SPG have been able to push up the number of metres per-reel by 30%!’ (calculation based on an average structure)

SP Group told SPN: “SPG is committed to sustainability that fosters efficient innovation in the manufacture and printing of flexible, rigid and thermoformable vacuum packaging. For years, we have worked hard to develop the very best applications for our clients. Our main objective is to provide truly sustainable solutions that retain the properties of traditional structures and foster the change in favour of sustainability.

The key advantages of SPG SOL CO2 range

With this change in thickness, the new SOL range means that we are able to:

• Improve packaging productivity. Since the reels are thinner, they are longer and you no longer need to stop so frequently for reel changeovers. This translates into improved productivity in packaging.

• Lower Green Dot fees. Thinner packaging means less plastic in the packaging and for sure, less plastic in the environment.

• A lower carbon footprint because there are fewer microns per reel.

• Increased storage space. Since the reels are 30% larger, you need fewer reels for the same number of metres.

Plus, if you sell your products in Spain, with the new SOL range, you can make the most of lower taxes on plastic.

The importance of design

Design must play a part in sustainability. Packaging is a singular and customisable advertising channel and a key point of differentiation on supermarket shelves. At SP Group, we are very clear about what we want to achieve: digital and offset printing that delivers top-quality results and a more environmentally-friendly process.

We can also add format customisation and zip-seals which means contents can be saved for later. In this industry, the clear focus is on eco-design, innovation and customisation. At SPG, we offer all of this in our range of sustainable solutions. With us, sustainability is not just a challenge, it is a firm commitment to the future”.

For more information visit: https://www.spg-pack.com/en/

“ the clear focus is on eco-design, innovation and customisation. At SPG, we offer all of this in our range of sustainable solutions ”

SolveTech

Film that’s twice as green

Go Greener Environmentally and Greener Financially - with SolveTech!

To downgauge a film means to make the film thinner, and buyers and sellers like it because they can go green in two ways: Environmentally, less material is used in the process, and this can help a lot of companies meet their goals to reduce the amount of packaging material they use. From the other side of the equation, downgauging 5% leads to a 5% reduction in material cost. This can be millions of dollars in polymer savings for a large producer.

Maintaining a films’ integral properties

There are several options for downgauging film including going to a multilayer film structure, changing polymer types and making films more uniform. SolveTech specialises in helping producers exercise the third option, making a more uniform film. Using SolveTech’s proprietary capacitance-based technology, producers are able to measure uniformity with higher accuracy and repeatability when compared to anything else on the market. Since the variability will typically need to be improved, it is important to measure it and monitor it properly.

Solve-Tech offers both on-line and off-line systems for measuring the thickness of plastic film. When downgauging, the film becomes thinner which makes them more difficult to measure. The producer will also have less room for process variation, so it is critical that they are measuring the variability patterns in their materials accurately and that the material is profiled in every area. One of SolveTech’s specialties is measuring thin film, and this has been a great asset to producers looking to downgauge.

PR2 Precision Profiler

Fully compliant with ASTM D8136* and D6988, and commonly used in the plastic film QC lab for making sure material meets thickness and variability specifications. Built tough enough for the production floor, this thickness Profiler is a work horse that delivers the highest level of accuracy and repeatability on the market. Simply cut a sample, and the PR2000 will deliver a highly detailed thickness profile of your plastic film extrusion. Helps you determine thickness variability, detect die lines, and the average thickness of your product while utilizing a NIST traceable calibration.

* ASTM D8136 is the Standard Test Method for Determining Plastic Film

Thickness and Thickness Variability Using a Non-Contact Capacitance Thickness Gauge. It offers a standardised way to define plastic film thickness variability.

Emphasising the three R’s

Today companies are exploring replacement methods that don’t rely on non-renewable resources as packing materials, such as biodegradable or plant-based materials that use fewer resources and can easily be disposed of or recycled in an environmentally friendly way. As these solutions become available, costs associated with production will come down and companies will eventually offset environmental impacts by implementing alternative strategies stressing reuse, reduce, and recycle.

Recyclability - The Way Forward

Recyclable, Sustainable packaging materials offer equal, if not improved levels of protection and convenience than conventional options while reducing the environmental impacts associated with their production and disposal. In addition to biodegradable or compostable solutions, there are other green alternatives available such as recycling, reuse and flexible packaging that can all contribute to achieving a more sustainable future for our planet.

Some examples of recyclable, sustainable packaging materials include bamboo, sugarcane paper and biopolymers made from renewable plant resources. Each of these sustainable options offers various benefits, such as reduced energy consumption in manufacturing, higher recyclability rates and lower emissions of pollutants into the environment. It is clear that sustainable packaging materials are the way forward to meet our need for sustainable product packaging solutions.

The PPMA told SPN that as consumer demand for sustainability continues to grow, innovative future solutions are being developed to make recyclable, packaging more attractive and cost efficient. With climate change affecting the future of many industries, the future for sustainable packaging is now undoubtedly a priority.

