Future of Packaging

INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION BY RACONTEUR.NET #0686 18/09/2020 FUTURE OF PACKAGING

CHANGING ATTITUDES BUSTING COMMON WILL REFILLS EVER 03 TO SUSTAINABILITY 06 PACKAGING MYTHS 16 GO MAINSTREAM?

Making a label.averydennison.com Material Difference INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION BY RACONTEUR.NET #0000 00/00/2020 RACONTEUR.NET 03

FUTURE OF SUSTAINABILITY PACKAGING COVID crisis puts Distributed in sustainability in focus What if Published in association with As health and safety becomes consumers’ top concern, some fear the food packaging were coronavirus may have halted sustainable packaging’s progress carbon neutral?

Jim McClelland concerns, however, there are still Contributors ways to level up the safety and sus- re-pandemic, packaging tainability equation a little, for Oliver Balch Sarah Dawood P was on a roll. The global instance by optimising use of recy- Journalist specialising Journalist and former market value in 2019 was cled content, says Dales. “Companies in sustainability, deputy editor at Design $917 billion, according to research that survive this challenging dec- business and travel, and Week, covering the by Smithers, with forecasts it would ade will manage to balance these

author of travelogues on creative industries, design Shutterstock via Shyntartanya South America, India and the public sector. top the one-trillion mark by 2024. elements sufficiently, but those that and Wales. As the climate emergency loomed want to excel should lead from a ‘sus- Mark Hillsdon large in the minds of consum- tainability-first’ perspective to have Olivia Gagan Contributor to titles such ers, numbers for environmentally the greatest positive impact and odds Journalist writing about as The Guardian and responsible options were strong too. of success,” she says. energy, sustainability BBC Countryfile, writing and culture for titles on topics including A YouGov survey last year found Following the upheavals of lock- including The Times, The sustainability, wildlife, half of UK shoppers were willing to down, the packaging industry is New York Times and Time health and sport. pay more for sustainable packaging. also dealing with disruption of a Out London. So how has the coronavirus changed different kind as restrictions ease. Jim McClelland the game? In general, according So, for instance, pubs and bars reo- Marcus Lawrence Sustainable futurist, Journalist, content speaker and writer, to Nicholas Mockett, partner at pening have thrown up new pack- specialist, and specialising in the built Moorgate Capital, most packaging aging-related changes in consumer former editor of B2B environment, corporate manufacturers have seen strong sales behaviour, motivated by hygiene publications including social responsibility and during the pandemic, which augurs considerations, says Adrian Curry, CSO Magazine, Business ecosystem services. well for funding and finance. managing director of Encirc, a mar- Chief and Energy Digital. Peter Yeung “Investors do not invest if there is no heightened the risk factor associated The evidence from waste man- ket leader in container glass. Rich McEachran Award-winning journalist prospect of a return on investment. with anything arriving at your door. agement is also that the pandemic “Our research with YouGov showed Journalist covering tech, with a background in Fortunately for packaging, the vital In response, a new logistics lan- has forced packaging companies to people choosing glass bottles over startups and innovation, social anthropology, role it plays in supply chains, as evi- guage emerged, explains Amelia speed up decisions on sustainable pint glasses. Some 60 per cent of writing for The Guardian, featured in The Guardian, denced by the robust performance Dales, business development man- solutions and bolster their green UK adults say they’re more cautious The Telegraph and Wired and the BBC. Professional Engineering. during COVID-19, suggests investor ager at Garçon Wines. “Contactless credentials. But again this view about drinking from reusable glasses appetite will be sustained,” he says. delivery is now a term that has carries a caveat, according to Roger due to fears around contamination Inevitably, there have been win- become part of our vocabulary and Wright, waste strategy and packag- and four in ten people are more likely ners and losers. It has been boom has allowed many who have had ing manager at Biffa. to choose glass-bottled beverages time for ecommerce, including the to self-isolate to access everyday “Hygiene and sustainability are by than before lockdown,” says Curry. “recommerce” market for previ- household essentials safely.” no means mutually exclusive; the By contrast, another example of a ously owned, new or used goods, Sustainable packaging pioneers able bigger challenge for businesses will potential trade-off between safety plus online shopping and direct-to- to adapt to these new criteria are pros- be controlling costs,” he says. and sustainability sees consum- consumer models. Demand for med- pering, including Garçon Wines that Safety and sustainability are not ers wanting coffee shops to resume ical packaging is atypically high, for has seen unprecedented demand for always an easy match though. Terms serving in reusable cups, despite Publishing manager Head of production obvious reasons, plus food provision its contactless supply of climate and such as “single use” and “plastic” hygiene issues. Oliver Collins Hannah Smallman for people staying home to eat, espe- letterbox-friendly flat wine bottles. have become red-flag badges of dis- Furthermore, in a sign of confidence cially takeaway meals, has seen a “COVID-19 has redefined sus- honour for a Blue Planet generation in sustainable packaging returning, Associate editor Design spike in unit sales. tainability,” says Kaushal Shah, of shoppers. TerraCycle launched its zero-waste Peter Archer Sara Gelfgren Kellie Jerrard All these uplifts in end-user founder and chief executive of sus- The fear among environmental- refillable UK shopping pilot, in July, Deputy editor Harry Lewis-Irlam demand bring with them opportuni- tainable papers specialist envoPAP. ists is that a reactionary shift back in collaboration with Tesco. Francesca Cassidy Celina Lucey ties for transit packaging and whole- Fundamentally, though, the sce- to a more risk-averse mindset post- With existing operations in the Colm McDermott sale business happening along the nario remains simple. “Consumers’ COVID might see more packaging, United States and France, Loop had Managing editor Samuele Motta supply chain. current top priorities are staying particularly plastic, not less, with delayed its original start date due to Benjamin Chiou Jack Woolrich On the downside, volumes in heav- healthy and spending as little as the excess meaning more resource COVID, but is now pressing ahead,

Digital content executive Art director ily impacted market sectors, such as possible. The real challenge is to consumption, CO2 and waste, and with major brands, from Heinz to Taryn Brickner Joanna Bird air travel, tourism and hospitality, deliver a truly sustainable packag- less sustainability. Nivea, signed up. plus some high street retail, notably ing product that ticks both boxes,” Even with single-use solu- Reusables also received a signif- Design director fashion, have sadly been hit hard. adds Shah. tions designed to assuage hygiene icant show of support when more Tim Whitlock Where then does this leave sus- than 125 health experts from 19 Go nature. tainable packaging? The more countries signed a statement with eco-conscious end of the general Greenpeace USA assuring retailers Although this publication is funded through advertising and of global consumers agree consumer market has held up sur- and consumers such packaging is sponsorship, all editorial is without bias and sponsored features that manufacturers should are clearly labelled. For an upcoming schedule, partnership prisingly well, even advanced in be obliged to help with the safe during COVID-19. Go carton. inquiries or feedback, please call +44 (0)20 3877 3800 or some cases. recycling and reuse of the Ultimately, then, the message from email [email protected] Data from more than 40,000 con- packaging they produce clients is sustainability will be the Raconteur is a leading publisher of special-interest content and % sumers in 23 countries, collected 80 number-one priority for the future research. Its publications and articles cover a wide range of topics, Food packaging plays a critical role in getting food safely to consumers around the world. But it can also cause by global intelligence platform of packaging, even or perhaps espe- including business, finance, sustainability, healthcare, lifestyle and problems for the planet. What if all food packaging came from plant-based materials and didn’t impact the technology. Raconteur special reports are published exclusively in Streetbees, reveals 35 per cent of cially, in a post-pandemic world, The Times and The Sunday Times as well as online at raconteur.net people worldwide have changed says Dr Tim Breker, co-founder and climate? At Tetra Pak, we already have paper-based carton packages with reduced climate impact. But we won’t said in May they had are likely to avoid The information contained in this publication has been obtained their sustainability habits, since the managing director of reusable pack- purchased products products that have a stop there. Our aim is to create cartons made solely from plant-based materials that are fully renewable, fully from sources the Proprietors believe to be correct. However, end of May, for the better. that are packaged lot of packaging within aging-as-a-service pioneer VYTAL. no legal liability can be accepted for any errors. No part of this Naturally, the question of hygiene 20% 57% “Reusable packaging and circu- recyclable and carbon neutral. It’s all part of our journey to deliver the world’s most sustainable food package. using hygienic the next year, to limit publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the shot up the consumer agenda, espe- packaging their contribution to lar-economy models are increasing Publisher. © Raconteur Media cially in the early days of lockdown climate change in importance. Hygiene is a given, Learn more at www.tetrapak.co.uk/choosecartons when fears about the virus sur- whereas sustainability is a differen- @raconteur /raconteur.net @raconteur_london viving on materials and surfaces Ipsos 2020 tiating criterion for consumers.”

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187921_TetraPak_GNGC_Ad_Inuit_Raconteur_264x338_UK.indd 1 09/09/2020 13.29 04 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 05 Commercial feature

