The packaging industry, like just about every other sector of the economy, has faced significant challenges to be more eco-friendly with its products and processes. But how it can go about that successfully has been up for debate.
While there is much agreement that using substances and materials that contain polluting chemicals is best avoided, doing this while keeping food fresh is a challenge. At the same time, even if sustainable packaging is used, the advantages of doing so can be squandered if it is not disposed of in the right way to enable it to be recycled.
Recyclable paper cups, for example, can be a perfect material for cold drinks. But any that are taken off the premises may end up in general waste or even littering the streets, rather than being dutifully placed in paper recycling bins. However, if the packaging is reusable rather than for single use, could such wastage be averted?
In an article on the topic of reusable packaging, Green Biz acknowledges that there are differing views on the question; it highlighted two “conflicting reports” recently published on the topic.
Nonetheless, the site said it is following with interest a range of innovations in this area, including food packaging and cold storage.
One snag, however, is that the developments it has highlighted are still using forms of non-organic synthetic materials, rather than paper or cardboard, so it is not fully biodegradable. It might be that items can be reused, but the eventual disposal problem remains.
Another possible consideration is that for items like paper, the chances of damage such as tearing, staining from the food or drink and other blemishes will render the packaging unfit for use. All this suggests that paper-based packaging will remain for single use only.Therefore, it seems the best solution to waste remains to increase recycling. Last year, recycling firm QCR highlighted the fact that only around two-thirds of paper and cardboard packaging is recycled. There is clearly an awful lot that can be done to improve this.