Recyclable Packaging - The Circular Economy

At the heart of the sustainability debate is the circular economy. In its purest form, in packaging terms, it means returning packaging for it to be reused for its original purpose. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Loop shopping was unveiled. With the participation of major players such as Nestlé, Unilever and Proctor and Gamble, the Loop initiative utilises sturdy, refillable packaging that can be used many times over. The approach is making headway in cosmetics, personal care, food and retail. The idea of reusing packaging not so new – think back to milkmen picking up empty bottles to be cleaned and reused. But its time has certainly come again.

Major supermarkets are also trialling refillables and plasticfree aisles, and zero-waste stores like The Clean Kilo in the UK and Precycle in New York have come into being. Individual consumers are making lifestyle choices about how they shop without endangering the future of the planet. As one Precycle customer puts it, “Just having very little trash feels really good.”

Coding Innovations for Recyclable Plastic

We are committed to supporting our customers on their journey to using more sustainable packaging alternatives.

Discover the U510 UV laser: the compact all-in-one laser coder excels on modern plastics such as recyclable flexible mono-material polymers including thin films.

Your partner in coding & marking

“ consumers are making lifestyle choices about how they shop without endangering the future of the planet ”

The Good Cup Company

Cup-Winners Cup

Recently SPN became aware of a new start-up company that has begun to take the industry by storm. The Good Cup Company subseqently answered our written-questions about their passion for sustainability and the success of their global product launch. We asked co-founder Cyril Drouet some revealing questions - the answers are here!

How ‘sustainability-aware’ would you say your company is and what recent measures have you taken to improve your overall contribution to the circular economy?

“Sustainability-Aware” is our lodestar for The Good Cup. Our environmentally-friendly product is the result of years of research and development to create an innovative and sustainable answer to the unconscionable waste of the singleuse plastic cup industry. As more companies and distributors adopt The Good Cup in the months and years to come, the world can tackle plastic pollution with affordable and plastic-free solutions that also enhance the consumer experience.

“ Our aim is for The Good Cup to eliminate single-use plastic lids forever ”

In relation to sustainability, what would you say have been your most important milestones?

Since launching across several international territories in August 2022, estimated sales are 100 million cups over the next 2 years. That output would eliminate the waste of 350,000 KG of plastic lids and 100,000 KG paper cup plastic coating. And that’s just to start. Our aim is for The Good Cup to eliminate single-use plastic lids forever.

In your opinion what have been the most significant developments in terms of recycling and bio-degradable packaging?

The biggest overall development is that people are finally paying attention to sustainability in a significant way, opening their minds to new and more eco-friendly ways to package and recycle. In terms of the single-use cup industry, previous attempts at creating integrated lids have not been consumer-friendly, and in many cases were unsafe due to the potential of the cups opening up and spilling extremely hot beverages on customers. The Good Cup provides a new, elegant way to enjoy hot and cold beverages in an environmentally-friendly way. The cups are ergonomically designed to fit the contours of the user’s mouth, ensuring a pleasant and satisfying drinking experience.

What do you consider to be the most promising market opportunities for your company at this time?

The market opportunities are robust across the food service industry. The potential uses not only include drinks for coffee shops, restaurants, and distributors – but also for everything that is normally packaged in a cup and sealed with a plastic lid. The more people’s hands we can get The Good Cup into, the more eyes will open to the vast array or market possibilities.

What are the key drivers for change in your industry sector and how much is the on-going pressure for greater sustainability and recycling affecting your productivity?

The shift towards greater sustainability at large is certainly encouraging for us, but companies are in the business of bringing in profits. So one of the key reasons why The Good Cup stands alone among other plastic-free single-use cup ventures is that The Good Cup is financially viable in addition to being environmentally viable. The Good Cup is a premium product at a standard price. The cups are cheaper than the combined cost of a paper cup and plastic lid. And because no separate plastic lids are required, switching to The Good Cup translates into a 40% reduction on storage space, transportation volume and carbon footprint.

As we are keen to understand more about the latest trends shaping the packaging industry in your sector, what do you consider to be the most significant recent developments?

Globally, more and more governments and municipalities are forcing the issue when it comes to single-use plastics. The UK, parts of Canada and the United States are just a few of the examples of single-use plastic bans going into effect in recent months and years. And those types of bans are trending up. The world is waking up to the dangerous and irresponsible plastic waste we’ve been contributing to for decades and is now taking action.

Can you describe your product portfolio and its sustainability credentials?

The Good Cup is made from bio-based 100% certified home compostable paper, it is anticipated to be the most impactful sustainable paper cup to date, with the potential use not just for drinks, but for everything that is normally packaged in a cup and sealed with a plastic lid.

Here’s how The Good Cup’s design stands alone:

• Fully recyclable, repulpable and compostable

• Paper with bio-based coating

• Secure, locking integrated lid prevents spills

• Curved shape perfectly aligns with mouth contour

We currently have The Good Cup in 8 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz and 20 oz.