TAXATION What to expect from the new plastic tax Need for more DeymosHR via Shutterstock via DeymosHR As the UK’s levels of virgin plastic transparency drives continue to rise, a bold new tax could Nick Fewings via Unsplash sustainable innovation be the solution, but Consumers are demanding more transparency over the implementing it to replace single-use plastic Three companies’ environmental footprint of the products they consume, will not be without plastic pledges carrier bags with compostable alternatives, removing around driving a growing movement towards sustainable packaging difficulties Coca Cola 40 million single-use plastic By 2025, Coca-Cola has pledged bags from circulation. By the to ensure its packaging is 100 end of 2021, it has pledged to per cent recyclable and that at make 100 per cent of its own least 50 per cent of the content brand packaging easy to recycle, of its plastic bottles comes from a move which will be facilitated ransparency, a concept recycled content, with an aim by the rollout of the UK’s largest already gaining ground before Peter Yeung T to achieve 100 per cent in the scheme to recycle plastic film, the pandemic, has been galva- future. Coca-Cola in western and to use a minimum of 50 per nised by the rapid spread of the corona- ith more than five million Europe is set to reach 50 per cent recycled plastic in food virus, showing just how quickly change W tonnes of materials pro- cent recycled content in 2023, packaging, bottles, tubs and trays. can be implemented if the need arises. cessed every year and a two years earlier than its stated Consumers are also increasingly combined turnover of £19 billion, the goal. The Honest, Glaceau Mattel demanding transparency, with 70 UK is one of the top five processors of Smartwater and Chaudfontaine Toy manufacturer Mattel has set per cent saying trust in a brand is plastics in the European Union. But brands have already transitioned the goal of achieving 100 per cent more important now than in the past, the majority of plastic packaging, to 100 per cent recycled plastic. recycled, recyclable or bio-based according to research by Edelman. which accounted for 44 per cent of the It has worked to remove all plastic materials in its products As consumers learn more about how UK’s plastic use in 2017, is made from unnecessary or hard-to-recycle and packaging by 2030. It has packaging waste, especially plastics, virgin rather than recycled plastic. plastic through lightweighting looked to adopt pioneering, ends up in landfills and oceans, they In March 2018, the government and the removal of all secondary sustainable materials such as the want to know and understand where announced it will introduce a plas- packaging made from plastic. sugarcane-based plastics used in products came from and what their tic packaging tax aimed at reducing its Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and environmental footprint is. the environmental impact of the two The Co-op Baby’s First Blocks toys, which also Conscious consumers are increasingly million tonnes of plastic packaging The Co-op supermarket chain come packaged in 100 per cent aware of a product’s journey and the need to understand the environmental foot- companies, forward-thinking suppli- used each year. Coming into effect has committed to only using recycled or sustainably sourced to move from a linear to a circular econ- print and be able to trace the prove- ers and manufacturers, as well as other from April 2022, plastic packaging 100 per cent recyclable plastic material. Currently, Mattel uses 25 omy, whereby products are designed nance and journey, in detail, of the prod- capability and technology enablers. produced in, or imported into the packaging where it helps reduce per cent recycled material within to be reused, recycled or composted. ucts they buy,” says Renae Kezar, global “The ecosystem is much broader UK, which does not contain at least food waste and extends longevity. most of its plastic packaging and Sustainable innovation is required in the senior director and head of sustainabil- than people think,” says Hassan Rmaile, 30 per cent recycled plastic, will be In November 2018, the Co-op the company says it is actively packaging industry to enable a truly circu- ity at Avery Dennison. “But embedding vice president and general manager subject to a levy of £200 a tonne. became the first UK retailer working to increase this figure. lar economy, and ultimately regenerative transparency also serves to unlock more at Avery Dennison, Europe, Middle Given that virgin plastic is esti- practices, to be achieved. effective decision-making for busi- East and North Africa. “Breaking new mated to be around £500 a tonne A recent report by Avery Dennison, nesses, increasing their resilience. ground in sustainability requires us all cheaper, the new tax is intended to encouraging investment in the create more jobs and better infra- Barry Turner, director of the BPF titled The New Transparency, under- “Materials will play a key role in achiev- to expand our idea of our ecosystem create an economic incentive for domestic recycling infrastructure structure in the recycling industry.” Plastics and Flexible Packaging of £50 a tonne in 2017 to more lines the importance of transparency as ing a transparent circular economy. In and adopt 360-degree thinking, with businesses to use recycled material, and incentivising greener product Duret believes a “gradual, incre- Group, considers this a major prob- than £400 in 2019. However, when Over a powerful tool capable of giving busi- the packaging sector, the circular-econ- the understanding that game-changing stimulating demand and increasing design and resource security. mental increase” above the current lem. Unlike the rest of Europe, most these costs are modelled for large nesses unprecedented control over omy model handles all stages of a prod- ideas can come from anywhere. rates of recycling collection, shift- “It’s a good start,” says Tim Duret, targeted amount of recycled plastic councils in the UK do not collect all When you have a business that and mid-sized businesses, it is their supply chains and environmen- uct life cycle: design, production, dis- “The biggest change we see is we are ing away from damaging landfill or technology and organics director packaging should be rolled out over plastic packaging from consumers operates on very small margins, calculated that for every £1,000 a tal footprint, while offering consumers tribution and use, but also its ‘afterlife’. not alone in thinking this way anymore. incineration processes. for Veolia UK and Ireland, a leading time, pointing to the example of PET and businesses. As a result, Turner company was spending on plastic 2m increased visibility, safety and education. “Considering sustainability and even More often than not, we are approached Research by Imperial College recycling and waste management (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic says, the UK has an underinvested either the company will go out compliance in 2017, they are now tonnes of plastic packaging It outlines ways businesses can striving for regenerative business by brand owners that come to us, as the London estimates that if it is trans- company. “The plastic packaging bottles, which can already be made waste management infrastructure of business or the cost will be spending more than £8,000. used each year offer a higher level of trust, including models from the start of the cycle market leader, for a labelling solution ferred to households by packag- tax could be a key incentive. It will entirely from recycled material. But and is highly dependent on exporting “When you have a business that through digital identities, tracing and means designing materials to take into which meets their sustainability goals. ing producers, the cost of the plas- create a more circular economy and key to that growth will be invest- its plastic waste and importing qual- passed on to the consumer operates on very small margins, sustainable materials, within four cate- account resource efficiency, reuse and “As trailblazers for regeneration and tic packaging tax would be around will drive manufacturers to more ment. “The UK needs better recy- ity recyclate to meet domestic needs. either the company will go out of gory-specific microtrends: blockchain recycling, and avoiding use of critical or innovators in the labels and packaging 16p a week per household, while eco packaging designs. It will also cling infrastructure,” he adds He says to ensure the success of business or the cost will be passed and analytical technologies, labelling, toxic materials.” industry, we aim to delight our con- the plastic packaging tax, whose on to the consumer,” says Harding 44% packaging and secondary waste. Avery Dennison is a global materials sumers on all fronts with advanced consultation concluded last Brown. “They need to identify their “First and foremost, consumers are science company that specialises in materials, design, aesthetics, experi- month, the UK must reinvest the liabilities and optimise where possi- demanding this information; they want the design and manufacture of labelling ence, sustainability and technology. PLASTIC TAXES POPULAR FOR TACKLING WASTE income to guarantee it has the ble. There’s a storm coming.” of all the plastic used in the and functional materials. Its engineering “While serious strides have been made capacity to collect and process all those applications where regulatory Despite these caveats, it is widely UK is for packaging solutions are sustainable in their own already, the future is coming fast and Share of consumers who think the following would be effective at reducing the problems caused by non-recylable packaging plastic. “Not all councils collect restrictions prevent it being used,” thought the plastic packaging tax right and improve the sustainability of change is a constant. We always aspire pots and trays and very few collect he adds. “They should be exempted.” will revolutionise the UK’s recy- any value chain they’re part of. to be at the forefront. Whether it’s pack- film,” he says. Industry experts agree that while cling industry. “The problem with The organisation’s intelligent labels, aging that vanishes, easily enters the cir- Higher taxes on supermarkets and shops 48% According to Turner, the tax could the plastic packaging tax is likely recycled plastics is that virgin plas- for example, offer the potential for cular economy, is digitally connected or using a lot of non-recyclable packaging 67% also, due to regulatory, supply, quality to improve long-term sustainabil- tic has tended to be less expensive,” huge gains in sustainability by enabling has longevity through upcycling, brands Government investment far more efficient supply chains and must be prepared and embrace new % or functional constraints, result in an ity, manufacturers will also require says Dr Teresa Domenech, lecturer to improve recycling 46 extra cost to business of £300 million significant preparation to adjust in in industrial ecology at University better communication with consum- technologies, materials and sustainable of all plastic waste comes As trailblazers a year, given that, for example, recy- time. David Harding Brown, chief College London. “But this tax ers about proper recycling and food- designs as they become available.” The government “naming and from packaging for regeneration shaming” bad businesses 43% cled plastic is banned for uses includ- executive of ecoVeritas, a packag- should make secondary plastics waste management. ing pharmaceutical packaging. He ing compliance provider that has more attractive.” Gov.uk 2019 and innovators The continued advance of sustaina- Read Avery Dennison’s report Taxing non-recyclables 38% claims this cost applies to 26 per cent around 70 UK clients, says that com- There is a risk materials other ble innovation in the packaging indus- on The New Transparency at of the weight of all plastic packaging panies that don’t adapt could go to than recycled plastics could in the labels and try relies on engagement and collab- label.averydennison.com/transparency Fines for households that in use and around 70 per cent of all the wall as compliance costs rise. be incentivised, according to packaging industry, oration across the whole ecosystem, do not recycle enough 21% the items sold by grocery outlets. Packaging recovery note charges, Domenech, or that recycled plastics targets could be exceeded. “It will from initial choice of materials and “What the tax will do is provide the compliance fees companies will be imported from other coun- take time and investment to reach we aim to delight design of packaging and labelling solu- Public info campaign 20% an incentive to use recycled con- must pay towards the collection tries rather than being produced in the targets, but you could reach our consumers on tions, right through to a product’s tent where it is not being used; what and disposal of plastic packaging the UK. But if the correct system is even higher levels of recycled mate- afterlife. Avery Dennison engages with Ipsos 2019 it wont do is enable it to be used in waste, have risen from an average in place, she believes the recycling rial in the future,” she concludes. all fronts venture startups, brands, recycling 04 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 05 Commercial feature

TAXATION What to expect from the new plastic tax Need for more DeymosHR via Shutterstock via DeymosHR As the UK’s levels of virgin plastic transparency drives continue to rise, a bold new tax could Nick Fewings via Unsplash sustainable innovation be the solution, but Consumers are demanding more transparency over the implementing it to replace single-use plastic Three companies’ environmental footprint of the products they consume, will not be without plastic pledges carrier bags with compostable alternatives, removing around driving a growing movement towards sustainable packaging difficulties Coca Cola 40 million single-use plastic By 2025, Coca-Cola has pledged bags from circulation. By the to ensure its packaging is 100 end of 2021, it has pledged to per cent recyclable and that at make 100 per cent of its own least 50 per cent of the content brand packaging easy to recycle, of its plastic bottles comes from a move which will be facilitated ransparency, a concept recycled content, with an aim by the rollout of the UK’s largest already gaining ground before Peter Yeung T to achieve 100 per cent in the scheme to recycle plastic film, the pandemic, has been galva- future. Coca-Cola in western and to use a minimum of 50 per nised by the rapid spread of the corona- ith more than five million Europe is set to reach 50 per cent recycled plastic in food virus, showing just how quickly change W tonnes of materials pro- cent recycled content in 2023, packaging, bottles, tubs and trays. can be implemented if the need arises. cessed every year and a two years earlier than its stated Consumers are also increasingly combined turnover of £19 billion, the goal. The Honest, Glaceau Mattel demanding transparency, with 70 UK is one of the top five processors of Smartwater and Chaudfontaine Toy manufacturer Mattel has set per cent saying trust in a brand is plastics in the European Union. But brands have already transitioned the goal of achieving 100 per cent more important now than in the past, the majority of plastic packaging, to 100 per cent recycled plastic. recycled, recyclable or bio-based according to research by Edelman. which accounted for 44 per cent of the It has worked to remove all plastic materials in its products As consumers learn more about how UK’s plastic use in 2017, is made from unnecessary or hard-to-recycle and packaging by 2030. It has packaging waste, especially plastics, virgin rather than recycled plastic. plastic through lightweighting looked to adopt pioneering, ends up in landfills and oceans, they In March 2018, the government and the removal of all secondary sustainable materials such as the want to know and understand where announced it will introduce a plas- packaging made from plastic. sugarcane-based plastics used in products came from and what their tic packaging tax aimed at reducing its Fisher-Price Rock-a-Stack and environmental footprint is. the environmental impact of the two The Co-op Baby’s First Blocks toys, which also Conscious consumers are increasingly million tonnes of plastic packaging The Co-op supermarket chain come packaged in 100 per cent aware of a product’s journey and the need to understand the environmental foot- companies, forward-thinking suppli- used each year. Coming into effect has committed to only using recycled or sustainably sourced to move from a linear to a circular econ- print and be able to trace the prove- ers and manufacturers, as well as other from April 2022, plastic packaging 100 per cent recyclable plastic material. Currently, Mattel uses 25 omy, whereby products are designed nance and journey, in detail, of the prod- capability and technology enablers. produced in, or imported into the packaging where it helps reduce per cent recycled material within to be reused, recycled or composted. ucts they buy,” says Renae Kezar, global “The ecosystem is much broader UK, which does not contain at least food waste and extends longevity. most of its plastic packaging and Sustainable innovation is required in the senior director and head of sustainabil- than people think,” says Hassan Rmaile, 30 per cent recycled plastic, will be In November 2018, the Co-op the company says it is actively packaging industry to enable a truly circu- ity at Avery Dennison. “But embedding vice president and general manager subject to a levy of £200 a tonne. became the first UK retailer working to increase this figure. lar economy, and ultimately regenerative transparency also serves to unlock more at Avery Dennison, Europe, Middle Given that virgin plastic is esti- practices, to be achieved. effective decision-making for busi- East and North Africa. “Breaking new mated to be around £500 a tonne A recent report by Avery Dennison, nesses, increasing their resilience. ground in sustainability requires us all cheaper, the new tax is intended to encouraging investment in the create more jobs and better infra- Barry Turner, director of the BPF titled The New Transparency, under- “Materials will play a key role in achiev- to expand our idea of our ecosystem create an economic incentive for domestic recycling infrastructure structure in the recycling industry.” Plastics and Flexible Packaging of £50 a tonne in 2017 to more lines the importance of transparency as ing a transparent circular economy. In and adopt 360-degree thinking, with businesses to use recycled material, and incentivising greener product Duret believes a “gradual, incre- Group, considers this a major prob- than £400 in 2019. However, when Over a powerful tool capable of giving busi- the packaging sector, the circular-econ- the understanding that game-changing stimulating demand and increasing design and resource security. mental increase” above the current lem. Unlike the rest of Europe, most these costs are modelled for large nesses unprecedented control over omy model handles all stages of a prod- ideas can come from anywhere. rates of recycling collection, shift- “It’s a good start,” says Tim Duret, targeted amount of recycled plastic councils in the UK do not collect all When you have a business that and mid-sized businesses, it is their supply chains and environmen- uct life cycle: design, production, dis- “The biggest change we see is we are ing away from damaging landfill or technology and organics director packaging should be rolled out over plastic packaging from consumers operates on very small margins, calculated that for every £1,000 a tal footprint, while offering consumers tribution and use, but also its ‘afterlife’. not alone in thinking this way anymore. incineration processes. for Veolia UK and Ireland, a leading time, pointing to the example of PET and businesses. As a result, Turner company was spending on plastic 2m increased visibility, safety and education. “Considering sustainability and even More often than not, we are approached Research by Imperial College recycling and waste management (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic says, the UK has an underinvested either the company will go out compliance in 2017, they are now tonnes of plastic packaging It outlines ways businesses can striving for regenerative business by brand owners that come to us, as the London estimates that if it is trans- company. “The plastic packaging bottles, which can already be made waste management infrastructure of business or the cost will be spending more than £8,000. used each year offer a higher level of trust, including models from the start of the cycle market leader, for a labelling solution ferred to households by packag- tax could be a key incentive. It will entirely from recycled material. But and is highly dependent on exporting “When you have a business that through digital identities, tracing and means designing materials to take into which meets their sustainability goals. ing producers, the cost of the plas- create a more circular economy and key to that growth will be invest- its plastic waste and importing qual- passed on to the consumer operates on very small margins, sustainable materials, within four cate- account resource efficiency, reuse and “As trailblazers for regeneration and tic packaging tax would be around will drive manufacturers to more ment. “The UK needs better recy- ity recyclate to meet domestic needs. either the company will go out of gory-specific microtrends: blockchain recycling, and avoiding use of critical or innovators in the labels and packaging 16p a week per household, while eco packaging designs. It will also cling infrastructure,” he adds He says to ensure the success of business or the cost will be passed and analytical technologies, labelling, toxic materials.” industry, we aim to delight our con- the plastic packaging tax, whose on to the consumer,” says Harding 44% packaging and secondary waste. Avery Dennison is a global materials sumers on all fronts with advanced consultation concluded last Brown. “They need to identify their “First and foremost, consumers are science company that specialises in materials, design, aesthetics, experi- month, the UK must reinvest the liabilities and optimise where possi- demanding this information; they want the design and manufacture of labelling ence, sustainability and technology. PLASTIC TAXES POPULAR FOR TACKLING WASTE income to guarantee it has the ble. There’s a storm coming.” of all the plastic used in the and functional materials. Its engineering “While serious strides have been made capacity to collect and process all those applications where regulatory Despite these caveats, it is widely UK is for packaging solutions are sustainable in their own already, the future is coming fast and Share of consumers who think the following would be effective at reducing the problems caused by non-recylable packaging plastic. “Not all councils collect restrictions prevent it being used,” thought the plastic packaging tax right and improve the sustainability of change is a constant. We always aspire pots and trays and very few collect he adds. “They should be exempted.” will revolutionise the UK’s recy- any value chain they’re part of. to be at the forefront. Whether it’s pack- film,” he says. Industry experts agree that while cling industry. “The problem with The organisation’s intelligent labels, aging that vanishes, easily enters the cir- Higher taxes on supermarkets and shops 48% According to Turner, the tax could the plastic packaging tax is likely recycled plastics is that virgin plas- for example, offer the potential for cular economy, is digitally connected or using a lot of non-recyclable packaging 67% also, due to regulatory, supply, quality to improve long-term sustainabil- tic has tended to be less expensive,” huge gains in sustainability by enabling has longevity through upcycling, brands Government investment far more efficient supply chains and must be prepared and embrace new % or functional constraints, result in an ity, manufacturers will also require says Dr Teresa Domenech, lecturer to improve recycling 46 extra cost to business of £300 million significant preparation to adjust in in industrial ecology at University better communication with consum- technologies, materials and sustainable of all plastic waste comes As trailblazers a year, given that, for example, recy- time. David Harding Brown, chief College London. “But this tax ers about proper recycling and food- designs as they become available.” The government “naming and from packaging for regeneration shaming” bad businesses 43% cled plastic is banned for uses includ- executive of ecoVeritas, a packag- should make secondary plastics waste management. ing pharmaceutical packaging. He ing compliance provider that has more attractive.” Gov.uk 2019 and innovators The continued advance of sustaina- Read Avery Dennison’s report Taxing non-recyclables 38% claims this cost applies to 26 per cent around 70 UK clients, says that com- There is a risk materials other ble innovation in the packaging indus- on The New Transparency at of the weight of all plastic packaging panies that don’t adapt could go to than recycled plastics could in the labels and try relies on engagement and collab- label.averydennison.com/transparency Fines for households that in use and around 70 per cent of all the wall as compliance costs rise. be incentivised, according to packaging industry, oration across the whole ecosystem, do not recycle enough 21% the items sold by grocery outlets. Packaging recovery note charges, Domenech, or that recycled plastics targets could be exceeded. “It will from initial choice of materials and “What the tax will do is provide the compliance fees companies will be imported from other coun- take time and investment to reach we aim to delight design of packaging and labelling solu- Public info campaign 20% an incentive to use recycled con- must pay towards the collection tries rather than being produced in the targets, but you could reach our consumers on tions, right through to a product’s tent where it is not being used; what and disposal of plastic packaging the UK. But if the correct system is even higher levels of recycled mate- afterlife. Avery Dennison engages with Ipsos 2019 it wont do is enable it to be used in waste, have risen from an average in place, she believes the recycling rial in the future,” she concludes. all fronts venture startups, brands, recycling 06 FUTURE OF PACKAGING EMF_Raconteur_Half-page_CMYK.pdf 14 17/09/2020 12:03 RACONTEUR.NET 07

