What is driving the demand for circular packaging systems?

What is driving the demand for circular packaging systems?

Circularity is more than just a buzzword. All over the world, companies are looking at how they can keep materials in use for as long as possible while minimising waste, with the goal of  creating a closed-loop system where resources are reused or recycled rather than being discarded or ending up in landfill. 

In the packaging industry, circularity can take many forms, but some of the main examples include reusable packaging that can be used multiple times, such as refillable bottles or containers, recyclable packaging made from materials that can be recycled and turned into new products, such as glass, aluminium or paper, and biodegradable materials, which are designed to break down naturally, reducing waste and pollution. Added to this, technologies such as blockchain can enable greater transparency and traceability in the supply chain, making it easier to track the origin and end-of-life of packaging materials and ensure they are properly reused or sustainably disposed of.

A recent packaging industry report took a look at key trends in packaging design and materials, highlighting the growing importance of circularity in the packaging industry. Here are some of the key takeaways:

  • Consumer demand for sustainable packaging is a key driver of circular packaging systems, with many willing to pay more for packaging that is environmentally friendly. Despite this, 75% of consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies continue to use hard-to-recycle plastic, but many are considering shifts to more sustainable materials, such as paperboard, over the next ten years. 
  • The top three materials that are predicted to increase in use are compostables, flexible pouches and recycled content. 
  • Key policy considerations will include extended producer responsibility (EPR), or shifting responsibility for end-of-life disposal to manufacturers, standardisation of recycling, composting, and other recovery definitions and increased investment into emerging science and data driving more effective packaging design and waste management. 

 

Nissha Metallizing Solutions is the leading global manufacturer of environmentally friendly metallized packaging products. To find out how we can help you get ahead of your sustainability goals, drop us a line!