Are you planning the launch of any new products in the foreseeable future that you can tell us about?

As the demand is growing from North America, we are currently developing a 24 oz size.

How has the Covid 19 pandemic affected your production and manufacturing capabilities?

Covid 19 pandemic didn’t affect us much as we were still in the final phase of the design tweaks and development for production. Our only challenge was that most shops were closed and couldn’t operate business as-usual, so it was difficult to present a new sustainable and cost-saving cup design when they were under financial pressure of not operating properly.

Today, these same shop branches / distributors see The Good Cup with fresh eyes as the pandemic crisis is over… The future is bright again for them and they see their future business with The Good Cup.”

“ it is anticipated to be the most impactful sustainable paper cup to date ”

a

Future for Your Brand

PACK EXPO’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the actions taken by PMMI and our partners, vendors and exhibitors all working together to create a more sustainable world. Learn more at packexpolasvegas.com.

Closing the net-zero gap Berry Global

We recently asked Berry Global some searching questions concerning their ongoing commitment to the circular economy and net zero. As you will see, their response was well worth reading!

How ‘sustainability-aware’ would you say your company is and what recent measures have you taken to improve your overall contribution to the circular economy?

As an industry leader, we are heavily invested in advancing a circular, net-zero economy, with access to over 600 million lbs. of circular resins per year by 2025 across mechanical and advanced recycled plastics. We recently disclosed our progress in our 2022 ESG report.

In relation to sustainability, what would you say have been your most important milestones?

Since 2019, we’ve reduced our Scope 1+2 GHG emissions by an impressive 21%, exceeding the pace necessary to achieve our science-based target of a 25% reduction by 2025. In 2022, we also increased our purchases of post-consumer recycled plastic by 28% compared to 2021.

In your opinion what have been the most significant developments in terms of recycling and bio-degradable packaging?

Advanced recycling is an emerging technology that gives value to plastics that currently go unrecycled. Unlike other recycling technologies, this promising technology offers the ability to use the resulting material in any application, including food-grade packaging.

What do you consider to be the most promising market opportunities for your company at this time?

We’ve made significant investments in our proprietary Cleanstream® PCR material from our new Leamington Spa, UK facility to support our customers. Cleanstream® recycled PP has received an FDA letter of no objection for use in food contact applications.

What are the key drivers for change in your industry sector and how much is the on-going pressure for greater sustainability and recycling affecting your productivity?

We know the future is circular and net-zero. While we manage the short-term in a strategic, balanced manner, we prioritize long-term investments and innovations for circularity –offering an attractive portfolio for our customers and driving growth, jobs, and stability.

As we are keen to understand more about the latest trends shaping the packaging industry in your sector, what do you consider to be the most significant recent developments?

Many of our customers have set ambitious goals to use 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2025. These brands turn to us to help deliver on their priority business needs while ensuring sustainability improvements are economically viable.

Can you describe your product portfolio and its sustainability credentials?

From renewable films and compostable wipes to 100%-recycled plastic bottles, our B Circular Range allows us to achieve More Together with our customers, offering widely recyclable packaging, reuse and refill options, and recycled, renewable, and lightweight products.

Are you planning the launch of any new products in the foreseeable future that you can tell us about?

Our newly launched multidose antimicrobial dropper, Activated Rispharm™, was awarded for its ability to help prevent eye microbial infections while achieving full recyclability - reducing plastic waste for one month of treatment by 16 times more than monodose solutions.

How has the Covid 19 pandemic affected your production and manufacturing capabilities?

During the pandemic, we maintained operational strength with a diverse and robust global portfolio, local delivery model, and global raw material supply to meet future trends leveraging plastic’s light weight, protective, low-carbon benefits.

SPN: Berry Global are at the forefront of the movement towards the circular economy and net zero – we think that this is clearly demonstrated here with their response to our broad-based and searching questions!

For more information on Berry Global and their innovative solutions visit: www.berryglobal.com/en/

Film Blockbuster INEOS

INEOS announces a world first, by producing ultra-thin, rigid film used for recyclable flexible packaging products made from more than 50% recycled plastic. This has been chieved by processing INEOS Recycl-IN hybrid resins, which compound recycled plastic waste with highly engineered new resins, using state of the art machine-direction orientation (MDO) technology to make polyethylene film used to manufacture recyclable single polymer flexible packaging products.

This further demonstrates that Recycl-IN can be applied to demanding film extrusion applications such as MDO polyethylene – and opens the door to exploring the application of Recycl-IN and MDO technology to other flexible packaging products, thus enabling INEOS to make a unique contribution to the development of a circular economy for products that play a valuable role in daily life.

INEOS’ polymer know-how and Hosakawa Alpine’s state of the art Machine-Direction Orientation (MDO) technology, have come together to process Recycl-IN resins containing more than 50% recycled plastic to make polyethylene film. This new film will be used to manufacture recyclable single polymer flexible packaging products that replace difficult-to-recycle multimaterial packaging products.