MYTHS “Most packaging “Packaging can help maximise loads OPINION is needless” on logistics vehicles and reduce fuel miles, as well as protecting products,” From the layers of polystyrene that he says. “In a project with a major Busting seven entomb a new fridge, to the plas- brewing organisation, we worked with tic film that covers a mobile phone, their glass bottle supplier to re-engi- packaging can be a source of intense neer the packaging solution and ena- irritation. But according to James bled them to fit an extra layer of bottles 'We must consider packaging myths O’Neill, principal consultant at pro- on the truck. A little extra cardboard curement consultancy Proxima, meant that we were able to take 20 per well-designed packaging fulfils an cent of the fleet off the road, reducing the amount of carbon From demonising materials like plastic and aluminium foil to important function. carbon fuel emissions.” keeping packaging to a minimum, these common assumptions that is used at might not be as green as they seem every point of the supply chain' Mark Hillsdon Natalia Dolgosheeva via Shutterstock Shutterstock via Dolgosheeva Natalia

nnecessary plastic waste For example, if a company creates a U remains a key contributor paper alternative that weighs more to climate change and it is than their original plastic packaging, undeniable that more must be done they have twice as much material to This advert is not here to 5 to tackle the issue to protect our produce, transport and dispose of at planet from further damage. the end of its life, all of which comes

dcurzon via Shutterstock via dcurzon However, sustainability within at a high cost for the environment.

Room 76 via Shutterstock via 76 Room talk about the problem “Food without packaging food spoilage and waste, which has packaging is complex and cannot It’s a complex and multifaceted is always better” an even bigger footprint than sin- be neatly solved by simply swapping equation, but one that must be con- gle-use film. plastic for an alternative material. sidered if we are to move towards a of plastic pollution. Before the coronavirus, there was “When you buy a product, it’s There are many factors that need carbon-efficient world. a push by supermarkets to do away most important to consume the to be considered when determining Justin Kempson, director of sales 3“Biodegradable with packaged fruit and vegeta- contents, which have the larg- whether a product offers a truly eco- and innovation at Charpak, says: means compostable” bles. But wrapping fresh produce est environmental footprint,” friendly solution. ‘’Research shows the entire life-cy- in plastic film has its benefits. Take says Markus Mannström, execu- It can be easy to forget that plas- cle carbon footprint of recycled plas- This is a common misconception the humble cucumber: estimates tive vice president at Stora Enso. tic is often incorporated into pack- tics is the least impactful. Plastics because some biodegradable mate- suggest that a plastic wrapper can “Packaging represents only a small aging to perform an important role: must become circular to prevent C rials require industrial conditions to extend its shelf life from just three part of the entire environmental to protect the product inside. This is packaging waste. Existing resources break down, otherwise they could per- days to fourteen. This helps reduce footprint of a product.” particularly important in industries must be recovered and reused to M

sist for years, Kosior explains. Only such as the food and pharmaceuti- reduce new materials production. Y truly compostable materials will break cal sectors, where minimising waste Where packaging is necessary, a cir- down at ambient conditions, he adds, that could have a damaging impact cular model is the most sustaina- CM

and even then that could take up to on the environment is key. ble solution, with a far lower carbon MY six months. Any material that is used to replace impact, no matter which material.’’ Some plastics are misleadingly plastic in packaging for perishable At the last edition of our Packaging CY

labelled degradable, says Kosior, products must offer the same pro- Innovations show in Birmingham, CMY j.chizhe via Shutterstock via j.chizhe but are actually oxo-degradable tective qualities or the purpose is 20 per cent of visitors said they were and require the use of chemical entirely defeated. looking for sustainable design, but K additives. This creates microplas- The life cycle of materials must 32 per cent said they look for biode- 1 tics, which then pollute the envi- also be considered. Throwaway gradable plastics. Plastic can still It’s here to talk about “Glass is always more sustainable than plastic” ronment. “Unfortunately, many plastic packaging makes up 40 per be the material of choice; it's about ‘degradable’ plastic bags are sold by cent of our demand for the mate- where it has come from and what Not true, says Professor Edward Andrew Capper, of brand and pack- manufacturers that exploit this mis- rial, with two thirds of plastic pro- happens to it after use. solutions. Kosior, of sustainable perfor- aging design agency Echo, agrees. He conception,” he says. duced being released into the envi- The shift in focus away from mance consultancy Nextek. worked on the launch of a new yoghurt 6 ronment and staying there. This is demonising plastic and towards cre- “Glass containers are not always that used a “sustainable” glass jar as clearly not sustainable. ating packaging that is truly sus- more sustainable than plastic part of the premium positioning of However, the solution is more con- tainable throughout its life cycle can since they’re heavier to trans- the brand. “But a glass yoghurt jar is “All aluminium is bad” “New generation aluminium cre- voluted than simply replacing plastic be felt across the entire industry and port and are not always recycled only sustainable if it’s recycled by the ated with clean energy is a green with a material that is perceived to be will continue to take centre stage back into glass products, even consumer,” he says. “Conversely, the After plastic, aluminium has always game-changer, an essential building “green”. In recent years we have seen despite the other challenges 2020 after they’re collected; a lot of much-maligned plastic yoghurt pot, been the bête noire of packaging, from block of a sustainable future,” says a move towards reusable packaging, has brought us. Coming soon: glass ends up as hardcore under in its third or fourth iteration, does Nespresso coffee pods to foil takeaway Lord (Greg) Barker, former UK energy with retailers such as Waitrose and It is an intricate and challenging The Upstream Innovation Guide our roads.” the job much better.” trays. But now the lightweight metal is and climate minister, and now exec- Lush introducing refillable packag- problem that will require the whole fighting back. Aluminium has always utive chairman of metals and energy ing options in their stores. supply chain, both for packaging and been hailed as infinitely recyclable, company the En+ Group. “Old alu- It’s important that we weigh up the products inside, to work together Rethinking the packaging, the with almost 75 per cent of all alumin- minium created with coal-fired elec- the credentials of a recyclable solu- and focus on delivering solutions for product, and the system to solve “Plastic is always the Getty Images via Cioata Cristian Stefan in a seemingly ‘greener’ packaging ium ever produced still in circulation, tricity has no future, but when man- tion against packaging that can be the right reasons. It has become much plastic pollution before it starts least sustainable option” that fails to provide adequate pro- 4 but manufacturing it is hugely energy ufactured with green power it is a used hundreds, or even thousands, more apparent that we are fighting a tection,” he says. “This can result “All plastic is oil based” intensive. Low-carbon aluminium super-weapon in the fight against of times over to establish what truly war on waste, not on plastic. “Single-use plastics can be more sus- in products being returned, creat- could be about to change that. climate change.” offers the most environmentally Sign up to receive your FREE tainable than many other options ing more transit miles in the supply While it’s easy to make plastic a black- friendly solution. copy before the ocial launch depending on the selected mate- chain, and therefore more CO and and-white issue, says Erik Lindroth, Finally, and perhaps most impor- 2 in November rial, how it’s used and the end-of-life environmental impact.” sustainability director at Tetra Pak, tantly, it is essential the carbon destination,” says Kosior at Nextek. the challenge is not replacing plastic used to produce a product is consid- For example, he says, a plastic bag altogether. “Rather, it’s reducing the ered before we make judgments on has a lower carbon footprint than a amount of plastic we use and chang- whether a material is genuinely sus- canvas bag, which would need to be ing the types we’re using,“ he says. tainable. Plastic remains among the used more than 300 times before it “Environmental change means most energy-intensive materials to had a comparable impact. focusing on longer-term, sustain- make and many alternatives offer a

