Talking about packaging waste management means addressing continuously generated waste due to its very short lifespan. Most of these are packagings that are discarded as soon as products reach the company, leading to an accumulation of waste.
Packaging is one of the most polluting types of waste. The majority, due to its low cost, is made of plastic, which has dire consequences for the environment. Therefore, it has become a major concern for businesses.
Hence, many industries have started implementing improvements in their packaging waste management policies. The goal is to achieve waste reduction in packaging, thus giving a second life to the waste. Want to learn more about the topic? Keep reading!
Current Challenges in Packaging Waste Management
Speaking of packaging waste management, as mentioned earlier, means dealing with waste that is generated continuously. In the new millennium, it has gained increasing relevance globally. Here, we present the main challenges regarding sustainability in industrial packaging:
1. Investing in the transition to a sustainable future
Eco-friendly packaging practices have gained significant momentum in recent years, especially in the packaging industry. Packaging material can account for up to 80% of the total environmental impact of a product. Therefore, it is best to invest in sustainable materials. This way, you will reduce the carbon footprint on the environment.
2. Improving packaging recycling
According to global data, it is stated that the annual worldwide production of plastics since 1950 has increased to 380 million tons. Additionally, it is expected to double by 2035 and quadruple by 2050.
For this reason, all marketed packaging must be recyclable from now on. Among the strategies you can employ is educating your surroundings on the correct way to dispose of their waste.
Importance of Sustainability in Packaging
Recycling in the packaging industry is a key aspect of sustainability. The goal for all packaging industries should be to produce materials that are fully recyclable or reusable. This way, the environmental impact of packaged products can be minimized to the maximum extent.
With this type of packaging waste management, you will help reduce negative environmental footprint and climate impact. The benefits of sustainability in packaging include:
- Preserving natural resources.
- Avoiding single-use packaging materials ending up incinerated or in a landfill.
- Increasing innovation in design and manufacturing for more sustainable packaging.
Ultimately, reducing costs and increasing sales. Additionally, a packaging line with sustainable materials is associated with lower carbon consumption. By reducing the carbon footprint in your products, you demonstrate concern for the environment. Therefore, in addition to contributing to environmental policies, you enhance the reputation and image of your brand.
Strategies for Waste Reduction
There are many decisions you make in your daily life that have a significant impact on the planet. Therefore, your choices should be respectful and friendly towards it. Here are some sustainable packaging strategies that will have a lasting effect on the environment:
1. Advanced Recycling
Advanced recycling is an innovative way to help reduce plastic waste in the environment. This type of recycling can efficiently transform plastic waste into raw materials. Its main goal is to separate and collect recyclable materials for reuse.
2. Minimized Landfill Use
Smart waste management is another way to leverage technology to optimize and eliminate waste. This system allows you to monitor landfill conditions, gas levels, and temperature in real-time. Thus, you can prevent pollution and minimize environmental impact.
3. Waste Valorization
Through energy valorization, you can convert non-recyclable waste into energy. This can be for heat or electricity, for household or even industrial use. The most commonly used technologies for this purpose are waste incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis.
4. Waste Reduction through Design
The best waste is the one that is not generated! In other words, prevent waste production from the beginning, reduce the materials used in packaging. This way, you will favor their recyclability at the end of their lifespan.
Innovations in Eco-Friendly Packaging
One way to implement packaging waste management is to innovate in eco-friendly packaging. Three Japanese companies (Toray Industries, Mitsui, and Kumagai) have joined forces to create an innovative packaging material. This drastically reduces CO2 emissions and eliminates volatile organic compounds.
Usually, in traditional packaging material manufacturing, solvents based on petroleum are used. These not only consume energy but also release VOCs. However, this new model eliminates the need for solvents and uses a more energy-efficient manufacturing process. In addition to this innovative way of producing packaging, there are these other solutions:
- Reduction of single-use plastics.
- Minimalist packaging design, with fewer layers and materials.
- Eco-friendly inks and labels.
Finally, there are supermarkets replacing vegetable packaging made of expanded polystyrene, producing completely biodegradable packaging.
For example, DalterFood Group in Italy is using a biodegradable film made from waste from agricultural product processing. With this, they produce single-dose pouches for packing cheese. Undoubtedly, these are sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.
Selection of Sustainable Suppliers and Materials
The management of waste in industrial packaging has become a matter of great importance in all sectors. Therefore, you must choose your eco-friendly packaging suppliers and sustainable materials wisely. Here are some tips:
- Environmental criteria. Work with suppliers who have implemented environmentally friendly practices. Look for companies that have adopted environmental management systems.
- Transparency in the supply chain. Opt for suppliers that provide transparency in their supply chain, including information on raw materials and sourcing practices.
- Sustainable materials. Work with suppliers who use sustainable materials in their products, packaging, and packaging. This may include the use of recycled or biodegradable materials and avoiding materials harmful to the environment.
- Energy consumption. Energy consumption is an important factor to consider when choosing sustainable materials. The use of low-energy materials is one of the best indicators of sustainability.
Finally, study the impact of the material you are going to use on the ecosystem. We recommend that materials be native or regional. This way, you will contribute to increasing the self-sufficiency of systems and reducing transportation needs.
Choose Sustainable Packaging for Your Company
The purchase of sustainable packaging is key in packaging waste management in industries. Sustainable packaging has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional packaging. To improve waste management, reduce waste generation, use clean technologies, and raise awareness among those around you. Join a more sustainable future!
Contact BMS for Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions
Faced with the challenges of packaging waste management, it is crucial to partner with a provider committed to sustainable practices. At BMS, we are dedicated to offering eco-friendly packaging solutions that not only reduce environmental impact but also optimize efficiency and cost management in your company.
Contact BMS today to explore our innovative sustainable packaging solutions and discover how we can help you improve waste management, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance your brand image.
Together, we can make a significant difference towards a greener and more sustainable future!
