Small steps that companies can take to reduce packaging waste.
Plastic is a material of choice when it comes to the packaging industry, mainly because of its durability, cost effectiveness and preference. The FMCG industry is mostly driven by consumer demands and trends and the products produced are delivered covered with layers of plastic and the waste it generates and its impact on the environment is underestimated. With the rise in the e-commerce sector and online shopping being a preferred marketplace in a pandemic, the plastic packaging waste is only increasing.
Companies are producing plastic packaging for the above mentioned reasons, but if there is demand for more eco-friendly alternatives from the consumer’s side, there is a possibility for us to reduce this waste. ‘Plastic free July’ was celebrated in July around the world, with people participating in this challenge and volunteers sharing their stories about plastic free lifestyles. With this one thing was clear and that is that the issue of plastic waste and our role as a responsible community is finally out there and though small but effective steps are being taken by sensitizing others about the concern related to plastic waste. What does all this have to do with plastic packaging one might ask. And the answer is, it’s all connected, and the issue needs collective efforts to get solved. With everything digital nowadays, and zillions of new trends on social media, our digital space gets flooded with buzzwords everyday. And since the pandemic started ‘Sustainable lifestyle, Sustainability’ are few such words which have made an impact on a large scale. Sustainability by definition is the ability to be maintained at a certain level or rate. And in the context of Environment protection, this means we have limited resources and to use them wisely is the only choice we have so that our future generations can have access to it as well and there’s an ecological balance maintained. Plastic packaging waste when dumped in landfills has a huge impact on the environment and hence needs some alternative material or a proper waste management system that ensures the waste is either recycled or scientifically processed. Under the umbrella of Sustainability, ‘sustainable packaging’ is something that could be an alternative for plastic packaging. Sustainable packaging is a packaging designed to reduce its environmental impact and ecological footprint. It can happen in a number of ways, in terms of raw materials used, production process (reducing carbon footprint in the process), and reusability.
Packaging should be designed in such a way that, it’s life cycle is extended and so is it’s usability. Sustainable packaging has become a necessity and not just an option, with a lot of research going round these domain brands now have many eco-friendly packaging options available. Let’s explore a few alternatives and get to know how it’ll reduce the environmental impact.
Plant based packaging also known as bioplastics is a common choice when it comes to sustainable packaging, but it has its own challenges when it comes to recycling. With two types of bioplastics, one durable and the other biodegradable it surely is a good alternative for single use plastic packaging. But when it comes to recycling both these categories have their own challenges. Durable bioplastics are usually recycled with regular PET containers. Biodegradable bioplastics can be broken down under high temperature industrial composting conditions and this can be challenging for the recycling and waste management companies.
Edible packaging- Edible packaging is somewhat similar to plant based packaging as it is also made with natural materials. This packaging takes a step forward from the plant based packaging as it is edible and can be eaten. Retailers selling food products can use such packaging and add on more taste the food product that is being sold.
Paper bubble wrap- Many of you will have a childhood memory that involves popping bubble wraps. Although it provides protection to fragile products during shipments it is made of plastic. But we do have an alternative for this, and that’s paper bubble wrap, which is easily available in the market. This can be recycled and is also biodegradable and is a perfect alternative to plastic bubble wrap.
Paper and cardboard packaging- Both paper and cardboard packaging are made from organic materials and hence are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable. And if there is worry about deforestation for making these packaging, then it can be solved by balancing the paper usage and replanting more trees. Small businesses like the ones selling candles, artefacts, cosmetics etc. are using recycled paper packaging and cardboard boxes and few send instructions along with for reusing and repurposing it. Apart from this, these are suitable for food and drink packaging as well.
Paper tape- Most fundamental requirements of the packaging industry is ‘packing tape’ which is used for wrapping, sealing the products during storage, handling and shipment. Based on the application the tape is available in various sizes, material, thickness etc. The very common we encounter is the plastic tapes, sellotapes which are not recyclable. Paper tapes are an alternative for this and are recyclable. Various types of paper tapes are available in the market for varied range of applications.
Reducing the size of packaging- Excessive plastic packaging is encountered in the retail supply chain, most of which is unnecessary. To keep a track of demand to ensure there is no overproduction could be a way to reduce waste.
With so many eco-friendly options available, companies have choice at many levels, be it completely switching to sustainable packaging or redesigning packaging that can be reused or optimizing the supply chain all these will definitely have a far reaching impact. Many companies have already switched to green alternatives for packaging and we’d be sharing more information about that in our next blog.
Stay tuned to know more !
Contributed By- Ashlesha Karande, Communication Executive at Social Lab
Social Lab Environmental Solutions is a waste management company, which helps brands take-back and scientifically dispose of post-consumer plastic waste of their products. Brands take our services to fulfill Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligation under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2018.
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