Avoiding plastic can also be a false able solutions; the large-scale uti- Shutterstock via Dolgosheeva Natalia far more carbon-efficient alternative. economy, says John Garner, head of lisation of plant-based materials is But to determine which materials

business development at Antalis Sally Anscombe via Getty Images critical for this.” The new Tetra Rex are truly sustainable, we must look Packaging. “It’s more sustainable plant-based carton, for instance, is at the bigger picture and consider Alessandra Leonard to pack something well, in plastic, made from paperboard and plastic the amount of carbon that is used Marketing project manager once, than it is to pack something 2 derived from sugarcane. 7 at every point of the supply chain. Packaging portfolio, Easyfairs 06 FUTURE OF PACKAGING EMF_Raconteur_Half-page_CMYK.pdf 14 17/09/2020 12:03 RACONTEUR.NET 07

dcurzon via Shutterstock via dcurzon However, sustainability within at a high cost for the environment.

business development at Antalis Sally Anscombe via Getty Images critical for this.” The new Tetra Rex are truly sustainable, we must look Packaging. “It’s more sustainable plant-based carton, for instance, is at the bigger picture and consider Alessandra Leonard to pack something well, in plastic, made from paperboard and plastic the amount of carbon that is used Marketing project manager once, than it is to pack something 2 derived from sugarcane. 7 at every point of the supply chain. Packaging portfolio, Easyfairs 08 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 09 Commercial feature

products fully sealed in protec- CUSTOMERS NOT SATISFIED tive wrapping. This is to prevent WITH PACKAGING FROM AN contamination, spoiling or tam- ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE pering while they sit in fulfilment warehouses or depots. Individual Global shoppers who agreed polybags – clear bags usually made or strongly agreed with the

Luis Alvarez via Getty Images via Alvarez Luis from virgin plastic – are used to following statementse meet this requirement. Yet failing to use eco-friendly packaging throughout your busi- Glass ness’s entire supply chain tarnishes There a brand’s sustainability creden- is often tials and risks accusations of green- 51% too much washing if consumers find out. packaging on products packaging: the Alongside its biodegradable customer-facing packaging, ecommerce brand OneNine5, which sells reusable travel accessories, this year clear choice switched to also using water-soluble polybags to store stock. The irony, however, is that after years of efforts to reduce plastic I find it for planet use, and with strong public aware- difficult ness of single-use plastic’s envi- 46% to recycle ronmental impact, perceptions of packaging the material may be shifting as a Earth and result of COVID-19. “People are probably more accepting of plastic this year,” says OneNine5’s co-founder Alex human health Stewart. “Plastic packaging, in many cases, is seen as a negative, Packaging but there are still also connota- should be When you choose glass packaging, tions of it keeping things sterile. able to be you choose a packaging material that’s In a pandemic, people are seeing 62% recycled as plastic as keeping things cleaner. many times made from pure natural ingredients that In that respect, it does give peace as possible of mind.” don’t pollute. Glass packaging stands in So brands need to make sure they have their sustainability and FMCG Gurus 2020 a class all its own hygiene bases covered. In addition, for non-essential purchases, many ECOMMERCE consumers still expect an enjoyable experience when receiving, opening business could use them for 20 and unwrapping their parcels: the years,” she says. lass packaging has been You may have missed Plastic Free July unboxing element online retailers Morley adds that transitioning G trusted for thousands of this year, possibly distracted by the must maintain, and even heighten, from the traditional ecommerce years to protect food and coronavirus pandemic, but it is a global Surprise, delight to win business in a competitive cardboard box or envelope brings beverages. As a kinder packaging mate- movement, established in 2011, that online market. compromises. “I can't just get rid rial for the health of the Earth and the aims to encourage behavioural trans- The Little Loop, an online busi- of that unboxing experience alto- health of Earth’s people, it’s also the formation and shift mindsets to heal ness which provides children’s gether; it is such a key part of brand- clear packaging choice of the future. the planet and its inhabitants. and stay sustainable clothing for rent, sends out the ing,” she says. “One of the challenges Glass is made from pure natural ingre- Those who participate in Plastic Free clothing in sealable, flexible PVC is that the unboxing experience only dients: sand, limestone, soda ash and July choose to refuse single-use plas- pouches, instead of cardboard really works if the customer can recycled glass called cullet. Glass is vir- tics for a month and can feel safe doing Lockdown provides a golden opportunity for ecommerce boxes or single-use plastic packag- open up a box or a lid and it's all laid tually inert and doesn’t interact with the so even through the pandemic. A state- ing. The customer sends the clothes out perfectly. Because our packag- food or beverage it holds. But not all food ment released in June by more than 100 brands; it’s now up to them to ensure their packaging is back in the pouch when the rental ing is soft bags, things do get jostled packaging materials are built the same. scientists from 18 countries addressed period is up. The bags, which are around inside them.” concerns that the coronavirus has raised clean, green and fun to unpack more commonly used by the gov- Brands that choose novel or sus- around reusable food containers. The containers are created through and beverages that support a healthier ernment as diplomatic bags for tainable packaging methods must Last year, Sir David Attenborough chemical pulping, plus a plastic coat- lifestyle and are kinder to the planet. sending official documents and therefore find other ways to cre- Five facts about called plastic pollution an “unfolding ing is added to act as a protective bar- When consumers choose glass, items, are guaranteed to withstand ate a pleasurable unboxing expe- glass recycling catastrophe” and supported a report rier between the wine and the paper. they’re also choosing packaging that being posted 2,000 times. rience. Morley adds: “You have to that suggested mismanaged waste kills If you’re worried about the No one wants a soggy wine bottle, doesn’t interact with the food or bev- Founder Charlotte Morley says meet a certain level of consumer up to a million humans a year globally. future of the planet and after all. erage it holds. It’s the only packaging Olivia Gagan that while unconventional, the expectation. We don't want to com- 1 Glass is Europe’s most- In parallel, Jane Muncke, managing And although paper bottles material that is “generally recognised bags are nevertheless durable, pletely denigrate the customer recycled food and beverage director of Swiss-based charity the concerned about the health may save on transportation costs as safe” (GRAS) by the US Food and flexible and secure ways to send experience, even though we're a packaging material. Food Packaging Forum, educates and of your loved ones, don’t compared to glass, which is heavier, Drug Administration. Without odour, it he seemingly unstoppa- foam and bubble wrap into recycling looks like a space and resource-sav- items and don’t require foam or sustainable company. So we wrap warns about the known, and unknown, sustainability should be an end-to- naturally protects what it carries and is T ble rise of online shopping bins is an everyday chore for stay-ating innovation. Coupled with a void filling. “Our consumers keep the clothing using sustainably 2 When a consumer places a chemicals that migrate into our food compromise: choose glass end consideration. impermeable and non-porous. was firmly established long home consumers. For online retail- strong focus on attractive branding, the clothing for three months on printed, recycled tissue paper and glass bottle in a recycling bin, from packaging. whenever you can “There’s a reason everyone wants to The message around the health ben- before the coronavirus pandemic left ers, fitting more product into less, major gift online retailers, includ- average. We’re potentially only use stickers made with vegeta- it can be made into a new Plastic Free July and similar initia- imitate the original glass bottle – it cre- efits of glass is reaching consumers, high streets empty. Of course, ease, and more eco-friendly, packaging is ing letterbox flower sellers Bloom & sending these bags out four times ble-based inks instead.” glass bottle and returned tives raise awareness that we all have ates such an emotional bond with con- too. Some 87 per cent of Europeans price and vast choice are behind its therefore a way to save costs, boost Wild and gift company Not On The a year, which means feasibly our Honing a unique, sustainable to a shop in 30 days. a role to play. Individually and col- sumers – but you can’t,” says Burns, prefer it as a packaging material, a success, but this year, with consum- customer satisfaction and stand out High Street, quickly made deals ecommerce packaging strategy lectively we must change behaviours “O-I’s glass is Cradle to Cradle Certified Friends of Glass study shows. ers confined to their homes, online from other brands. with these drinks brands to incor- costs time, money and effort. But 3 One recycled glass bottle now, for the good of the planet and for and is even the first food and beverage If you’re worried about the future shopping is also driven by necessity. Innovative ecommerce pack- porate letterbox-friendly booze into brands charting their own path saves enough energy to the health of all. initiative to reach a whopping 90 per packaging material to achieve a plati- of the planet and concerned about This is no doubt welcome news aging solutions are emerging in their own offer. It’s an example of are more likely to make returns charge 17 mobile phones cent of glass collection.” num score for material health.” the health of your loved ones, don’t for online retailers. But these busi- direct response to the pandemic. how relevant, timely packaging can from their packaging than those for one hour. What you see is what you get However, is increasing recycling Indeed, what you see is what you get compromise: choose glass whenever nesses must now meet a triple For example, the closure of pubs make the difference between a new that merely do what is expected “The first step is to increase our recy- enough? Finding alternative and inno- with glass: just glass. As a material, it is you can. challenge when packaging and send- and restaurants during lockdown brand’s success or failure. of them, says Luc Speisser, chief 4 A refillable glass bottle cling and that’s true for all packaging vative materials is no simple task. Due beautiful and transformative. It is also ing out goods: dealing with spikes in saw alcohol consumption become However, making ecommerce innovation officer at global brand replaces at least 30 materials,” says Randolph Burns, chief diligence is paramount. For instance, 100 per cent recyclable by nature and it order volumes; proving their sustain- a strictly at-home activity; cue packaging meet the demands of consultant Landor. His advice for one-way containers. sustainability and corporate affairs there have been plenty of headlines can be recycled over and over without For more information please visit ability credentials; and, in the face of the launch of wines, cocktails and 2020 and beyond also requires We wrap the clothing using brands is: “You need to do good to officer at O-I Glass, one of the world’s touting the sustainable attributes of losing quality. www.o-i.com/ these pressures, providing the enjoy- spirits in slim, recycled plastic bot- investment in packaging that the be relevant, but do good in your 5 Glass bottles are 40 per cent leading manufacturers of glass pack- paper wine “bottles” recently. Yet the able unboxing experience that con- tles, which can slip easily through customer is unlikely to see. Major sustainably printed, recycled own different and unique way. lighter than they were 30 aging. “In Europe, for example, glass containers are more reminiscent of Whenever possible, choose glass sumers increasingly expect. a letterbox. ecommerce platforms such as tissue paper and use stickers That's how it becomes a competi- years ago. is already being recycled at 76 per milk cartons than bottles and these Sustainability matters with a packaging Stuffing cardboard boxes, plas- What would have been regarded Amazon, for example, typically tive advantage, not just a cost or a cent, but the industry is joining forces “paper” products are more complex material, as consumer trends illustrate tic mailing bags and all manner of as a novelty product last year now require businesses to provide made with vegetable-based inks race to compliance.” behind the Close The Glass Loop than you might initially think. people are increasingly choosing food 08 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 09 Commercial feature

As consumption grows, so does the demand for packaging. But TAKING ACTION how do consumers feel about 70% 60% 30% sustainable options, and what is of consumers have changed their shopping habits have sought out products with less packaging have changed their regular brand as a direct as a result of concerns over packaging result of their attitude towards packaging FIGHTING RISING PACKAGING WASTE being down to cut down on waste? The Grocer/PwC 2019

COST IS A BIG BARRIER TAKING RESPONSIBILITY MAKING YOU THINK CUTTING DOWN ON NON-RECYCLABLES

Consumers were askved how much more Global consumers were asked who should take most responsibility for Most important factors in making consumers Percentage of consumers who think the following would be they would be prepared to pay for an item finding a way to reduce the amount of unnecessary packaging which is sold think about the environmental or social effective at reducing the problems caused by unnecessary if it moved to packaging with better impact of their food and drink packaging use of packaging that cannot be recycled environmental and social credentials 39% Higher taxes on supermarkets and shops using a lot of non-recyclable packaging 39% TV programmes 48% +>5%

