Avoid Packaging Empty Space! | Aylesbury Box Company
Our consumer society depends on packaging for the distribution of goods. We couldn’t operate without it, yet it is important that packaging is not wasteful.
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Avoid Packaging Empty Space!

Aylesbury Box Company / Environmental Packaging  / Avoid Packaging Empty Space!
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8th July 2020 In Environmental Packaging By Catherine

Avoid Packaging Empty Space!

Packaging is essential for society, yet it is one of the visible signs of our wasteful society. It is essential to find ways in which the economy can grow without increasing environmental damage.

This was the over-arching message that was shared in Unwrapping the Future of Sustainable Packaging – a Politico event in collaboration with FEFCO on Monday. The hour-long discussion explored how the reduction of packaging, along with packaging reuse and recycling needs to be addressed by policymakers, manufacturers, the packaging industry, retailers and consumers.

Reduction of Packaging

Our consumer society depends on packaging for the distribution of goods. We couldn’t operate without it, yet it is important that packaging is not wasteful. Using the same standard boxes, bags, envelopes etc for every delivery is rarely the best economical or environmental solution. The speakers suggested that most companies are packaging 25% empty space.

In the discussion, the panel agreed that manufacturers, retailers and packaging companies need to work collaboratively to create fit-for-purpose packaging. In some cases, using raw materials or plastic may be necessary, yet the decision is made as an exception, rather than the norm.

Bespoke packaging should be designed to minimise the materials used, without compromising protection and presentation. If recycled materials can be used, they should.

Corrugated cardboard and carton board is made from 89% recycled material, making it a successful example of the circular economy in action. By optimising cardboard packaging design, manufacturers and retailers can play a part in reducing packaging waste.

Packaging Reuse

To reduce waste and the use of raw materials, packaging design should factor in reuse. This part of the process is often overlooked, yet there are opportunities for innovative approaches to have a positive environmental impact.

How could changes to packaging design encourage reuse along the supply chain? Are there different options for opening and resealing packaging to enable returns to be sent in the same box or bag? Could printed templates or perforations encourage creative reuse?

Aylesbury Box Company is working with several companies to explore solutions that promote packaging reuse. Our packaging design team have expertise in cardboard engineering, print and finishes, which can be an invaluable contribution when making ideas reality.

Packaging Recycling Targets

Countries across Europe have committed to a policy that by 2030, all packaging must be recyclable. If you plan to ship goods to the EU in 10 years, you will need to plan ahead.

At present 92% of corrugated cardboard and carton board is returned, with the majority of fibres being made into new boxes.

In the discussions, it was stated that packaging design should facilitate, not hinder, recycling. Ease of recycling is dependent on less complex designs. This translates as the use of a single recyclable material whenever possible. When multiple materials are necessary, these should be minimised and be simple to separate.

For the recycling target to have a positive impact, there is also a need for consistent recycling services in every town, city, region and country, leading to great variation. At present, local councils are largely responsible for waste management, but one suggestion raised was enforcing producers to contribute. This could help to motivate improved packaging design, as well as funding improvements to collection and processing facilities.

Innovative Packaging Design

The point was raised that design teams can be highly creative in producing visually attractive packaging. Going forward, this same creative flair should be channelled into reducing, reusing and recycling packaging (in that order). The right approach can shift consumer behaviour.

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There is an understanding that packaging has to tick many boxes:

  • Adequately protective to minimise the risk of damage to goods
  • Complying with legislation – such as the 2030 fully recyclable packaging policy
  • Meeting health & safety and other regulations specific to products being shipped
  • Suitability for warehousing, shipping, storage and related logistics
  • Presenting goods in ways which enhance the perception of the product
  • Shelf appeal to encourage consumer purchases

Even with all of these considerations, there is potential to create sustainable packaging solutions.

Aylesbury Box Company is here if your company currently packs empty space or relies on overly complex product packaging. We have helped many companies to switch from plastic to cardboard packaging and to explore packaging reuse. If sustainable packaging is on your agenda, get in touch on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.

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