The INEOS Recycl-IN product range compounds recycled plastic waste with highly engineered new resins. It helps converters and brand owners retain the high quality of their products while increasing recycled content. The announcement follows INEOS’ investment in a new Hosakawa Alpine MDO film line to develop flexible packaging films made from a single polymer family. This approach increases the recyclability of plastic packaging. Products such as stand-up pouches already provide a convenient, low carbon solution for transporting every-day goods. This further development will ensure that packaging can be manufactured from raw materials containing a high percentage of recycled plastic waste and be recyclable in the future.

New advanced applications

The success of this demonstration shows that Recycl-IN can be applied to demanding film extrusion applications such as MDO polyethylene. It enables advanced technical film applications to use mechanically recycled polyethylene. The combination of Recycl-IN resins and this leading technology will enable INEOS to make a unique contribution to the development of a circular economy for these products. Recycl-IN resins are also certified as providing a reduction in carbon emissions of between 25 and 50 per cent(1) when compared to the use of virgin feedstocks. Rob Ingram, Chief Executive, INEOS O&P Europe North, said: “We share people’s concerns about plastic waste, showing we can help produce more recyclable end products using large quantities of recycled materials shows our commitment to creating a more sustainable future.”

“Now that we’ve proved the concept, we open the door to exploring the application of Recycl-IN and MDO technology to other flexible packaging products where we can make a real difference.”

INEOS announces the world’s first ultra-thin recyclable, flexible packaging film made from more than 50% recycled plastic waste.

“ a unique contribution to the development of a circular economy ”

SmartCycle®

Samples

Green Adhesives – stuck for answers?!

Seeking sustainable Adhesives for a greener future

While the world’s growing population and increasing living standards boost the need for adhesives, environmental concerns encourage the development of greener, more sustainable adhesives.

The need for sustainable adhesives has reached a completely new level. Innovative sustainable glue solutions are being developed based on ever-improving technologies. Additionally, more and more industries opt for sustainable adhesive products, which is no surprise as sustainability of adhesives is a hot topic for many of the following reasons:

• Improved health and safety throughout the product’s lifecycle: sustainable adhesives contain little to no solvents. This means that less or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) are released during the application and curing. Neither do the finished product release VOC.

• Decreased environmental impact and carbon footprint: the absence of solvents results in less impact on the environment. This is due to lighter weight, less product needed and VOC emissions reduced to the minimum.

• Rules and regulations towards more sustainable products: sustainability has become a priority in development of new products and systems. Therefore, also governments strive towards the trend by setting rules and regulations for products. For example, the VOC emissions of chemical products have long been strictly controlled in the USA and EU. They also gain more and more importance in other markets such as Asia and South America.

Sustainability of adhesives has many advantages, however, achieving them requires modification of existing products and inventing new innovative technologies. Sustainable adhesives generally belong to one of three groups:

• Solventless adhesives: nowadays many adhesives are made with less solvents by increasing the solid share. However, among other methods, 100% solid adhesives such as hot melt contain no solvents at all. Hot melts are common throughout industries including the automotive sector.

• Waterborne adhesives: waterborne adhesives are developed using water as the carrier substance instead of a solvent. This provides the product with reduced weight as well as eliminating the VOC emissions as well as minimizing the risk for fire during processing. Waterborne adhesives are common for example in the mattress industry, where they replace solvent based systems.

• Biobased adhesives: to call a glue biobased, most of the materials in it must be natural such as starch, vegetable oil, resins, lignins and proteins. These materials guarantee reduced carbon footprint of the products.

Epoxy or Resin adhesives?

5 types of trending green adhesives. The demand ‘green’ adhesives is growing ever faster and encourages new ways of sustainability in adhesives development. Below are listed five types of sustainable adhesives that are likely to experience a boost in demand in the future.

1. Renewable adhesives

Renewable adhesives refer to those made of materials such as beeswax and plants, and have no petroleum derivatives in their formulations. Not only do these sustainable adhesives reduce carbon footprint but also contribute to overall sustainability of a great number of applications including paper lamination, carton sealing and bottle labeling.

2. Recyclable adhesives

When an adhesive is recyclable, once the finished product has come to the end of its service life, the adhesive can be melted and recollected without producing any adhesive waste or residue. Recyclable adhesives are generally common in the automotive industry as well in bonding glass, aluminum & steel.

3. Biodegradable sustainable glue

Biodegradable technology brings the sustainability of adhesives to the next level. The biodegradable adhesives are designed to be broken down by bacteria and other microorganisms. The degrading process produces water, carbon dioxide and other natural gases defined by the environment. These adhesives are mainly present in paper and packaging, envelopes, hygiene products and medical devices.

4. Compostable green adhesives

Compostable adhesives belong to the group of biodegradable sustainable glue. The main difference is that the compostable systems break down under specific (compost) conditions. These sustainable adhesives break down in industrial or domestic compost environments and the broken-down product is suitable for enriching soil. Compostability is currently present in packaging adhesives such as hot melts and PSA adhesives.