Government investment to improve recycling 1% 46%

s d 15% o 1% o g The government "naming and shaming" bad businesses +6-10% s d d e o is g o h a g t 43% 3% k d o 9% c e d a g o p a t +11-15% k y 9% e c it c l a i Taxing non-recyclables u y p l b l i 3% d l s l a o u n w r e o o 6% s q +<15% p p n t e k 38% t s a t a e e ’ h v r n h t t o t o a

n s d b s s s / e e r a a e i n i e h o Fines for households that do not recycle enough 41% m n e n i n a h y a m n r t i p d I would not be p u r e f p s o v m e o o m n b o h prepared to pay more o l 21% o o o l o t

C G

C A N C N O 15% Changes Public information campaign 39% to product 20% MORE EDUCATION NEEDED packaging by retailers and Ipsos 2019 brands of UK consumers are 14% very confident they put different waste EXTENT OF ECO-FRIENDLY OPTIONS 34% in the right bins Percentage of UK consumers using the following methods 15% Reusable bottles or cups Social media say they are provided 65% with enough information to know how and what 9% Recyclable products/packaging Newspapers/ % to recycle 55% 46 magazines

7% Products/packaging made from recycled materials Influence of are frustrated about friends/family 50% not having enough educational materials 5% Biodegradable household products % available on recycling Changes 76 to in-store 33% 20% communications by retailers Refillable packaging and brands say there should 30% be mandatory 2% lessons on recycling Radio % in schools Compostable household products 76 4% Other 26%

Viridor 2019 Ipsos 2019 The Grocer/PwC 2019 Viridor 2019 10 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 11

COST IS A BIG BARRIER TAKING RESPONSIBILITY MAKING YOU THINK CUTTING DOWN ON NON-RECYCLABLES

Government investment to improve recycling 1% 46%

C G

Viridor 2019 Ipsos 2019 The Grocer/PwC 2019 Viridor 2019 12 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 13 Commercial feature

THE CARBON NEUTRAL PACKAGING LIFECYCLE Raw material and sourcing RECYCLING Tolga Akmen via Getty Images Unpacking Nature compostables CARBON Production Recycling NEUTRAL Widely seen as the greenest option, PACKAGING and distribution much is misunderstood about compostable packaging. Having it work together with a robust recycling programme, however, could be the End-of-life key to a more sustainable future

Food protection and consumption Marcus Lawrence

s communities and enter- releasing greenhouse gases into the rigorous isolation from other prod- 3. Remain safe and convenient, ensuring carton packaging company to launch A prises around the world atmosphere as they degrade. ucts or atmospheric changes is still we reduce food waste and giving people paper straws on beverage cartons in consider how to package Such materials are effective as part best placed in recyclable plastic How future food packaging everywhere access to quality food. Europe and we will soon be field test- products sustainably, the recycla- of the infrastructure of a collection packaging. Foodstuffs and medi- ing our first aseptic package using an bles versus compostables debate has and processing system. Working cines are particular examples where 4. Be fully recyclable, supported by an alternative to the aluminium barrier. gathered considerable attention. alongside traditional recycling plastics are necessary, with plastic effective recycling system that keeps But we won’t stop there. Our ambi- Traditionally viewed as competi- methods, compostable packaging food packaging often being responsi- can help solve the materials in use. tion is to create a carton package tors, these solutions to our addic- can facilitate the decomposition of ble for issues in the recycling process. that is made solely from responsi- Dr. Victor Wong via Shutterstock via Wong Victor Dr. tion to plastics are actually running food waste and tackle the challenge Initiatives led by the likes of the 5. Maximise the use of materials with bly sourced renewable and recy- in different races. of food-tarnished materials being Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) a reduced impact on nature because cled materials, and is fully recyclable While a common misconception largely unrecyclable. have been driving the circular econ- people-planet dilemma waste management systems are not and carbon neutral, allowing ambi- of compostable packaging is that it In other words, to strive to be vic- omy: a model proposing that all optimal and not all materials can be ent distribution and meeting food is biodegradable in natural condi- torious in the compostables versus products in the value cycle are not infinitely recycled. safety requirements. tions, the majority of these solutions recyclables debate is to miss the only reusable or recyclable, but the We do not have to choose between protecting our planet’s ecosystem Towards that end, we will continue must be broken down under par- point as together they can increase required infrastructure becomes a Leading the way to make significant investments to ticular industrial conditions, which the rate at which packaging solu- core focus for government spending and meeting the human need for food, says Adolfo Orive, president With a proven track record and solid develop more sustainable solutions, means dreams of waste in the envi- tions are circularised. and enterprise strategies. sustainability foundation, our carton the way we have done over the last ronment breaking down like organic Rather than accept that the major- The benefits of a circular economy and chief executive of Tetra Pak packages have a strong starting point few decades. It’s all part of our jour- material are far from reality. ity of food sachets or coffee pods speak for themselves; if we can use and possess the full potential to ney to deliver the ultimate sustaina- Instead, the two sustainable cannot be dealt with in an envi- tends to confuse an already poorly surrounding recycling practice. existing plastics as material for all address these requirements. ble food package. packaging solutions have consid- ronmentally friendly way, simply understood system. The State of Plastics are complex and the infra- new plastics, we can minimise the We were the first in the industry to erable potential as partners in the because food residue impacts the Plastic Recycling 2020 report from structure required for compre- amount of new materials that must receive FSCTM (Forest Stewardship Building a sustainable fight against environmental pollu- recycling process, leveraging com- multipacking systems supplier hensive recycling is a challenge to be processed, the energy required, he COVID-19 pandemic has packaging, with a longer shelf life that package that protects the planet and CouncilTM) certification in 2007 and future, together tion, although their interaction at a postables for these products would Hi-Cone found as many as 66 per deliver for all consumers, particu- the carbon dioxide emissions T stress tested the global increases food access and reduces secures food safety and availability. now all Tetra Pak carton packages are Creating this future food package will domestic level poses challenges. mean they too can be processed cent of adults in the UK are unsure larly while those same consumers released and the global volume of food supply chain like food waste, supported by ambient dis- FSCTM certified2. Furthermore, pack- not be easy and will also not happen The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is without entering the environment. of how to recycle certain plastics. are often confused about what can plastics produced. never before, putting a spotlight tribution to reduce carbon emissions. Future food packaging ages made of sugarcane-based plastic overnight. But we remain fully com- a dire, but effective, representation of Infrastructure is crucial to enabling Education is of paramount impor- be recycled and where. Of course, recycling is a notori- on the importance of food safety Considering various aspects of the are Bonsucro certified, which means mitted towards this goal. After all, it’s where our discarded plastics can end the effective rollout of domestic, com- tance as, without a populace that Aside from devising packaging ously challenging endeavour. Not and availability. Reducing environmental impact value chain, the ideal future food pack- we only source materials responsibly, an integral part of our brand promise up. The hulking flotilla of man-made postable packaging solutions. Such understands the necessity of effec- solutions that use less material, all plastics can be recycled and Border restrictions, lockdowns and To radically improve the environmen- age needs to deliver on five key areas: contributing to the protection of bio- – Protects what’s good – protecting detritus is a damning indictment of materials cannot be processed with tive domestic waste management, or recyclable solutions are widely con- those plastics are so widespread supply chain disruptions have forced tal footprint, mitigate climate change diversity and supporting local people. food, people, planet. the modern world’s disregard for the traditional recyclables and deposit- indeed the mechanisms behind it, sidered the most impactful means within the packaging industry that the industry and companies like ours and protect nature, we must look 1. Use renewable and recycled mate- We’re committed to reaching net- And we’re not on this journey alone. environment, as well as a sobering ing compostables in recycling bins installed infrastructure will never of curbing plastic waste entering their unilateral phasing-out would to take extraordinary business conti- at the full life cycle of the package. rials, so we don’t drain our planet’s zero greenhouse gas emissions in our We will be collaborating with our cus- example of the levels of waste that only exacerbates the longstand- be as effective as it ought to be. the environment. A fact of the com- take some time. The infrastructure nuity measures, to support the unin- Recycling is only a part of the solution resources, and source these responsi- own operations and to using 100 per tomers, suppliers and other stake- have entered ecosystems worldwide. ing issue of inappropriate materials In short, compostables provide postables versus recyclables debate for recycling, including collections terrupted supply of safe and healthy and is not sufficient by itself, given the bly in a way that protects biodiversity cent renewable electricity by 2030, holders across the value chain to take It is tempting to hear of composta- entering recycling systems. some solutions to the challenges is that plastics, in particular, are a from homes and public spaces, is food to consumers across the world varying levels of infrastructure across and nature. with the ambition to achieve net-zero an industry-wide view, not just looking ble packaging and hope that, in “There is a distinct possibility that faced by recyclables, but they are problem we cannot do without. also not yet universally available. It in these challenging times. countries and the fact that only a frac- greenhouse gas emissions for the at the environmental impact of our future, such materials will simply compostable materials could con- not a panacea for waste pollution. While biodegradable solutions can is no wonder that global estimates Looking into the future, the need tion of the materials used is recycled. 2. Be carbon neutral, allowing for ambi- entire value chain by 2050. products, but also the production, rot away rather than linger for cen- taminate other recycling streams,” “Eliminating plastic packaging replace some plastic packaging, any- from the EMF place recycling rates for food is only going to grow. By 2050 What we therefore need to look at ent distribution and storage, reducing We continuously develop sustainable manufacturing and distribution pro- turies in the natural world. says Gladys Naylor, group head of would eliminate the benefits it has thing requiring structural sound- at just 14 per cent as recently as 2016. the global population is predicted to is the use of materials and the carbon the negative impact on climate. food packages that never compromise cess, and beyond. Sadly, this is not the case, with sustainable development at Mondi. over alternative materials when con- ness, protection from moisture, or Although there has been some reach 9.1 billion, which will require 70 impact of the package. Comparative food safety and contribute to reducing Only then can we be a part of build- packaging leader Amcor stating “We need to find a way to overcome sidering their environmental impact movement towards realising the per cent more food. studies often show that carton pack- food waste. Our farm-to-table pro- ing a sustainable future that works emphatically: “Compostable or bio- this challenge by either improving during material extraction, produc- ambitions of a circular economy, the While food packaging plays a crit- ages have a lower carbon footprint cessing technologies extend the shelf for people as well as the planet we all degradable packaging is absolutely the waste stream sorting technology tion and use,” says Jennifer Perr, sus- fact remains that the vast majority ical role in feeding the world, it also than alternative packages.1 life of food and keep perishable food call home. not a solution to litter and marine to collect compostable packaging in tainability director at Hi-Cone. of all packaging is still being sent to impacts the Earth’s climate and its That’s because our carton packages nutritious, without the need for refrig- 1 For milk and juice in Europe; Source: ifeu 2020, pollution; if these materials end up the same stream and avoid contam- “Building a circular economy for landfill or for incineration, releasing limited resources, pointing towards are made of about 70 per cent paper- eration or preservatives. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Tetra in nature, they often do not degrade ination of other waste for recyclabil- plastics, ensuring plastic packaging greenhouse gases into the atmos- a trade-off between people and the board from responsibly managed Tetra Pak carton packages are made Pak carton packages and alternative packaging systems for beverages and liquid food on the and cause the same problems as ity, or design materials that can be never becomes waste and educating phere or finding its way into the planet. I strongly believe this should forests, which regenerate, taking up of recyclable materials and are increas- European market conventional plastics.” composted, but do not contaminate the public on the true cost of consump- environment and ecosystems. not be the case and we do not have carbon dioxide as they grow. ingly being recycled through our net- 2 The FSC license code for Tetra Pak is FSC™ C014047 Most compostable or biodegrada- the recycling stream.” tion of different materials, would be a While viewing the dynamic as an to choose between protecting our However, our carton packages also We continuously develop work of more than 170 recyclers, as well ble packaging, such as that derived So the contention of compostables major step in the right direction.” Compostable or biodegradable oppositional compostables versus planet’s ecosystem and meeting the contain thin layers of plastic and sustainable food packages as through collaborations with waste For more information please visit from polylactic acid, requires par- versus recyclables takes on greater Frustration for environmental recyclables paradigm is outdated, human need for food. Food packag- aluminium, some of which are thin- management companies. tetrapak.com ticular industrial techniques to meaning as they cannot coexist groups and companies endeavour- packaging is absolutely not considerable progress must be made ing can play a strong role in bringing ner than a human hair, but play a key that never compromise We’re working to maximise the use decompose effectively. Not only within existing recycling systems. ing to deliver recyclable packag- a solution to litter and with both sustainable packaging about this harmony. role in securing food safety. Which food safety and contribute of paper-based content in our pack- that, but compostables can often Adding another element to domes- ing, is rooted in the infrastructural solutions before they realise their The pandemic has reinforced the fact is where we see room to go further ages, while reducing the use of alu- leave toxic residue behind, as well as tic waste management processes challenges and limited awareness marine pollution true potential. that our world needs high-performance and create the ideal sustainable food to reducing food waste minium and plastic. We were the first 12 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 13 Commercial feature

