Sustainability is a priority for the packaging industry driven by the latest legislative changes and the increased demand for responsible packaging from brands and consumers. At Hispack, which will be held from May 7 to 10 at Fira de Barcelona's Gran Via venue, you will be able to see the latest advances in the sector to rethink packaging in a sustainable way.
To achieve the transition to the circular economy, the European Union has set the goal that, by 2030, 100% of the packaging marketed in the community must be recyclable. The reuse and reduction of packaging in circulation, especially plastic packaging, will also be promoted with specific objectives.
Key to achieving this will be: the use of new raw materials to manufacture packaging that reduces the carbon footprint. Ecodesign focused on recycling, reuse and reducing the use of materials. Life cycle analysis to evaluate the environmental impact of packaging from its production to its disposal. The use of more automated and efficient packaging manufacturing processes. And the collaboration of administrations, companies, entities and citizens so that the circularity of packaging works at full capacity.
Although plastic is in the spotlight, it is the predominant material in packaging due to its versatility and its properties that are difficult to replace in certain products. It is also the one that can have the most lives, as long as its recovery and recycling is properly managed. In this sense, alternatives based on bioplastics are growing. Meanwhile, the use of paper and cardboard is growing enormously, and new options are appearing to make containers and packaging more sustainable. Furthermore, companies are not only changing the packaging materials they use, but they are also renewing their design and production processes to minimize environmental impact. These are the responsible packaging that we are already seeing and that will become more widespread.
1. Biodegradable packaging
Made with materials from renewable sources that decompose naturally. Some can be compostable, that is, they become organic fertilizer in 180 days. Materials such as compostable paper and some bioplastics based on corn starch, sugar cane, plant waste or algae are gaining ground as alternatives to conventional plastic. Another material of this type is mushroom packaging with performance similar to polystyrene used to protect products.
Biodegradable packaging is being incorporated into the food industry, although its use has limitations due to its worse technical characteristics than plastic packaging. For example, they tolerate heat worse and are not able to resist thermal processes such as pasteurization. We also find them in garbage or shopping bags. The cosmetics industry is another industry that is joining this trend of biodegradable packaging.
2. Recyclable packaging
Recyclable packaging is designed to be collected, processed and reused in the manufacture of new packaging or other types of products. Materials such as cardboard, glass, aluminum and plastic are commonly used in recyclable packaging. Here it is worth highlighting the importance of selective collection and good waste management to recover practically all of the material to use it again as raw material.
3. Recycled packaging
Recycled packaging is made from recycled materials that have been transformed back into packaging solutions. The most used recycled materials are PET plastic, glass and paper.
4. Reusable packaging
Reusable packaging is a sustainable upward trend because it allows multiple circuits or rotations throughout the life cycle. Options such as glass bottles or jars, metal cans, cardboard boxes and plastic containers can be refilled or reused for the same purpose for which they were designed, without having to constantly throw them away. There are several initiatives, for example, containers to refill cleaning products or other liquids at home by purchasing refills. The use of bulk product dispensers in stores. It is a way to promote circular consumption.
5 . Edible packaging
Edible packaging is made with materials that can be consumed along with the product. Made from edible polymers such as algae or starch, these packaging solutions completely eliminate any waste. Plates, cutlery, glasses or bottles are already a packaging trend in hospitality.
Within edible packaging there would also be water-based conservation coatings that prolong, for example, the useful life of fruits and vegetables, maintaining their nutritional value, improving their appearance and reducing the use of plastics.
6. Paper pulp packaging
Also known as molded fiber packaging, they are made from cellulose pulp, recycled paper, or fast-growing plant fibers such as hemp or bamboo, which are molded into various shapes to protect products during transportation. This lightweight, biodegradable packaging solution offers excellent cushioning properties while minimizing environmental impact. It is widely used to package electronic products, fragile items and food.
7. Water-soluble packaging
Water-soluble packaging dissolves upon contact with water, eliminating the need for disposal and significantly reducing packaging waste. These films are usually made with materials such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or starch derivatives and are commonly used for packaging single doses in industries such as food, cosmetics, detergents and pharmaceuticals.
8. Minimalist packaging
Less is more. Reducing the use of materials. Lightness. Bet on monomaterials. Avoiding superfluous elements to avoid overpackaging is also sustainability and a way of transmitting brand values committed to the environment through packaging. Using ecodesign to maximize efficiency throughout the supply chain also helps reduce carbon emissions. The life cycle analysis technique gains importance to evaluate the environmental impact of packaging from its production to its disposal.
9. Active packaging
Active packaging is those that incorporate technologies and substances that interact with the product they contain to safely extend its useful life and quality. They are increasingly used in food, as they contribute to reducing food waste, which results in sustainability. They are also introduced in the cosmetic industry.
10. Smart packaging
It is the type of container or packaging that protects and informs about the product thanks to the incorporation of sensors and other technologies. Connected and intelligent packaging can add extra functionalities for the user, improving the user experience and communication with brands, preventing counterfeits, as well as monitoring product traceability in real time. This type of packaging favors sustainability because it optimizes logistics management and, as a consequence, reduces the environmental impact of transportation.