5. Repulpable adhesives

In paper and packaging, repulpable adhesives are likely to grow in popularity as they dissolve completely during paper repulping process. Used for instance in carbon boxes, envelopes and other paper products, repulpable adhesives are by far the most sustainable glue options. They completely dissolve without leaving any residue behind.

Today, adhesives+coatings is the largest online platform on the internet, delivering greener, customised adhesives, sealants and coatings to our industrial customers. This it does by connecting them to the best manufacturer world-wide, and for free!

For more information visit: www.adhesivesandcoatings.com/

Paper… the new Plastic?

Packaging plays an important role in our daily lives, from providing protection for foods, drinks, medicines, and other goods, to giving products an added visual appeal in the marketplace. Today’s packaging serves a plethora of purposes.

From the desk of Steve Gislam

However, the type of packaging material used has had a significant impact on the environment. In recent years, the increased focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness has led a large number of companies and consumers alike to make the shift towards more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. One of these is paper. Biodegradable, recyclable and cost-effective, paper packaging is a tried and tested alternative to plastic.

The Pros

Paper has several advantages over other packaging materials. One of these is its inherent eco-friendliness. Unlike, for example, plastic, which takes hundreds of years to decompose, whilst paper is biodegradable, breaking down naturally in a matter of weeks. Paper is also a renewable resource and, if managed correctly, forests can be regrown and harvested sustainably.

Paper packaging is also recyclable, and can be recycled multiple times, thus reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Recycling paper also helps to conserve natural resources, such as water and energy, that are used in the manufacture of new paper.

Paper’s cost-effectiveness also makes it an attractive option for businesses and consumers alike. The cost of producing paper is relatively low, and it is abundance and therefore widely available. As a result, paper can be an affordable alternative packaging material. Despite being a lightweight material, paper packaging is also durable. It can be used to package a wide range of products, from delicate electronics to heavy machinery, and can be designed to withstand the rigors of shipping and handling. Additionally, paper packaging can be designed to be moisture-resistant, making it suitable for food items.

The Cons

Paper as a packaging material is, however, not without its drawbacks. One major disadvantage is its limited durability in comparison to other materials such as plastic or metal. Paper is susceptible to tearing and is easily damaged by moisture, which can compromise the integrity of the product it contains.

Also, paper is not suitable for all products. For example, paper packaging may not be suitable for products requiring airtight or waterproof packaging, such as certain types of food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals. Additionally, certain types of paper packaging are not strong enough to withstand the weight of heavy or bulky items. Paper also requires significant amounts of energy and resources, like water and electricity, to produce..

Moreover, the process of recycling paper is not without its challenges. Paper recycling also requires a significant amount of energy and resources. Also, not all types of paper can be recycled, and contamination with other materials, such as plastics or food waste, can reduce the quality of the recycled paper.

Lightweight and durable

Paper packaging takes a number of forms, such as cardboard boxes, bags, and wraps, and its suitability depends on the product being packaged.

Sturdy and customisable, boxes are a popular type of packaging used for shipping and storing products. They can also be designed to be moisture-resistant, making them suitable for packaging food items. However, they’re suitable for all products, as they can be bulky and may not provide sufficient protection for delicate or valuable items. Paper bags are lightweight and used for a wide range of products. They’re also biodegradable and recyclable, making them an eco-friendly option. However, they are not as durable as plastic bags and tear easily when wet or overloaded.

Innovations in Paper Packaging

Consumer demand for eco-friendly packaging is growing rapidly, and paper packaging is at the forefront of this trend. As the public becomes more aware of the environmental impact their purchases can have, there is a rapidly growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and made from renewable resources.

Advances in technology are also driving innovations in paper packaging. For example, digital printing technology has created a small revolution, allowing for more complex and high-quality designs, which can enhance the brand appeal and consumer experience. Innovations such as advanced sorting systems and improved de-inking processes are increasing the efficiency of paper recycling. This allows for higher-quality recycled paper, which can be used to produce new packaging materials while maintaining their performance characteristics. Furthermore, the development of compostable paper packaging, made from biodegradable materials, offers a viable end-of-life solution that complements existing recycling efforts.

Paper’s resurgence

Paper packaging has many advantages over the alternatives, including its biodegradability, recyclability, and renewable source material. It is a popular choice for businesses and consumers who are looking for eco-friendly packaging solutions. While it can also have some disadvantages, such as limited durability and challenges with recycling, advancements in technology and sustainable sourcing practices are driving innovation in paper packaging, making it more versatile, functional, and environmentally friendly.

“ advanced sorting systems and improved de-inking processes are increasing the efficiency of paper recycling ”

Innovative corrugated packaging starts here! Cepac

If you are looking for the most innovative corrugated packaging solutions, you need look no further than Cepac. This company is one of the UK’s most influential corrugated packaging producers. Here you can count on best-in-class materials and outstanding design and print facilities. When you add to this the manufacture of the highest quality recyclable and sustainable, corrugated packaging, you can rely on Cepac to protect your goods every step of the way from the warehouse to the customer.