Food protection and consumption Marcus Lawrence

s communities and enter- releasing greenhouse gases into the rigorous isolation from other prod- 3. Remain safe and convenient, ensuring carton packaging company to launch A prises around the world atmosphere as they degrade. ucts or atmospheric changes is still we reduce food waste and giving people paper straws on beverage cartons in consider how to package Such materials are effective as part best placed in recyclable plastic How future food packaging everywhere access to quality food. Europe and we will soon be field test- products sustainably, the recycla- of the infrastructure of a collection packaging. Foodstuffs and medi- ing our first aseptic package using an bles versus compostables debate has and processing system. Working cines are particular examples where 4. Be fully recyclable, supported by an alternative to the aluminium barrier. gathered considerable attention. alongside traditional recycling plastics are necessary, with plastic effective recycling system that keeps But we won’t stop there. Our ambi- Traditionally viewed as competi- methods, compostable packaging food packaging often being responsi- can help solve the materials in use. tion is to create a carton package tors, these solutions to our addic- can facilitate the decomposition of ble for issues in the recycling process. that is made solely from responsi- Dr. Victor Wong via Shutterstock via Wong Victor Dr. tion to plastics are actually running food waste and tackle the challenge Initiatives led by the likes of the 5. Maximise the use of materials with bly sourced renewable and recy- in different races. of food-tarnished materials being Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) a reduced impact on nature because cled materials, and is fully recyclable While a common misconception largely unrecyclable. have been driving the circular econ- people-planet dilemma waste management systems are not and carbon neutral, allowing ambi- of compostable packaging is that it In other words, to strive to be vic- omy: a model proposing that all optimal and not all materials can be ent distribution and meeting food is biodegradable in natural condi- torious in the compostables versus products in the value cycle are not infinitely recycled. safety requirements. tions, the majority of these solutions recyclables debate is to miss the only reusable or recyclable, but the We do not have to choose between protecting our planet’s ecosystem Towards that end, we will continue must be broken down under par- point as together they can increase required infrastructure becomes a Leading the way to make significant investments to ticular industrial conditions, which the rate at which packaging solu- core focus for government spending and meeting the human need for food, says Adolfo Orive, president With a proven track record and solid develop more sustainable solutions, means dreams of waste in the envi- tions are circularised. and enterprise strategies. sustainability foundation, our carton the way we have done over the last ronment breaking down like organic Rather than accept that the major- The benefits of a circular economy and chief executive of Tetra Pak packages have a strong starting point few decades. It’s all part of our jour- material are far from reality. ity of food sachets or coffee pods speak for themselves; if we can use and possess the full potential to ney to deliver the ultimate sustaina- Instead, the two sustainable cannot be dealt with in an envi- tends to confuse an already poorly surrounding recycling practice. existing plastics as material for all address these requirements. ble food package. packaging solutions have consid- ronmentally friendly way, simply understood system. The State of Plastics are complex and the infra- new plastics, we can minimise the We were the first in the industry to erable potential as partners in the because food residue impacts the Plastic Recycling 2020 report from structure required for compre- amount of new materials that must receive FSCTM (Forest Stewardship Building a sustainable fight against environmental pollu- recycling process, leveraging com- multipacking systems supplier hensive recycling is a challenge to be processed, the energy required, he COVID-19 pandemic has packaging, with a longer shelf life that package that protects the planet and CouncilTM) certification in 2007 and future, together tion, although their interaction at a postables for these products would Hi-Cone found as many as 66 per deliver for all consumers, particu- the carbon dioxide emissions T stress tested the global increases food access and reduces secures food safety and availability. now all Tetra Pak carton packages are Creating this future food package will domestic level poses challenges. mean they too can be processed cent of adults in the UK are unsure larly while those same consumers released and the global volume of food supply chain like food waste, supported by ambient dis- FSCTM certified2. Furthermore, pack- not be easy and will also not happen The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is without entering the environment. of how to recycle certain plastics. are often confused about what can plastics produced. never before, putting a spotlight tribution to reduce carbon emissions. Future food packaging ages made of sugarcane-based plastic overnight. But we remain fully com- a dire, but effective, representation of Infrastructure is crucial to enabling Education is of paramount impor- be recycled and where. Of course, recycling is a notori- on the importance of food safety Considering various aspects of the are Bonsucro certified, which means mitted towards this goal. After all, it’s where our discarded plastics can end the effective rollout of domestic, com- tance as, without a populace that Aside from devising packaging ously challenging endeavour. Not and availability. Reducing environmental impact value chain, the ideal future food pack- we only source materials responsibly, an integral part of our brand promise up. The hulking flotilla of man-made postable packaging solutions. Such understands the necessity of effec- solutions that use less material, all plastics can be recycled and Border restrictions, lockdowns and To radically improve the environmen- age needs to deliver on five key areas: contributing to the protection of bio- – Protects what’s good – protecting detritus is a damning indictment of materials cannot be processed with tive domestic waste management, or recyclable solutions are widely con- those plastics are so widespread supply chain disruptions have forced tal footprint, mitigate climate change diversity and supporting local people. food, people, planet. the modern world’s disregard for the traditional recyclables and deposit- indeed the mechanisms behind it, sidered the most impactful means within the packaging industry that the industry and companies like ours and protect nature, we must look 1. Use renewable and recycled mate- We’re committed to reaching net- And we’re not on this journey alone. environment, as well as a sobering ing compostables in recycling bins installed infrastructure will never of curbing plastic waste entering their unilateral phasing-out would to take extraordinary business conti- at the full life cycle of the package. rials, so we don’t drain our planet’s zero greenhouse gas emissions in our We will be collaborating with our cus- example of the levels of waste that only exacerbates the longstand- be as effective as it ought to be. the environment. A fact of the com- take some time. The infrastructure nuity measures, to support the unin- Recycling is only a part of the solution resources, and source these responsi- own operations and to using 100 per tomers, suppliers and other stake- have entered ecosystems worldwide. ing issue of inappropriate materials In short, compostables provide postables versus recyclables debate for recycling, including collections terrupted supply of safe and healthy and is not sufficient by itself, given the bly in a way that protects biodiversity cent renewable electricity by 2030, holders across the value chain to take It is tempting to hear of composta- entering recycling systems. some solutions to the challenges is that plastics, in particular, are a from homes and public spaces, is food to consumers across the world varying levels of infrastructure across and nature. with the ambition to achieve net-zero an industry-wide view, not just looking ble packaging and hope that, in “There is a distinct possibility that faced by recyclables, but they are problem we cannot do without. also not yet universally available. It in these challenging times. countries and the fact that only a frac- greenhouse gas emissions for the at the environmental impact of our future, such materials will simply compostable materials could con- not a panacea for waste pollution. While biodegradable solutions can is no wonder that global estimates Looking into the future, the need tion of the materials used is recycled. 2. Be carbon neutral, allowing for ambi- entire value chain by 2050. products, but also the production, rot away rather than linger for cen- taminate other recycling streams,” “Eliminating plastic packaging replace some plastic packaging, any- from the EMF place recycling rates for food is only going to grow. By 2050 What we therefore need to look at ent distribution and storage, reducing We continuously develop sustainable manufacturing and distribution pro- turies in the natural world. says Gladys Naylor, group head of would eliminate the benefits it has thing requiring structural sound- at just 14 per cent as recently as 2016. the global population is predicted to is the use of materials and the carbon the negative impact on climate. food packages that never compromise cess, and beyond. Sadly, this is not the case, with sustainable development at Mondi. over alternative materials when con- ness, protection from moisture, or Although there has been some reach 9.1 billion, which will require 70 impact of the package. Comparative food safety and contribute to reducing Only then can we be a part of build- packaging leader Amcor stating “We need to find a way to overcome sidering their environmental impact movement towards realising the per cent more food. studies often show that carton pack- food waste. Our farm-to-table pro- ing a sustainable future that works emphatically: “Compostable or bio- this challenge by either improving during material extraction, produc- ambitions of a circular economy, the While food packaging plays a crit- ages have a lower carbon footprint cessing technologies extend the shelf for people as well as the planet we all degradable packaging is absolutely the waste stream sorting technology tion and use,” says Jennifer Perr, sus- fact remains that the vast majority ical role in feeding the world, it also than alternative packages.1 life of food and keep perishable food call home. not a solution to litter and marine to collect compostable packaging in tainability director at Hi-Cone. of all packaging is still being sent to impacts the Earth’s climate and its That’s because our carton packages nutritious, without the need for refrig- 1 For milk and juice in Europe; Source: ifeu 2020, pollution; if these materials end up the same stream and avoid contam- “Building a circular economy for landfill or for incineration, releasing limited resources, pointing towards are made of about 70 per cent paper- eration or preservatives. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Tetra in nature, they often do not degrade ination of other waste for recyclabil- plastics, ensuring plastic packaging greenhouse gases into the atmos- a trade-off between people and the board from responsibly managed Tetra Pak carton packages are made Pak carton packages and alternative packaging systems for beverages and liquid food on the and cause the same problems as ity, or design materials that can be never becomes waste and educating phere or finding its way into the planet. I strongly believe this should forests, which regenerate, taking up of recyclable materials and are increas- European market conventional plastics.” composted, but do not contaminate the public on the true cost of consump- environment and ecosystems. not be the case and we do not have carbon dioxide as they grow. ingly being recycled through our net- 2 The FSC license code for Tetra Pak is FSC™ C014047 Most compostable or biodegrada- the recycling stream.” tion of different materials, would be a While viewing the dynamic as an to choose between protecting our However, our carton packages also We continuously develop work of more than 170 recyclers, as well ble packaging, such as that derived So the contention of compostables major step in the right direction.” Compostable or biodegradable oppositional compostables versus planet’s ecosystem and meeting the contain thin layers of plastic and sustainable food packages as through collaborations with waste For more information please visit from polylactic acid, requires par- versus recyclables takes on greater Frustration for environmental recyclables paradigm is outdated, human need for food. Food packag- aluminium, some of which are thin- management companies. tetrapak.com ticular industrial techniques to meaning as they cannot coexist groups and companies endeavour- packaging is absolutely not considerable progress must be made ing can play a strong role in bringing ner than a human hair, but play a key that never compromise We’re working to maximise the use decompose effectively. Not only within existing recycling systems. ing to deliver recyclable packag- a solution to litter and with both sustainable packaging about this harmony. role in securing food safety. Which food safety and contribute of paper-based content in our pack- that, but compostables can often Adding another element to domes- ing, is rooted in the infrastructural solutions before they realise their The pandemic has reinforced the fact is where we see room to go further ages, while reducing the use of alu- leave toxic residue behind, as well as tic waste management processes challenges and limited awareness marine pollution true potential. that our world needs high-performance and create the ideal sustainable food to reducing food waste minium and plastic. We were the first 14 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 15 Commercial feature

No simple solution: achieving sustainability means fully understanding the nuances DESIGN

