Reducing the impact on the environment by their packaging material is one of the biggest challenges that manufacturers of consumer products are facing. To promote awareness, companies seek to develop and implement good practices that start from the manufacturing process to involving the consumer in the correct final waste-disposal. For the flexible packaging industry, protecting the environment represents a great commitment with stakeholders, end consumers, and the world. Therefore, to address ecological concerns about plastic packaging, we present three important factors to take into account about good practices and responsibility
Use of Eco-friendly raw materials
Consumers are increasingly demanding that manufacturers use ecofriendly raw materials. As a consequence, the need for biodegradable materials with recycling and reusability possibilities is rising. An example is PETg, which is a widely used material for manufacturing packaging and labels. Packaging manufacturing companies use this component because it is reusable and for its shrinking properties. Using raw materials that help save the environment reveals responsibility and care.
Good practices for plastic packaging disposal
The impact of plastic packaging is a shared accountability of manufacturers and the end consumers. For this reason, companies seek to adopt good final disposal practices, and transmit them to the consumer through strategies such as: Involving the consumer in the production process and also promoting good final waste disposal practices. Companies can also lessen the impact through alliances with entities that comply with the certifications for responsible disposal. In addition, educational campaigns can be developed, especially through packaging with instructions aimed at the end user. These practices can significantly reduce the environmental impact by promoting recycling, reuse of materials and the transformation of waste into raw materials again. This could significantly impact consumer purchasing decisions.
Mechanisms that facilitate packaging removal for recycling
One of the difficulties for recycling and reusing some products is removing the label from the container or other components for their final disposal. In heat-shrink labels, for example, the separation system allows their removal from containers and lids to facilitate recycling after use. It consists of a perforated system instructed on the packaging which, in addition, eases the opening of the packaging besides allowing the correct disposal of waste after the product is consumed.
Promoting good practices from the production cycle to final disposal to minimize the environmental impact of plastic packaging generates a positive public image of responsibility with the environment. For a consumer who is increasingly demanding, informed, and responsible, this image is very attractive because it is aligned with their consumption habits and values. These practices, in turn, satisfy the growing need for safety and trust in the products we consume.