With five strategically located manufacturing facilities in the UK, all of which are focused on the production of high-performance corrugated board and packaging solutions, you also stand to benefit from around 25 years of experience in producing award-winning corrugated packaging.

Thanks to its on-going investment in flexo pre-print, flexo post print, litho print and most recently, high speed digital print, you are always guaranteed to receive the masterclass in decorative packaging. However, Cepac is also equally capable when it comes to more standard and more simply printed, transit packaging.

It is worth noting that in addition to its fabled printing expertise, the company also offers several special services that sets them apart in today’s crowded market place. Having acquired E.W. Cartons in early 2023, Cepac has re-branded this business unit as Flutepac; their primary role is the production of direct contact, food-safe trays and punnets, designed for a wide range of fresh produce, bakery items, food-to-go and more! These trays and punnets can easily be customised, thereby making them ideal for festivals, corporate events, and for just about any other social evnt. With special grease-and waterproof coatings, these easy-to-use trays and punnets are a gamechanger for food outlets that are looking to replace plastic with a sustainable and fully recyclable packaging solution.

Moreover, thanks to a lean management structure, decision making is fast at Cepac and attention to detail is at the heart of their product and service offerings. The latest development plans confirmed by Cepac include the acquisition of an 11 acre site adjacent to their existing HQ in Rotherham, which will allow for the next significant milestone in the company’s expansion programme.

Yet another product that sets Cepac apart, is their exclusive range of U.N. Certified corrugated packaging solutions for potentially dangerous and hazardous goods. With a complete design, certification, manufacture and maintenance service, Cepac is able to offer a ‘cradle-to-grave’ solution for toxic or dangerous items that require high levels of transit protection.

Another industry ‘first’ this summer has been achieved with the company’s acquisition of the state-of-the-art flexo printing, precision rotary die-cutter machine from Koenig & Bauer. This investment once again puts Cepac ahead of the game when it comes to pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with corrugated packaging today.

With its on-going investment in people, equipment and facilities, Cepac certainly continues to stand out from the crowd. For further details of its diverse range of products and services visit: www.cepac.co.uk

“ decision making is fast at Cepac and attention to detail is at the heart of their product and service offerings ”

The CPG Industry Moves Toward Circularity

To identify key trends and their impact on legislation and recovery systems, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and AMERIPEN (the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment) have published 2023 PACKAGING COMPASS: Evaluating Trends in U.S. Packaging Design Over the Next Decade and Implications for the Future of a Circular Packaging System.

“By releasing this deep dive into the trends driving the circular packaging system, we hope to facilitate an industry dialogue that will help close the gap between design needs and recovery needs,” says Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development, PMMI.

During the next 10 years, the study projects the highest demand will occur in :

• Plastic packaging, particularly the flexible pouch format

• Compostable packaging

• Recycled-content packaging, primarily paper and plastic

However, all three formats must overcome the same hurdle, a lack of end-of-life recovery infrastructure. Effective legislative and investment strategies also are needed. Figures from the Recycling Partnership show only 1.9% of the U.S. population has access to flexible film recycling. Establishing a circular economy for flexible films will necessitate better collection, sortation, and end-of-life reprocessing. The latter may involve chemical recycling, an emerging technology that reverts materials to their original monomers. Its adoption could help close infrastructure gaps while improving recycled resin quality by reducing contamination concerns, thereby simplifying the regulatory acceptance of recycled content for food-contact applications.

As the CPG industry Moves Toward Circularity, it is acknowledged that the circular packaging economy depends on improvements in design, recovery infrastructure, and regulatory changes. As concerns about end-of-life disposal of packaging have grown, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies have transitioned to more sustainable packaging designs and materials.

“ Establishing a circular economy for flexible films will necessitate better collection, sortation, and end-of-life reprocessing ”

Compostable packaging often is perceived as a lesscomplicated end-of-life option. However, it also suffers from a lack of infrastructure.

According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, only 27% of the U.S. population has access to curbside composting programs, and only 11% of those programs accept packaging. To realize the circular potential of compostable packaging, the U.S. needs to boost collection and access to composting facilities that accept food scraps along with packaging Focusing initial infrastructure investments on closed systems at venues such as stadiums and foodservice outlets will make the most impact.

Recycled-content packaging is a popular path toward circularity. Design for recycling guidelines, developed by several organizations, are helping the packaging industry choose combinations of polymers, additives, labels, adhesives, and components that do not hinder recyclability. Many brand owners use these guidelines to help them meet commitments to increase use of recycled content. However, a disconnect between strong demand for recycled resin and insufficient supply and processing capacity must be overcome. Like flexible packaging, potential solutions lie in better collection and sortation techniques and greater capacity for end-of-life reprocessing including chemical recycling.