There is much more to sustainability than one easy solution. Achieving a truly circular economy Balancing requires a full view of the carbon footprint and life-cycle impacts of packaged products sustainability with

ustainability has shot up the S agenda of governments, con- beautiful design sumers and businesses as the JOURNEY OF FIBER reality of climate change has become more visible. But, especially when it comes to the most environmentally It is possible for companies to balance eco- friendly forms of packaging, there are Paper towels, Used paper is collected and recycled no easy answers. Making real progress 15% napkins, friendly packaging with impactful branding, means fully understanding the built-in of a tree is used for complexity in our global industrial electricity, heat and toilet paper both attracting discerning consumers processes and food systems and con- light sumer behaviour. Recycled newsprint The greatest challenge to reducing made into egg boxes the environmental impact of packag- Magazine Recycled Fiber ing is changing consumer behaviour. and writing Changes in all our behaviour, particu- 25% Fiber from food contact packaging can Sarah Dawood larly at the end of a product’s life, are of a tree is used to paper, be recycled up to 7 times, e.g. to make necessary to deliver a step-change in make cellulose, newsprint paper bags and writing paper sustainability. More often, however, that is used for iven our love of online what you’ve done. We tackled this gets recycled and the wrappers are create a ‘design for life’ proposition,” innovation in packaging design. tissue, paper and when simple, one-dimensional solu- retail, it is not surprising through out-of-home marketing,” either biodegradable or composta- she says. “The infrastructure isn’t “This allows brands to think about paperboard G tions aren’t available, misconceptions the UK is one of the world’s he adds. ble so can go in general waste or the there yet for compostables; only a higher-quality materials and and biases can all too easily prevail. Paperboard In recycling, plastic largest producers of packaging Carlsberg is also developing its compost bin and disintegrate with- small number of local authorities unique design improvements,” he Our perceptions around plastic are coating is separated waste, at 2.4 million tonnes a year. green fibre bottle, a recyclable, bio- out creating toxins. recycle them and they can take ages says. “Many of our partners, like for packaging from fiber Recycled Plastics the perfect example. Despite the bad The good news is 70 per cent of this degradable bottle made from wood The main challenge was sourc- to break down. The environmen- Coca-Cola and evian, say their food press it frequently gets, the reality is in 60% For food contact Recycled plastics can be is recycled. ing materials. “It was tricky find- tal impact can be worse than using and drink taste better in glass.” packaging, a thin plastic some circumstances it can be the most of a tree is used used to make e.g. flower While single-use plastics have ing compostable wrappers we could recyclable plastic.” Häagen-Dazs, distributed by Loop, coating is added for pots and garden environmentally friendly form of pack- for construction dominated headlines, the indus- print on,” says Elphick. “We ended Loop, owned by TerraCycle, pro- has used this theory to improve moisture and grease and furniture furniture aging, benefiting individuals and socie- resistance try’s carbon footprint results from up cutting into large rolls of pat- vides a sustainable alternative to its packaging, marrying “reusabil- ties. This is not just due to its lightness, many factors, notably excessive use terned material, so every product single-use packaging. Consumers ity, beauty and functionality”, says but also its ability to protect and pre- of cardboard and non-economical looks slightly different. But this “rent” packaging; they buy their Szaky. The new stainless steel car- serve food items for longer. Without production processes. Coronavirus variation has actually created a favourite brands from the Loop ton is more durable, has a stronger the plastic wrapped around a cucum- supply chain so it can be safely con- food we want to eat. That’s why it’s so paperboard. Even with a thin plastic “You can design packaging to be the has exacerbated the issue, causing You have to selection box of lovely shapes and website with an additional deposit seal, enables the ice cream to stay ber, for example, it would degrade sumed. Then consider which packaging important consumers understand the coating, which is required for moisture best it can be,” Ali adds, “but if the our consumption of disposables to colours.” and receive products in containers frozen longer and has a concave bot- much faster. provides sufficient protection with the role it plays in protecting the environ- and grease resistance or water tight- recycling facilities don’t exist, there skyrocket and our recycling bins to analyse the brand While brands like Callaly believe made from steel, aluminium, glass tom, designed for use with a spoon. And if it wasn’t for plastic, there least environmental burden, consid- ment by reducing food waste, protect- ness, paper-based packaging typically will be a gap in fulfilling the circular fill up. you’re working they are creating solutions, waste and durable plastic. Loop then picks Japanese food brand Ajinomoto would be no fresh, chilled meat sold ering the raw material, manufacturing ing our health by limiting cross-con- has a lower carbon footprint than fos- economy. It’s about talking to other Brands have this to contend with, disposal is not keeping up. “The UK’s up the empty reusables, cleans and is investigating temperature and in supermarkets. Plastic helps prevent process and transport, as well as what tamination, and making food and drink sil-based alternatives. parts of the supply chain about the alongside creating original pack- with and create recycling infrastructure is not set up redistributes them back to manufac- humidity sensors to tell consumers cross-contamination and works to happens to the packaging once the accessible and affordable to billions The fibre derives from sustaina- lower carbon footprint packaging we aging designs that stand out in to deal with compostable plastics. turers to refill, while consumers get how fresh their food is. reduce food waste substantially. product is consumed. of people across the world. Giving bly managed forests where trees are could create, explaining how it would crowded markets. So which com- a ‘design for life’ Having a clear system that’s easy their deposit back. “This is absurd with disposable Food waste is a growing concern, “If you deal with the packaging’s end food a longer shelf life allows it to planted to replace harvested timber. need to be recycled and how that can panies are successfully balancing proposition for consumers to understand will be Tom Szaky, founder and chief packaging, but affordable when bor- with the United Nations’ Food and of life properly, you can use the mate- move not only between geographies Wood is used in a resource-efficient be achieved. If we only rely on old, out- impact and sustainability? imperative,” says Elphick. executive at TerraCycle, says this rowed,” says Szaky. “If packaging Agriculture Organization estimat- rial again and again, and thus help save but through time.” way, so tree trunks are primarily used dated waste-management systems, In 2018, global beer brand Agency Pearlfisher helped shift from disposable to “borrowed” shifts in this way, the possibilities ing that if it – the food waste – was a finite resources as well as cut down Huhtamaki seeks to design packaging for timber and construction, treetops, then it won’t work. Carlsberg launched its Snap Pack, Wagamama improve the recycla- could enable more investment and are endless.” country, it would be the third-highest carbon emissions. For example, recy- that is 100 per cent recyclable, com- branches and bark for energy produc- “We want a 21st-century recycling which is a way to connect packs bility of its takeaway packaging. Its emitter of greenhouse gases after the cling can cut the carbon footprint of a postable or reusable. To achieve recy- tion, and the rest for cellulose, from superhighway to take packaging at the of four cans using adhesive glue, takeout offering aims to replicate United States and China. A study last paper cup by 54 per cent and the wood clability, packaging must be made as which paper and paperboard is made. end of its life and make sure the mate- rather than plastic rings. Carlsberg fibre. It still contains a plastic inner the restaurant experience, providing year found the carbon footprint of fibre used to make paper cups can be simple as possible while still delivering “Using the whole tree in the best rials are recycled. This requires infra- tested 4,000 types of glue before lining, which will be stripped out consumers with plastic bowls that PAYING A PREMIUM food waste collected from households used up to seven times before it loses the safety and functionality consumers way possible contributes to the eco- structure that can collect, sort and choosing one that burns off in the before launch. It retains Carlsberg’s can be washed and reused up to 100 Whether British consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly in Scotland was nearly three times that its strength.” need. With a plastic pouch, for exam- nomic sustainability of forests and recycle packaging, and put the mate- recycling process. distinctive green, and the logo and times at home, says Jen Newell, head alternatives when faced with two similar products of plastic waste. Public discourse around sustaina- ple, Huhtamaki will try to reduce the allows more trees to be planted within rials back into the circular economy. Pete Statham, sustainability man- slogan have been embossed. of realisation at Pearlfisher. Once Overall, food waste accounts for 8 ble packaging is frequently shifting number of polymers while still achiev- a sustainably managed forest,” says Ali. Packaging delivers functionality and ager at Carlsberg Group and UK, “The end vision is for it to be com- exhausted, they can be recycled. The per cent of the world’s total carbon and, without the much-needed evi- ing the shelf life people expect. “As a manufacturer, Huhtamaki takes safety for products; the next step in says removing the rings improves pletely polymer free,” says Statham. design team tested several different emissions. This means that from a cli- dence-based discussions, consensus Huhtamaki mainly uses renewa- raw materials and converts them into the circular economy is for the mate- user experience and allows the cans “When it’s finished, it will have a materials for food quality preserva- mate change point of view, reducing has still not been reached in terms ble raw materials, such as paper and packaging. Doing that as efficiently and rial to be reused as packaging or as to showcase branding. super low carbon footprint.” tion and temperature retention. 33% food waste is more important than of what are the most important goals effectively as possible is not only about something different. That enables the “I don’t think it has to be a com- Feminine care brand Callaly hired Originally black, the bowls were I would choose reducing the use of plastics. that need to be achieved. In the area the design, it’s about the materials we carbon footprint of the food we eat promise,” he says. “The plastic rings agency Design Bridge to produce changed to grey in 2019, making them the cheaper, “You really have to calculate the of environmental sustainability for use and our own operations.” become smaller and smaller.” detract from the consumer experi- “uplifting, desirable packaging”, easier to recycle, as black plastic often non-eco-friendly carbon footprint for each product and packaging, is it carbon reduction, Huhtamaki is now committed to ence. Now, the packs are more satis- and steer away from the “boring, goes undetected by scanners at recy- option look at the full life cycle, taking into ocean plastics or biodiversity? Or using 100 per cent renewable elec- fying to open as they snap apart and sanitised” look normally associ- cling plants. Outer cardboard sleeves 50% tricity and reducing its carbon impact account its complete supply chain,” should we think of the social or eco- we’ve been able to do interesting ated with period products, says Jody have been replaced with smaller I would choose the says Richard Ali, sustainability direc- nomic aspects of sustainability, such to the extent that its operations will For more information please visit things, like create a banner effect Elphick, head of brand and content inserts that slot into the lid. slightly more expensive, tor at Huhtamaki, a global specialist in as jobs or food safety? There is no From a climate change point be carbon neutral by 2030, reduc- huhtamaki.com across the cans.” at Callaly. Newell says there is no generic eco-friendly option packaging solutions for the food and simple answer to solving all sustaina- ing significantly the carbon footprint Statham says the biggest challenge It uses a vibrant palette of yel- approach to packaging design, drink sector. bility issues. of view, reducing food waste is of the packaging it makes. The com- in rethinking the packaging design low, blue and pink, and its outer with solutions assessed on a brand- “Begin with what goes inside the “People don’t buy packaging for its pany is also investing heavily in its has been lack of space for messag- packaging is a discreet box that fits by-brand basis and constantly 18% more important than reducing Don’t know packaging and how you ensure its own sake,” says Ali. “It enables us to efforts to work with other actors in ing. “The more space you reduce, through a letterbox. All the pack- reviewed. “You have to analyse properties remain intact through the buy the products we want to buy, the the use of plastics the supply chain. the harder it is to communicate aging is sustainable; the cardboard the brand you’re working with and YouGov 2019 14 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 15 Commercial feature

No simple solution: achieving sustainability means fully understanding the nuances DESIGN

REFILLS The future https://www.nextloopp.com/ for refi llables A lot of plastic packaging is not designed for the Circular Economy. Benefi ts of refi llable packaging are numerous, but there is still a way Is yours? to go before it becomes mainstream

WE can do so much MORE. Oliver Balch

ew businesses can rival the build on people’s growing willing- 2020 pandemic success of ness to try solutions that tackle the F Loop. Such has been cus- wastefulness of single-use pack- tomer demand that the aging, says Tim Debus, president innovative, online refi llable packag- and chief executive of the US-based ing service has just opened across all Reusable Packaging Association. forty-eight contiguous US states, up “Active support and participation from a mere nine when it launched from consumer product brands and in May last year. retailers are key ingredients to cre- Loop, which is also available in the ating product value and connect- UK and France, is fast becoming the ing with consumers on the positive poster child of a reusable packag- experience,” he adds. says Richard Slater, chief research ing trend that is spreading globally A report last year from the Ellen and development offi cer at Unilever. as consumers increasingly seek out MacArthur Foundation cites 69 refi ll- Hitting on the right answer prom- alternatives to single-use plastics. able packaging ventures in markets ises lucrative rewards. If just one “From the consumer demand around the world, from water refi ll fifth of existing plastic packaging we’ve seen around the world, the vending machines, such as Dasani’s were to be replaced by reusable growth of refi ll and reuse models pilot PureFill stations, through to or refillable alternatives, it could promises to be extraordinary,” says deposit-return schemes like the refi ll- open up a $10-billion business Stephen Clarke, head of communi- able gas cylinder service off ered by opportunity, the Ellen MacArthur cations for Loop Europe. sparkling water venture SodaStream. Foundation estimates. PepsiCo’s In addition to its eco-friendly Global consumer good giant 2018 purchase of SodaStream for credentials, Loop has developed Unilever is one of those getting in on $3.2 billion offers an inkling of the an ecommerce platform where the act. In addition to producing some money at stake. consumers can buy household refi llable versions of its own best-sell- The eco-concerns and general brands – products from Ecover, ing brands, like a concentrated ver- adaptability of younger consum- Danone, Coca-Cola and Nivea are sion of its Cif bathroom cleaning ers put them in the vanguard of the among those on offer – rather than spray, it is partnering with other reuse refillable packaging movement. A flogging its own-brand (read less specialists to help them scale. study of 2,000 16 to 24 year-olds by trusted) alternatives. An illustrative example is its sup- market analysis firm GlobalData The system works like any other port for Algramõ in Santiago, Chile. late last year found that more than online shopping experience: you The startup uses electric tricycles two-fifths (44 per cent) had used log on, select your item and pay. to deliver a selection of Unilever’s a refill station in the previous The diff erence is your products then homecare products to people’s 12 months. arrive in a recyclable padded con- homes. On arrival, the products are The coronavirus pandemic has had tainer – the Loop Tote – which acts dispensed into returnable contain- a “dampener” eff ect on some initi- like a recycling bin. In go the empty ers by an automated dispensing atives, as consumers return to sin- bottles and then, courtesy of one of unit, which is connected to an app gle-use packaging due to hygiene Nextek has the cutting edge Loop’s retail partners – Tesco in the that allows users to place their order concerns, Emily Salter, retail analyst technologies to identify, sort, UK, for instance – back they go to and pay virtually. at GlobalData, concedes. She gives Loop’s parent company TerraCycle “There isn’t a one-size-fi ts-all solu- the example of Waitrose’s decision decontaminate and recycle for recycling. tion. To deliver a range of options not to extend its popular Unpacked The strong product value that con- that work, we continue to adopt a trial, which has seen a dedicated post-consumer plastic packaging. sumers experience via Loop helps ‘test, learn and refi ne’ mentality,” refi llable zone and a frozen goods

