Among the various aspects concerning corporate sustainability we find that of sustainable packaging, which has made a lot of talk about itself in recent years
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himAmong the various aspects concerning corporate sustainability we find that of sustainable packaging, which has made a lot of talk in recent years. Green packaging represents the alternative, innovative and most necessary solution to be adopted in place of classic plastic packaging. In fact, ecological packaging first of all involves a careful choice of the raw materials used, with a preference for paper, cardboard or materials already derived from recycling processes, such as recycled polyethylene. In addition to the material, the fate of the packaging must also be taken into consideration once it has finished its function as a container. In this case the packaging could undergo further recycling, or it could be reused or transformed.
Towards greener packaging
Among the sectors that are making the most effort we certainly find the food sector, as it is among the most involved when it comes to the disproportionate use of plastic packaging. The research and development departments of the companies, therefore, have already activated themselves in the search for greener solutions for its packaging, which aim to drastically reduce the use of plastic in favor of more easily recyclable raw materials, such as paper, cardboard and aluminum. Added to this is the search for new materials capable of maintaining the same performance as plastic from every point of view. In fact, it is important to remember that plastic is not the most used material in packaging solely because it is inexpensive, but also because it is light and resistant.
It is also essential to keep in mind that the role of the the packaging it is not limited only to the containment and protection of the product it contains, it is in fact a recognizable element capable of attracting consumers. For this reason, the design must be studied to perfection and must include not only the visual elements that characterize the brand, but also the values that represent it. The indications such as the instructions for use and consumption or the conservation of the product must be clearly visible, as well as the environmental labels that give information about disposal. The packaging of the future, therefore, it is not only more ecological and zero impact, but it is also original, innovative and practical.
Companies at the forefront
Ever since we started talking about green packaging there have been so many companies that have worked hard to bring about a radical change in their production flow. This is demonstrated, for example, by the Conai call which already in 2016 awarded 74 companies for the best solutions of eco-sustainable packaging and innovative products launched on the market from 2014 to 2015. The awarded companies had achieved an average reduction of -19% in CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, as well as a reduction in energy consumption of 18% and water savings of 22%. The supply chains of materials that had been most used concerned packaging in steel, paper, wood, plastic and glass, the objective of the companies was to act at least on some of the fundamental aspects such as reuse, saving of raw materials, improvement logistics, recycling and optimization of production processes.
Since then, more and more companies have imitated this commitment to the environment. The latter have been driven on the one hand by the change in consumer habits, which since 2015 - the year of the signing of the 2030 Agenda by UN member countries - have accentuated the attention towards the sustainability of products, on the other hand from the increasingly looming climate emergency.
An example in terms of eco-sustainable packaging certainly comes from Procter & Gamble, the multinational Made in USA which in 2019 decided to collaborate with more than 40 companies that use plastic in their packaging and with companies that deal with recycling of plastic waste giving life to The Alliance to End Plastic Waste. Furthermore, the development of sustainable packaging is part of the objectives that the company has set itself to achieve by 2030 and that it presented in 2018 during the Earth Week. Among these we find the obtaining of 100% of the recyclable or reusable packaging and a 50% reduction in virgin plastics derived from petroleum.
There are many examples that could be given, as more and more realities have assumed a greater awareness of their responsibility for environmental degradation. Some changes cannot happen quickly, just think that most of the processes that still take place during the packaging life cycle they use fossil energy. Precisely for this reason it is necessary to have a long-term vision, as some changes cannot happen overnight. Despite this, the commitment shown by both medium-sized and large companies bodes well and indicates the right path towards a greener future.