A circular economy can be achieved by focusing on how best to invest in infrastructure and tying that dialogue to packaging design and the multiple variables packaging designers must juggle. Success will depend on how well members of the packaging value chain understand each other’s challenges and opportunities.

To foster this communication, sustainability will be a major theme at PACK EXPO Las Vegas (Sept. 11–13, 2023; Las Vegas Convention Center). A new Sustainability Central area will serve as an interactive resource to learn about design, materials, manufacturing, recovery, logistics, and data. At the accompanying Sustainability Stage, attendees will hear from experts on a range of packaging sustainability topics and learn how to make their brands more sustainable.

In addition, the PACK EXPO Green Program returns to PACK EXPO Las Vegas and is the commitment of PACK EXPO and its partners, vendors, and exhibitors to work together to create a more sustainable world. PACK EXPO Green Program identifies exhibiting companies that provide sustainable solutions via new materials, technology, or strategies such as sustainable processes and machines, renewable and biodegradable packaging, source reduction and lightweighting, recyclable and recycled-content materials, or innovations that reduce carbon footprint. Look for companies participating in the PACK EXPO Green Program to advance sustainability goals. The green icon also highlights education sessions focused on sustainability.

To learn more and to register, visit: www.packexpolasvegas.com

“ Success will depend on how well members of the packaging value chain understand each other’s challenges and opportunities ”

Hi-Five for new-grade High-Barrier Resin

Kuraray has developed a unique, High-Barrier, Recyclable Resin for Paper Coating applications. The company’s Paper-based PLANTIC™ EP resin-coated pouch, has earned a prestigious recycling certification from Western Michigan University in the US.

Kuraray America, Inc. has just announced a new grade of PLANTIC™, the company’s sustainable, high-performance barrier material. This is a plant-based resin designed specifically for converters who perform extrusion coating. The new PLANTIC™ EP grade can be used to develop sustainable gas and aromabarrier solutions with paper, paperboard or traditional film substrates. The new resin grade recently passed repulping and recyclability certification from Western Michigan University (WMU), laying the groundwork for sustainable barrier pouch and carton formats for brand owners and converters. With PLANTIC EP, the market now has a high-barrier option which can be fully recoverable and recyclable in the U.S. paper stream.

Kuraray told SPN: “Companies recognise the need for packaging to assure product integrity and shelf life, whilst consumers don’t want to buy products which add to landfills,” said Tom Black with Kuraray’s PLANTIC division. “We noticed a gap in the market and need for a sustainable material that could be used to produce high-barrier pouches and cartons and knew PLANTIC EP could be a game-changer. The new resin grade not only complements our customers’ and retailers’ dynamic range of products, but with recyclable certification from Western Michigan University, it helps brands achieve their sustainability objectives, enabling us all to leave behind a better world for our children.”

World’s most advanced bio-based plastic

Derived from starch, PLANTIC is the world’s most advanced bio-based plastic. It can be used in both recycle-ready and compostable formats while providing renewable, plant-based content and excellent gas-barrier performance to extend shelf life. It can dramatically reduce the environmental impacts produced from traditional packaging materials while providing the opportunity for materials once considered not recyclable to be reusable.

In designing a high-barrier pouch for recyclability, Kuraray extrusion coated PLANTIC EP to kraft paper and capped it with a tie/heat seal layer with resin from Westlake Polyethylene. When used within a multilayer film, PLANTIC EP helps create a high-barrier, flexible pouch or carton allowing other layers in the structure to be separated, recovered and potentially recycled or composted.

Unique market offering

“Our collaboration with Kuraray utilised our application development resources to the fullest to create a truly unique offering in the market,” said Amy Moore, vice president, Westlake Polyethylene. “We understand Kuraray’s technology and look forward to working together on further developments as they commercialize the offering across the bandwidth of market segments and categories.”

Kuraray recognised the need for brand owners to certify packaging sustainability. It submitted its PLANTIC EP/Westlake paper-coated pouch to WMU to determine its repulpability and recyclability. During the repulping process, all of the PLANTIC EP resin rinsed out. Therefore, in October 2022, WMU certified the PLANTIC EP/ Westlake pouch as recyclable.

“Recognising the recyclability certification from WMU is a big first step in securing a How2Recycle claim,” Black said. “When developing packaging formats for brand owners, converters want to see that products have first been vetted by WMU. Its certification allows converters to apply for a pre-qualification letter from How2Recycle, effectively fast-tracking adoption of PLANTIC EP-based, high-barrier solutions.”

PLANTIC EP is currently available for trial and commercially in use with several brands around the world. Targeted applications include pouches and cartons for coffee, pet food, dry mixes and more.

World leader

Founded in 1926, Kuraray is a world leader in performancebased polymer and specialty materials technologies, including resins, chemicals, fibers, and textiles. The company operates many subsidiaries around the world, including Kuraray America, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Kuraray Group is committed to developing new fields of business using pioneering technology that improves the environment and enhances the quality of life throughout the world. Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions - from housing and construction to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer.

