{"id":12633,"date":"2024-05-17T14:48:11","date_gmt":"2024-05-17T13:48:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.palpack.co.uk\/?p=12633"},"modified":"2024-05-17T14:48:11","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T13:48:11","slug":"sustainable-packaging-how-automation-helps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.palpack.co.uk\/news\/sustainable-packaging-how-automation-helps\/","title":{"rendered":"Reducing packaging waste: the importance of sustainable packaging and how automation can help"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sustainable packaging is moving up the agenda. As we become more aware of our environmental impact and the need to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill, so customers are beginning to expect \u2013 even demand \u2013 sustainable packaging solutions.<\/p>\n

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From biodegradable wrapping to paper tape there are multiple options and, whilst the emphasis is on waste reduction, using sustainable packaging also brings other benefits such as reduced pollution, more efficient use of resources and enhanced brand reputation.<\/p>\n

What is sustainable packaging?<\/h2>\n

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition considers sustainable packaging to be: \u201can approach to the design, production, and distribution of packaged goods.\u201d It considers the impact of the entire packaging lifecycle, making it about more than just recyclability but also the sourcing and manufacturing of packaging materials.<\/p>\n

Why is sustainable packaging important?<\/h2>\n

Packaging fulfils several important roles, it protects goods during transportation, ensures perishables remain fresh and acts as advertising for brands. But plastic packaging has a significant impact on our environment. The world produces 141 million tonnes<\/a> of plastic packaging a year and in the UK, plastic packaging accounts for nearly 70% of our plastic waste. In addition, plastic production, use and disposal contributes about 1.8 billion tonnes of global carbon emissions annually.<\/p>\n

So, introducing more sustainable options has the potential to significantly lessen pollution levels by reducing resource consumption, waste generation and carbon emissions.<\/p>\n

And there are other benefits too. Using sustainable packaging can enhance a company\u2019s reputation and attract environmentally aware consumers as well as ensure compliance with the numerous regulations and policies designed to reduce packaging waste.<\/p>\n

These include the Packaging Waste Regulations 2007, Extended Producer Responsibilities, the UK Plastic Packaging Tax and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.<\/p>\n

How to reduce packaging waste in manufacturing
\nReducing the amount of packaging waste involves a number of approaches, from choosing more sustainable materials to avoiding over-packaging. Automation plays a big part; machines are more accurate and reliable than their human counterparts, precisely measuring and dispensing packaging materials, creating customised packaging solutions, reducing waste and maximising space. Let\u2019s take a look at how:<\/p>\n