Sustainability Starts with the Right Packaging
Between 2016 and 2018, flexible packaging in the EU market helped save around 44% or 21 million tons of waste. Flexible packaging is key to reducing waste and lessening environmental impact.
Material Savings: Less Material for Greater Sustainability
Compared to rigid glass or metal containers, flexible packaging requires significantly less material. This conserves natural resources and reduces energy consumption during production. Using less material also decreases waste, lowering the overall environmental impact.
Efficient Transport: Lighter Weight, Fewer Emissions
Thanks to their lightweight and compact design, flexible packages help significantly reduce energy consumption during transport. This saves fuel and cuts CO₂ emissions, positively impacting the environment.
Extended Shelf Life: Less Food Waste
Flexible packaging effectively protects food from external factors like oxygen, moisture, and germs, helping extend its shelf life. The result? Less spoiled food and a reduction in resource waste.
Recycling and Disposal: Recyclable Solutions for a Cleaner Environment
Many flexible packaging solutions are recyclable and the respective materials can be reintroduced into the production cycle.
Multifunctional Solutions: Fewer Resources, More Uses
Flexible packaging materials offer versatility, serving not only for food but also in other areas like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, making them a resource-efficient choice across industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does flexible packaging reduce waste?
Flexible packaging uses less material than rigid formats, which significantly reduces waste. Its smaller size and lighter weight minimize resource consumption during both production and transport. Additionally, manufacturers are constantly improving the recyclability of flexible packaging to further decrease packaging waste.
Are flexible packages more environmentally friendly than other types?
Yes, flexible packaging generally has a smaller environmental footprint than rigid options, as it requires fewer raw materials, is more energy-efficient to produce and transport, and results in lower CO₂ emissions. Its lightweight design supports lower resource consumption throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
What role does flexible packaging play in the circular economy?
Flexible packaging supports the circular economy by increasingly incorporating recyclable materials. "Design for Recycling" guidelines encourage the development of packaging that can be reintegrated into the production cycle after use.
How does flexible packaging contribute to reducing the CO₂ footprint?
With their lightweight and space-saving design, flexible packages require less energy for production and transport, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions compared to rigid glass or metal containers. Flexible packaging can be shipped in larger quantities, further reducing energy needs in logistics.
Can flexible packaging make more efficient use of resources than other packaging types?
Yes, flexible packaging uses less material than rigid alternatives and achieves high packaging efficiency, protecting the product effectively without excess material. This efficient use of resources helps minimize energy and raw material consumption.
How do flexible packages promote sustainable innovation?
Flexible packaging drives innovation in sustainable solutions. Manufacturers continuously invest in developing recyclable materials and improving production techniques to require less energy and water, supporting a more sustainable future.