Navigating Sustainable Packaging

High-speed packaging solutions are supporting advanced recyclable plastics that comply with new environmental standards. Image courtesy of Coesia North America.

Innovations in the Industry

By Jonathon Titterton, Chief Executive Officer of Coesia North America and R.A Jones Company

The packaging industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by regulatory pressures and increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions. This shift is motivating manufacturers to develop and adopt sustainable materials and technologies that not only meet these demands but also ensure operational efficiency.

Industry Trends and Needs

As sustainability becomes a crucial goal for businesses across all sectors, the packaging industry is no exception. Recent years have seen a surge in the development of sustainable packaging solutions, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. A notable trend is the move towards recyclable or reusable packaging, with many companies pledging to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.

According to a McKinsey report, products with ESG-related claims averaged 28 percent cumulative growth over the past five years, compared to 20 percent for products without such claims. This demonstrates the market’s strong response to sustainability initiatives.

One of the key innovations in this space is the use of mono-materials, particularly polyethylene (PE), which are fully recyclable and promote a circular economy. Compostable materials, like polylactic acid (PLA), are also gaining traction despite challenges related to their barrier properties and collection infrastructure. These materials are increasingly being used in flexible packaging, which generally has a smaller environmental footprint compared to rigid alternatives.

Regulatory Drivers and Consumer Demands

Consumer demand for sustainable packaging is growing, driven by heightened environmental awareness and regulatory pressures. Studies show that a significant percentage of consumers prioritize sustainability when choosing products. For instance, a recent survey by McKinsey found that 43 percent of consumers consider environmental impact an extremely or very important factor when making purchasing decisions. Moreover, 50 percent of consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable packaging, highlighting the economic potential for companies investing in green solutions.

The McKinsey report, “Sustainability in Packaging: US Survey Insights,” highlights that price, quality, and convenience remain the top buying criteria for US consumers, with environmental impact being a significant but lower-ranked factor. However, this varies significantly by demographics, with younger generations and urban residents placing more emphasis on sustainability. The report also notes that hygiene, food safety, and shelf life are the most critical characteristics consumers seek in packaging.

Regulatory initiatives are also pushing companies to innovate. The European Union has set ambitious targets, requiring all plastic packaging to be recyclable by 2030. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency aims to increase the recycling rate of municipal solid waste to 50 percent by 2030. The EPA’s National Recycling Strategy focuses on improving markets for recycling commodities, increasing collection, reducing contamination, enhancing policies, and standardizing measurements. These regulations are compelling manufacturers to explore new materials and technologies that can meet sustainability goals.

Significant strides are being made in the field of sustainable packaging, demonstrating how innovation and strategic partnerships can drive the industry toward more eco-friendly practices. Image courtesy of Coesia North America.

Innovations in Sustainable Packaging

Through careful retooling and engineering, the heat-sealing technology required to seal a package properly at accurate temperature controls without damaging the sustainable films and maintaining production speed is now available for ultra-high-speed pouching machinery, making it a game-changer in the industry. Now, CPGs with high volume production looking to make their plastic recycling targets next year have a proven solution for current and new packaging equipment that can contribute to improving their OEE and greater energy savings.

Plastic remains a challenge to replace, particularly for liquid dairy products, but it can still be part of a sustainable solution when used responsibly. High-speed packaging solutions are supporting advanced recyclable plastics that comply with new environmental standards. For most products, these technologies excel at utilizing sustainable materials without compromising production efficiency.

Additionally, glue-free, 100% recyclable paperboard wrap-around cartons offer a significant sustainability advantage, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic packaging solutions. This enhances sustainability in dairy packaging by reducing plastic use and promoting recyclability.

Testing facilities play a critical role in validating the performance of new materials under real-world conditions. These labs allow manufacturers to simulate actual production environments, ensuring that sustainable materials can be integrated seamlessly into existing packaging processes. Rigorous testing helps in fine-tuning the materials and processes to meet operational and environmental standards.

Setting New Benchmarks

Significant strides are being made in the field of sustainable packaging, demonstrating how innovation and strategic partnerships can drive the industry toward more eco-friendly practices.

One recent collaboration has enhanced machine features to support the use of sustainable materials while maintaining high-speed production. This development includes an advanced heat-sealing technology designed to handle heat-sensitive recyclable materials efficiently, showcasing the potential for combining sustainability with operational efficiency.

More and more initiatives have focused on testing and validating eco-friendly paper-based packaging materials, aiming to bridge the gap between material innovation and practical application. By ensuring that new sustainable papers meet the operational requirements of modern packaging lines, this effort highlights the importance of adapting to new materials without compromising on performance. Dedicated testing facilities play a crucial role in this process, offering a state-of-the-art environment for rigorous testing under real-world conditions.

Such partnerships are rooted in a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. As the packaging industry increasingly moves toward environmentally friendly solutions, the collaboration between material experts and packaging technology providers ensures that these new materials can be effectively integrated into existing production processes. This collaborative approach is essential for advancing the industry and setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices.

Innovation and Collaboration

Innovations in sustainable packaging are crucial for meeting both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. By developing advanced materials and technologies, the packaging industry is moving towards more eco-friendly solutions. Investment in research and development is key to ensuring that sustainable packaging can be seamlessly integrated into production processes, thus setting new industry standards.

Strategic partnerships and rigorous testing play a vital role in driving the industry towards a more sustainable future. By focusing on continuous improvement and adaptation, companies within the sector are helping to ensure that eco-friendly solutions are both practical and efficient.

The packaging industry is at a pivotal moment, driven by the need for sustainability and the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Prioritizing sustainability not only reduces environmental impact but also offers a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The shift toward sustainable packaging is gaining momentum, and those who embrace it are positioned to shape a greener future while benefiting from a conscious consumer base.

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About the Author

Jonathon Titterton is the Chief Executive Officer of Coesia North America and R.A Jones Company, with over 30 years of experience within the Packaging Industry working with customers such as General Mills, Anheuser-Busch, Miller Brewing, P&G, Kraft-Heinz, and Kelloggs. Jonathon started his career as a mechanical engineer, moved into sales, product management then general management before moving into a CEO role. For more information about R.A Jones’ new flexible film trial offering for material suppliers on its Pouch King machinery, or to learn more about its high-speed pouching equipment, please visit rajones.com.