For the past few years, the industry has been into sustainability. When we talk about sustainable packaging, what exactly are we talking about? Besides reducing plastic use and switching to paper packaging, or even recycling ocean waste, is paper recyclable packaging being overemphasized?
The real challenge when it comes to recycling, is matching that industry enthusiasm with a change in consumer behavior on both a global and local scale.
Sustainable Solution Provider Must Be Professional
From printing professional Kevin’s view, regardless of the type of packaging a company produces, sustainability is now being recognized as one of the key factors in manufacture.
Packaging manufactures must understand the full lifecycle of their product, how it will be used and then disposed of and only then they can help manufacture the correct solution to minimize potential for negative environmental impact.
Ultimately, any packaging that can be easily recycled, bio-degraded or composted is preferred and should be developed as much as possible with clear labelling.
R&D and innovation are always important
Packaging technologists take account of the waste hierarchy aspects in product design, but have to go much further.
They also consider how the product will be used, how packaging prevents product waste, the needs of customers, and legal requirements.
As perfection is rare to attain, trade-offs are inevitable. Solely asking if a product is recyclable may lead to misunderstanding the sustainability and social benefits gained elsewhere. It may help if the value chain better understood ‘the life of a packaging technologist’ in grappling all of these issues.
Right Packaging Solution Might Better Than Recycling
The most environmentally beneficial packaging is the one that creates the least emissions which is not always through recycling.
The waste hierarchy quite rightly puts reduce and reuse as better options. Non-recyclable packaging might also have wider environmental benefits such as keeping food fresher for longer.
It is also possible that there is no local infrastructure for recycling causing high emissions through transporting materials across the world.
Recycling is clearly the emotional go-to for many people but it may not always be best for the environment.
Marketing With Packaging
If we can get the packaging into the marketing mindset and approach to product developments, we have a far better chance that the packaging solution will be properly thought through and add true value to the consumer experience.
If brand owners and marketers can bring packaging to the table at the outset of a project and treat it as an opportunity and a tool, rather than an evil necessity, the integrated product and pack delivered will stand a greater chance of success.
This approach should cover all elements of packaging, from cradle to cradle; not simply making a pack that draws the eye of the consumer but a packaging solution which has the least impact on natural resources or active recycling systems.
There is a real appetite from today’s consumer for mindful packaging solutions as well as brands that demonstrate a willingness to embrace sustainable packaging solutions, so it doesn’t simply mean additional cost or complexity as it can also drive brand love scores and sales.
C MIC Packaging x Sustainability
Who can give their paper packaging the power of sustainability?
You can.
The Power of Sustainable Packaging. Today’s consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever — that’s why C MIC Packaging is committed to innovative paper packaging solutions that are good for the environment and the bottom line.
At C MIC, helping you meet your sustainability goals just comes naturally. C MIC’s Guide to Sustainable Packaging: C MIC Sustainability Standards.
Request your industrial sustainable solution here.
