Packaging which results in improved sustainability
Molded pulp uses recycled newsprint to form package components. Here, researchers are molding packaging from straw[1]
Sustainable packaging is the development and use of packaging which results in improved sustainability.[2] This involves increased use of life cycle inventory (LCI) and life cycle assessment (LCA)[3][4] to help guide the use of packaging which reduces the environmental impact and ecological footprint. It includes a look at the whole of the supply chain: from basic function, to marketing, and then through to end of life (LCA) and rebirth.[5] Additionally, an eco-cost to value ratio can be useful[6] The goals are to improve the long term viability and quality of life for humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. Sustainable packaging must meet the functional and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.[7] Sustainability is not necessarily an end state but is a continuing process of improvement.[8]
Sustainable packaging is a relatively new addition to the environmental considerations for packaging (see Packaging and labeling). It requires more analysis and documentation to look at the package design, choice of materials, processing, and life-cycle. This is not just the vague "green movement" that many businesses and companies have been trying to include over the past years. Companies implementing eco-friendly actions are reducing their carbon footprint, using more recycled materials and reusing more package components.[9] They often encourage suppliers, contract packagers, and distributors to do likewise.
Environmental marketing claims on packages need to be made (and read) with caution. Ambiguous greenwashing titles such as green packaging and environmentally friendly can be confusing without specific definition. Some regulators, such as the US Federal Trade Commission, are providing guidance to packagers[10]
Companies have long been reusing and recycling packaging when economically viable. Using minimal packaging has also been a common goal to help reduce costs. Recent years have accelerated these efforts based on social movements, consumer pressure, and regulation. All phases of packaging, distribution, and logistics are included.[11]
Sustainable packaging is not focused on just recycling. Just as packaging is not the only eco target, although it is still top of mind for many. Right or wrong, the packaging is frequently scrutinized and used as the measure of a company's overall sustainability, even though it may contribute only a small percentage to the total eco-impact compared to other things, such as transportation, and water and energy use.
^Ibrahim, Idowu David; Hamam, Yskandar; Sadiku, Emmanuel Rotimi; Ndambuki, Julius Musyoka; Kupolati, Williams Kehinde; Jamiru, Tamba; Eze, Azunna Agwo; Snyman, Jacques (2022). "Need for Sustainable Packaging: An Overview". Polymers. 14 (20): 4430. doi:10.3390/polym14204430. PMC 9609329. PMID 36298009.
^Zabaniotou, A; Kassidi (August 2003). "Life cycle assessment applied to egg packaging made from polystyrene and recycled paper". Journal of Cleaner Production. 11 (5): 549–559. doi:10.1016/S0959-6526(02)00076-8.
^Franklin (April 2004). "Life Cycle Inventory of Packaging Options for Shipment of Retail Mail-Order Soft Goods" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 17, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2008.
^Jedlicka, W, "Packaging Sustainability: Tools, Systems and Strategies for Innovative Package Design", (Wiley, 2008), ISBN 978-0-470-24669-6
^Wever, R; Vogtlander, Joost (June 2013). "Eco-efficient Value Creation: An Alternative Perspective on Packaging and Sustainability". Packaging Technology and Science. 26 (4): 229–248. doi:10.1002/pts.1978. S2CID 53682432.
^World Packaging Organization (17 April 2008). "Position Paper on Sustainable Packaging" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 January 2010. Retrieved 6 February 2009.
^"What is Sustainable Packaging? Our Vision". EUROPEN, European Organization for Packaging and the Environment. May 2009. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
^Amcor (2014). Sustainability Review 2014. (http://www.amcor.com/sustainability/ Archived 2015-02-02 at the Wayback Machine). Retrieved 10 January 2015.
^"Environmental Claims". Federal Trade Commission. 2008-11-17. Retrieved 17 November 2008.
^Fecourt, Adrien; Li, F. (2013), "Report No. E2013:015" (PDF), Improving transport packaging sustainability – a case study in a production logistics company, Gothenburg, Sweden: CHALMERS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, Department of Technology Management and Economics, retrieved 28 February 2014
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