Getting the most out of sustainable packaging initiatives
For years, food manufacturers have been under increasing pressure from consumers, retailers, brand owners and industry regulators to implement sustainable business practices. Packaging has been a key component of many companies’ strategies. Now, however, the focus has shifted from being a largely materials-oriented issue to a total systems issue, with more attention placed on waste and energy reduction in manufacturing operations and across the supply chain. Today’s processors are taking a holistic approach to reducing their carbon footprint with the added benefit of cutting costs along the way, according to Tom Egan, vice president, industry services, PMMI.
According to PMMI’s report, PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2011: Upbeat and Setting Records, machinery has taken a larger role in sustainability considerations. Machine builders (and their customers) are focusing largely on energy savings, waste minimization and solving handling problems related to the adoption of source-reduced materials/containers.