Sustainability is complicated, and when it comes to packaging, it can manifest itself in many ways and at many levels. Most users want to 'do the right thing', but often lack an understanding of the complexities involved in deciding whether to use disposable or reusable, the right material composition, when glass, metal, paper or plastic is the best option, and the development of recycling technologies and global collaboration that expands the range of fully recyclable products.
For this reason, PACOON has made it its mission to educate both companies and consumers about more sustainable packaging solutions. This includes a map (see above) showing different waste infrastructures around the world, which we created in 2018.
Finding the right packaging
The good news is that consumers are talking about packaging, and stakeholders across the packaging value chain are collaborating at an unprecedented level to ensure solutions are implemented quickly. But much more education needs to be done.
Already at ProSweets 2019, PACOON introduced several concepts that focus on features ranging from recyclability and materials from renewable sources to bioplastics, coated paper and mono-material packaging constructions. Many companies don't realize that there are so many different strategies to achieve sustainability and that the selection process is required depending on the needs of the market.
For ProSweets 2020, we then focused on the approaches of fiber-based solutions as well as our concept of an international reuse system CYRCOL. Since then, a lot has been moving forward in both areas, and as drivers of these new solutions, we see very great potential for the coming years.
Paper or plastic for disposable packaging?
Packaging should always be fit for purpose - paper where possible, plastic where it makes sense – sustainable by design. The packaged product is always the focus, and in order to maintain its value, the packaging must protect the good. That's why we keep a close eye on new developments to help brand owners, retailers and suppliers choose or design the most sustainable solution for each application.
Researchers are increasingly developing paper- and fiber-based packaging that can provide barriers to replace non-recyclable or poorly recyclable plastic films made from mixed materials. This functional fiber-based packaging is a challenge for our industry, but also a great opportunity if it is qualified for fiber recycling streams. Therefore, the recycling check for new packaging is very important for us.
At ProSweets 2019, it was still surprising for many trade visitors to make effective packaging for products like cookies or chocolate without using a film layer. And water-based paper coatings can be used to make sealable or even thermoformable paper grades for direct contact with food. New barriers are also coming into the inustry all the time, and we, too, are developing and testing them with our large network of partner institutes, and using them, for example, as trays for cheese and sausage packaging. PACOON serves as a "midwife" for new packaging solutions to facilitate their access to the market.
Recycling is an essential part of the future
Advances in recycling technology already include improved waste collection, better identification of plastics, better sorting of smaller parts, more efficient chemical recycling of multilayer structures, and increased PET recycling. PACOON expects that as recycling options expand, composition and packaging design will also change, leading to increased use of a combination of recyclates and virgin materials in food packaging.
One of the keys to recycling is the need for a collaborative approach by all stakeholders, because a patchwork of strategies by individual countries will only lead to undermine the overall goal if not all targets are met. Global communication and collaboration at all stages of product design, development, use, collection, recycling and reuse will be central to future success.
Fact-based education about recycling is essential. PACOON has developed an interactive map that shows the different waste concepts around the world. Global data analysis by country shows real waste treatment practices, including deposit laws, incineration, recycling, landfilling, and additional information on local laws that confirm that a one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable recycling and waste practices will not work. In countries with little recycling infrastructure or landfills, biodegradable packaging would be more appropriate – but again, conditions vary drastically whether degradation will occur on land, in dry or wet areas, in salt or fresh water. This is because carelessly discarded packaging is often washed by wind and rain or from landfills into rivers and from there into the oceans. Countries with a high recycling infrastructure need to focus on reusability and/or recycled materials. Climatic conditions also influence the use of materials.
The individually optimal packaging solution
Packaging design and material selection have never been under more scrutiny – and for good reason, as inefficient packaging is a major contributor to the global waste problem. In contrary, smart, well-designed packaging can solve challenges without compromising performance. PACOON therefore intends to remain at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation. The key is to select or develop solutions that are fitted to the company's individual situation. And at the end of the day, a compromise must be found, because the 100% solution does not exist.