Sustainable packaging

Sustainable packaging is the development and use of packaging which results in improved sustainability. At the end stage of design it involves increased use of life cycle inventory (LCA/LCI) and life cycle assessment to help guide the use of packaging which reduces the environmental impact and ecological footprint, but in the very first steps requires a look at the whole of the supply chain: from basic function, to marketing, and then through to end of life (LCA) and rebirth. The goals are to improve the long term viability and quality of life for humans and the longevity of natural ecosystems. Sustainable packaging must meet the functional and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable packaging is a relatively new addition to the environmental considerations for packaging (see Packaging and labeling). It requires more analysis and documentation to look at the package design, choice of materials, processing, and life cycle. This is not just the vague "green movement" that many businesses and companies have been trying to include over the past years. Companies implementing these eco-friendly actions are reducing their carbon footprint, using more recycled materials, reusing more package components, etc. They often encourage suppliers, contract packagers, and distributors to do likewise.

Environmental marketing claims on packages need to be made (and read) with caution. Ambiguous titles such as green packaging and environmentally friendly can be confusing without specific definition. Some regulators, such as the US Federal Trade Commission, are providing guidance to packagers

Packagers have long been reusing and recycling packaging when economically viable. Using minimal packaging has also been a goal for packagers to help reduce costs. Recent years have accelerated these efforts based on social movements, consumer pressure, and regulation.

The international recycling symbol.

Criteria

The criteria for ranking packaging based on their sustainability is an active area of development: ASTM Committee D-10 on Packaging and the Institute of Packaging Professionals are currently experimenting with a rankings system. General guidance, metrics, checklists, and scorecards are being published by several groups.

Government, standards organizations, consumers, retailers , and packagers are considering several types of criteria.

The broad goals of sustainable packaging are:

1. Functional . - product protection, safety, regulatory compliance, etc
2. Cost effective - if it is too expensive, it is unlikely to be used
3. Support long-term human and ecological health

Specific factors for sustainable design of packaging may include:

• Use of minimal materials - reduced packaging, reduced layers of packaging, lower mass (product to packaging ratio), lower volume, etc.
• Logistics efficiency (through complete life cycle)- cube utilization, tare weight, enablement of efficient transportation, etc,
• Energy efficiency, total energy content and usage, use of renewable energy, etc
• Recycled content - as available and functional
• Recyclability - recovery value, use of materials which are frequently and easily recycled, reduction of materials which hinder recyclability of major components, etc
• Reusability of packaging - repeated reuse of package, reuse for other purposes, etc
• Use of renewable resources in packaging
• Use of biodegradable materials - when appropriate and do not cause contamination of the recycling stream
• Avoid the use of materials toxic to humans or the environment
• Effects on atmosphere/climate - ozone layer, greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane), volatile organic compounds, etc
• Water use, reuse, treatment, waste, etc
• etc

Benefits

Some aspects of environmentally sound packaging are required by regulators while others are decisions made by each packager. Investors, employees, management, and customers can influence corporate decisions and help set policies. When investors seek to purchase stock, companies known for their positive environmental policy can be attractive . Potential stockholders and investors see this as a solid decision: lower environmental risks lead to more capital at cheaper rates. Companies that highlight their environmental status to consumers, can boost sales as well as product reputation. Going green is often a sound investment that can pay off..

Costs

The process of engineering more environmentally acceptable packages can include consideration of the costs. Some companies claim that their environmental packaging program is cost effective. Some alternative materials that are recycled/recyclable and/or less damaging to the environment can lead to companies incurring increased costs. Though this is common when any product begins to carry the true cost of its production (producer pays, producer responsibility laws, take-back laws). There may be an expensive and lengthy process before the new forms of packaging are deemed safe to the public, and approval may take up to two years.. It is important to note here, that for most of the developed world, tightening legislation, and changes in major retailer demand (Walmart's Sustainable Packaging Scorecard for example) the question is no longer "if" products and packaging should become more sustainable, but how-to and how-soon to do it.

See also

• Bioplastics
• Cradle to cradle
• Industrial Ecology
• Packaging
• Sustainability metric and indices
• Waste management

Further reading

• Jedlicka, W, "Packaging Sustainability: Tools, Systems and Strategies for Innovative Package Design", (Wiley, 2008), ISBN 978-0470246696
• Selke, S, "Packaging and the Environment", 1994, ISBN 1566761042
• Soroka, W, "Fundamentals of Packaging Technology", IoPP, 2002, ISBN 1-930268-25-4\
• S.,Sterling, "Field Guide to Sustainable Packaging", 2008
• Stillwell, E. J, "Packaging for the Environment", A. D. Little, 1991, ISBN 0814450741
• Packaging Sustainability [[1]]