“ PLANTIC is the world’s most advanced bio-based plastic ”

“ Recognising the recyclability certification from WMU is a big first step in securing a How2Recycle claim ”

Talking Trash

Talking Waste Reduction in the Packaging Sector.

In 2016 a collective of scientists known as the Anthropocene Working Group, quietly announced that since 1950, we have been living in a new epoch of planet Earth’s history. As the name suggests, this new epoch is one where human activity impacts the planet’s climate and ecosystem inextricably.

One of the kickstarting factors for this brave and scary new epoch was they’re calling the Great Acceleration of human activity. One such activity, was the proliferation of plastic production. As the human population boomed in the postwar era, demand for products boomed with it. Those products needed to be packaged, and what better to package them in than plastic - the amazing new wonder material made from hydrocarbons that is cheap to make and durable. However, all this product packaging for an ever-burgeoning population had to end up somewhere.

Fast-forward a mere 70 years. An “island” of plastic the size of Mongolia floats in the Pacific Ocean. Microplastics – many of which originated as part of a piece of single-use plastic packaging - have been found from the highest mountains to the deepest sea trenches. They’ve been found in human bloodstreams and animal stomachs. Some research suggests that you will have already breathed in several particles of microplastic in the time it’s taken you to read this far into this article. Which can’t be good. So, the question is, given the packaging sectors central role in creating the problem, what can the sector do to cut waste and create a cleaner planet?

Brace for impacts

Packaging waste negatively impacts the environment, human and animal health, and the wider economy. Understanding what these impacts are is crucial to recognising the urgency of waste reduction in the sector.

In terms of the environment, production and disposal of packaging can increase deforestation, energy consumption, emissions and pollution. The non-biodegradable packaging that doesn’t end up in the oceans and rivers, or as litter on the streets, often finds its way into landfills where they will either be incinerated, thus releasing toxic substances into the air and our lungs. The bits that aren’t burned will stay there in the landfill, slowly releasing toxic substances into the soil and water. Pretty much a lose-lose situation all round.

From the desk of Steve Gislam

The economic costs of packaging waste are substantial. Manufacturing new packaging materials from raw materials requires energy and resources, thus bumping up production costs. Moreover, waste management and disposal processes, including collection, transportation, and treatment, put further strain on seemingly ever tighter public budgets, resulting in higher taxes or waste management fees.

Not all is lost though. By implementing effective waste reduction strategies, we can mitigate these impacts and move towards a more sustainable system.

Obstacle Race

Waste reduction is crucial, but it comes with several challenges. We need to understand these challenges in order to find and implement truly effective solutions to our waste problem.

Like all other sectors in the 21st century, the packaging industry operates within a complex system of intricate supply chains, spanning multiple countries and continents. Coordinating waste reduction efforts across these global supply chains is enough to give even the biggest of brains a throbbing headache.

The effectiveness of waste reduction programmes is also heavily influenced by regulatory and policy frameworks. In some regions, regulations may not prioritize waste reduction or lack strict requirements for packaging materials. Additionally, policy fragmentation across different jurisdictions can create inconsistencies which hinder cohesive waste reduction strategies.

And then comes the role of the consumer, whose preferences and demands play a significant role in packaging choices. Many consumers prioritise convenience, which often leads to excessive packaging or the use of single-use materials. Breaking this cycle requires a shift in consumer attitudes and behaviours. Educating consumers about the environmental impact of packaging waste, offering sustainable alternatives can help address this challenge.

While consumer preferences and habits are changing, it takes time and concerted efforts from governments, industry, and consumer advocacy groups.

Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration and innovative approaches from stakeholders across the packaging industry. It calls for proactive engagement with supply chain partners, active participation from consumers, and advocacy for supportive policies and regulations. By addressing these challenges head-on, the packaging industry can pave the way for effective waste reduction strategies and create a more sustainable future.

Waste reduction strategies

Various strategies can be implemented to tackle the issue of waste in the packaging sector. By adopting these strategies, companies can make major gains in waste reduction and promote sustainability across their operations.

The choice of materials is one such strategy. Using biodegradable or compostable packaging materials can minimise environmental impact, as these materials break down quickly and naturally. Opting for recycled materials to produce packaging is another good option as it reduces the need for virgin resources and helps create a circular economy.

Another approach is design optimisation, which cuts material usage without compromising functionality or product protection. This includes streamlining shapes, eliminating any unnecessary elements, and using efficient packaging layouts. Adopting nascent technologies like 3D printing and digital prototyping enables more precision customisation and helps create lightweight packaging solutions.

The time for action is now. Through waste reduction, the packaging sector can help pave the way towards a greener, more sustainable future for everyone.

No aluminium Easy recycling

Pure-Pak® carton made with sustainably sourced ­paperboard barrier. The carton reduces the footprint with up to 50% container for aseptic beverages.

*Compared with a standard Pure-Pak® aseptic carton and based on internal, third-party reviewed cradle-to-gate calculations from the Dynamic Elopak Environmental Performance (DEEP) tool, version 11.