Sustainability is no longer a "nice to have"
Sustainability can mean many different things to many different people but one thing is for sure, that the world that we have known it is in a significant process of change that will impact the print and packaging community.
There is need to embrace change and move to meeting the challenges both moral and legislative to become more efficient, more focussed on using technology to progress and implementing more sustainable material platforms and barrier technologies to provide the function the packaging so desperately needs.
Sustainability within your production processes
To minimise negative environmental impacts, conserve resources, and promote ecological balance.
A sustainability audit across your production footprint will consider various aspects including:
1. Material selection: Choosing sustainable materials that have a lower carbon footprint, are renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable can significantly reduce the environmental impact of the production process.
2. Energy efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as using energy-saving equipment, optimising production workflows, and incorporating renewable energy sources, can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Waste reduction and recycling: Implementing waste management strategies to minimize waste generation and promote recycling and reuse of materials. This includes proper segregation, recycling programs, and utilizing recycled materials in production whenever possible.
4. Water conservation: Implementing measures to reduce water consumption, such as efficient water use in manufacturing processes, water recycling and reclamation systems, and responsible wastewater management.
5. Supply chain sustainability: Collaborating with suppliers and partners who prioritize sustainability, ensuring they adhere to ethical and environmentally friendly practices. This includes evaluating their sourcing methods, labor conditions, and overall environmental impact.
6. Lifecycle assessment: Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the product's lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal, to identify areas for improvement in terms of environmental impact and sustainability.
7. Continuous improvement and innovation: Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement by seeking innovative solutions, adopting new technologies, and staying updated on best practices in sustainable production.
By incorporating these principles into the production process, businesses can reduce their ecological footprint, minimise waste generation, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Sustainability for the planet - the material debate
The use of sustainable materials in the packaging supply chain.
The use of sustainable materials in the packaging supply chain is a critical aspect of promoting environmental responsibility and reducing the impact of packaging on the planet. So much media reporting has focussed on the impact of packaging waste on the environment and it is our responsibility as partners across the packaging supply chain to act to deliver more sustainable consumer packaged goods.
Below we see some key areas for consideration regarding the use of sustainable materials across the consumer packaging space:
1. Renewable materials: Utilising renewable resources, such as plant-based materials like bamboo, sugarcane, or corn-based bioplastics, reduces reliance on finite resources and helps lower the carbon footprint associated with packaging production.
2. Recyclable materials: Choosing packaging materials that are widely recyclable, such as paper, cardboard, glass, or certain types of plastics, enables the packaging to be recovered and transformed into new products, reducing waste and the need for virgin materials.
3. Biodegradable and compostable materials: Opting for biodegradable or compostable packaging materials allows them to break down naturally over time, returning to the environment without causing harm. Examples include certain types of bioplastics or plant-based materials like bagasse or mushroom-based packaging.
4. Recycled content: Incorporating recycled content into packaging materials helps close the loop and supports a circular economy. Using recycled paper, cardboard, or plastics reduces the demand for virgin materials and encourages the recycling industry.
5. Minimalist designs and lightweighting: Designing packaging with minimalistic approaches and lightweighting techniques reduces material usage, transportation costs, and carbon emissions. It also ensures that packaging is optimized for efficient use of resources.
6. Sustainable certifications: Look for packaging materials that carry recognized sustainable certifications, such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for paper-based products or Cradle to Cradle (C2C) for materials designed with a focus on circularity and environmental impact.
7. Collaboration with suppliers: Work closely with packaging suppliers who prioritize sustainability, transparency, and ethical sourcing. Engage in discussions about sustainable alternatives, explore innovative materials, and ensure responsible practices throughout the supply chain.
By incorporating sustainable materials into the packaging supply chain, businesses can reduce waste, conserve resources, minimise environmental impact, and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging from consumers.