Ensuring the sustainability of sustainability efforts
To reduce their carbon footprint and meet consumer demand for “greener” packaging, brand owners are changing materials or reducing the volume of materials they use wherever and however they can. These efforts are often communicated on product labels, assuring consumers the new package is recyclable, made from recycled materials, contains less plastic, etc. What consumers don’t read about are the many behind-the-scenes measures that go into facilitating such changes.
“Transitioning to a new or lighter packaging format does not guarantee the anticipated level of sustainability benefits,” says Tom Egan, vice president, industry services, PMMI. “Without the proper adjustments to the packaging line, running a new or lighter format can negatively impact sustainability efforts. Packaging formats that cannot withstand the manufacturing process are bound to be damaged and incur costly waste, which is the exact opposite of being sustainable.”