We all need to make the paradigm REFILLS NOT YET AT THE TOP OF ECO PRIORITIES

shift to design every package The factors which UK shoppers consider to be most important when identifying if an item of packaging is better for the environment

to be truly suited for the It’s recyclable 30% Circular Economy. I can easily recycle it 20% It’s compostable 16% NOW! I can reuse it 10% It’s plastic-free 8% A proportion of recycled material is used 4% It’s refi llable 4% It’s ethically sourced 3% None of these 3% Low energy is used in its production 2% 1 Kensington Gore, Lower road miles London, SW7 2AR 1% United Kingdom The Grocer/PwC 2019 [email protected] RACONTEUR.NET 17

UK campaign group City to Sea, for instance, has developed an easy-to- use app that identifies the 20,000 or We need to look so locations where people can fill up their water bottles for free. beyond premium In a similar vein, this summer it designs and focus launched a campaign for the rein- troduction of reusable cups and con- on plainer, more tainers by coffee shops and food out- standardised lets, many of which desisted from doing so for health reasons after packaging COVID-19 hit. “All our campaigns are rooted in behaviour change theory that will inspire, nudge and provoke people pick-and-mix option introduced into into taking action on tackling plas- four pilot stores. tic pollution. Making an action easy Helping offset health concerns, for people to do is absolutely a core however, has been the huge appeal component of this,” says campaign of doorstep refillable services dur- manager Steve Hynd. ing lockdown. Algramõ, for exam- Other ventures are experiment- ple, which also dispenses a pet food ing with consumer incentives to brand for Nestlé, reported a 356 per win over everyday punters. Chile’s cent increase in demand between Algramõ, for instance, offers loy- April and June while Santiago resi- alty rewards for reusing its packag- dents were confined to their homes. ing, recoupable via its dispensing Welsh startup Splosh experienced machine. UK organic food retailer much the same. The concentrates Abel & Cole, meanwhile, throws in specialist, which sells a range of a freebie to loyal customers, offering home essentials, from shower gels the tenth refill of the same product to toilet bowl cleaners, has seen without charge. demand for its subscription-based Refillable schemes can be as easy service peak in recent months. “At and attractive as possible, but too times, we’ve struggled to cope with many still focus on the premium demand,” says the firm’s founder end of the market, says Lendal at Angus Grahame. the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Another reason behind the success The trend is understandable. of Splosh and other refillable services Refillable options not only require like it comes down to one word: ease. rejigging standard packaging A small minority of consumers are design, but also a re-engineering motivated enough by environmen- of how products are dispensed, tal concerns to go the extra mile to delivered and returned; so-called limit their use of plastic packaging, reverse logistics. says Annette Lendal, a circular econ- The trick is to ditch bespoke solu- omy expert at the Ellen MacArthur tions, she says, and instead invest Foundation. Most, however, are not. in standardised reusable packag- Making refillable packaging easy ing that is physically robust, sim- to use, therefore, is critical. In ple to clean and interchangeable Splosh’s case, it has designed a deliv- between brands. ery package (recyclable of course) “To reach the mainstream, we that allows it to post its product con- need to look beyond premium centrates through conventional let- designs and focus on plainer, more terboxes, avoiding the need for cus- standardised packaging. The big tomers to be at home. brands get this and it’s something I Digital technology is also mak- think we’ll now start to see increasing refilling easier for customers. ingly,” Lendal concludes. 18 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 19 Commercial feature

HYGIENE Embracing packaging which cleans itself Eating into the problem As public interest HOW LONG DOES in hygiene reaches CORONAVIRUS LIVE ON SURFACES? of food waste its zenith, new

innovations, such as Shutterstock via FamVeld In their efforts to become more sustainable, businesses have tended self-cleaning plastic, to focus on climate change or plastic pollution, overlooking the equally 72 hours have never been Plastic serious problem of food waste more welcome 48 hours oth food and plastic waste What can brands do? Rich McEachran Stainless steel B can be best tackled by ensur- Big brands have been slow to see that ing the optimum disposal consumers’ views are changing on route is considered for the product composting and food waste. According ave you ever considered involved, while a broader adoption of to a recent Populus survey, commis- H how many people have compostable packaging has a critical sioned by the compostable packaging handled a bag of salad or role to play. company TIPA, some 85 per cent of packet of pasta before it has made hours About a third of the waste we create British consumers believe more com- its way onto a supermarket shelf? Or 24 Cardboard is biodegradable and should be compostable packaging should be used to how many shoppers have picked it posted, but around half still ends wrap food as an alternative to plastic. up and then put it back? up in landfill where it rots and pro- Already we are seeing ethical and There’s no evidence to suggest duces methane gas, one of the most challenger brands adopt such pack- coronavirus can be passed on damaging greenhouse gases driving aging to good effect and, if bigger through touching packaging and climate change. brands want to be part of the change, the official stance from the World Opportunities to turn this bio- they must embrace it too for the Health Organization is that pack- 4 hours waste into clean energy or soil-en- right products. aging is an unlikely transmission Copper riching compost are also lost, along Futamura, a Japanese company with route, despite the fact that the virus with the energy and water that went manufacturing sites in the UK, United can survive on plastic for up to 72 into producing the wasted food in the States and Japan, is one of the com- hours. Nevertheless, attitudes and first place. postable packaging manufacturers behaviours have understandably UK consumers are alive to the issue, leading the way in this area. It produces shifted over the past few months. as seen by the growing adoption of a fully compostable transparent film for A survey conducted by FMCG 3 hours compostable packaging, acceptance food packaging that offers the perfor- Gurus, published in April, found 26 Still air of imperfectly shaped fruit and vege- mance of conventional plastic and is per cent of respondents across 18 New England Medical Journal 2020 tables, and uptake of apps to reduce used by large food and pharmaceutical countries, including the UK, United food waste. companies around the world. States and China, said they would Indeed, the wider problem has been Rather than using petrochemicals, now like more information about wary about germs being passed on by in repelling all forms of bacteria, Industry analysis, published by have to touch raw meat, can also be recognised by the UK government that the material – marketed as NatureFlex how products on shop shelves have touching and handling products. including superbugs MRSA and Ipsos in August, has indicated that contaminated on the outside. has set out plans in the Environment – is made from readily renewable cellu- been handled, while 42 per cent said One solution to the problem, and Clostridium difficile, as well as consumers might be more will- “The technology only adds 0.25p to Bill for food waste to be collected sep- lose derived from wood pulp, sourced they are paying more attention to the issue of contamination in the viruses with a similar structure to ing to buy a product if the packag- the average price of a whole chicken, arately from all households in England exclusively from responsibly managed the quality of packaging. supply chain in general, could be COVID-19. It could potentially be ing has proven hygiene qualities. but numerous retailers and chicken by 2023. The Department for the tree plantations. The pandemic has made people more self-cleaning plastic. used to shrink-wrap all kinds of However, a balance will need to be suppliers have told us that this is Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra), It is light, durable and delivers an certification is key. Futamura’s prod- For every tonne that is composted, anxious about germs and hygiene Researchers at McMaster things, from door handles to food. struck between hygiene, sustaina- too much, because of the amount of meanwhile, has committed to eliminat- excellent barrier to maintain freshness ucts hold the Programme for the 1,000 KgCo2eq of greenhouse emis- etiquette. Supermarkets and shops University in Canada made head- The science for self-cleaning plas- bility and value. the meat eaten in the UK,” says Paul ing food waste from landfill in England and reduce waste from start to finish, Endorsement of Forest Certification, sions are saved and 300KWh of elec- have taken measures to lower the risk lines last December when they tic is established, but it could be A survey of 16,000 people across 16 Morris, Addmaster’s managing direc- by 2030. or farm to fork. It can be used in a host which is a gold-standard designa- tricity is generated, enough to power of COVID-19 spreading, including announced they had developed an some time before bacteria-repellent countries, conducted by the market tor. “It’s tremendously frustrating to According to Defra, if all local author- of different ways, including as pack- Biowaste that is properly tion for wood harvested from forests a family home for a month. In addition, installing hand-sanitising stations. anti-bacterial, non-stick plastic materials are used to wrap products research firm, asked what the two have the solution available, yet be hit- ities provided kerbside food waste col- aging for snacks, fresh produce, med- managed can become a that are managed, socially benefi- 850 litres of fertilising digestate is cre- But even once a vaccine has been surface through a combination of found in supermarkets. most important factors in deciding ting a brick wall with retailers that are lection, the amount collected would icine, confectionery, tea and coffee, cial, environmentally conscious and ated that can be combined with garden found and administered, there will clever chemistry and engineering. Kinross-based Exporta, a pack- between two products of similar putting profit before safety.” increase by 1.35 million tonnes by 2029, bakery goods and cheese. huge asset for the UK economically viable. waste to create optimum fertilising and be shoppers who are likely to remain The transparent wrap is effective aging solution firm, which sells an quality and features are. Nearly five Morris is hopeful the pandemic reducing greenhouse gas emissions by It means Futamura’s films are inde- soil-structure remediating compost. anti-bacterial, self-adhesive film in ten said lower price, 29 per cent will mean retailers become more an estimated 1.25 million tonnes a year. Plastics versus compostables pendently confirmed as composta- The “circular economy” has become that can be applied to hand railings, voted for hygienic packaging and 24 receptive to the technology. More Collection and infrastructure are Brands do not need to abandon plas- ble through certification to relevant a buzz term in business, but few com- tables and chairs, supplies clients in per cent would prefer a product that shoppers now want anti-bacte- evolving fast and there are already tics to make good use of composta- global standards for industrial and panies truly embody the philosophy. CONSUMERS STILL CHOOSE PRICE OVER HYGIENE the agriculture, pharmaceutical and came in eco-friendly packaging. rial protection and raising hygiene more than 50 facilities in the UK taking ble packaging. Certain types of plastic home composting. Embracing renewable and composta- healthcare industries. Even if bacterial-repellent mate- standards will help companies Global customers were asked to pick the top two reasons which are most in compostable packaging with their packaging, such as soft drinks bottles, ble packaging for their products Don Marshall, Exporta’s head of rials were to become mainstream, increase their profits. important to them when deciding between similar household products organic waste. can already be recycled effectively and Yet all these applications can now be Benefits of compostable packaging offers companies the chance to ecommerce and fulfilment, says: reluctance from manufacturers and “Companies are beginning to real- may remain an appropriate choice in delivered in compostable solutions. Brands have spoken out effectively demonstrate true circularity, from “I can see the film's application on retailers could stand in self-clean- ise that if they don’t up their hygiene sustainability terms. Similarly, how can it be acceptable to use about issues such as climate change, farm to fork and back to the farm Products are offered at a lower Products come None the bulk side of distribution on plas- ing plastic’s way. game, then consumers will move to price enabling me to save money in hygienic packaging of these Instead, brands should focus on a plastic coffee pod when compostable race and gender equality, and organic again. With focus on the plastic waste tic pallets, containers and boxes. Stafford-based supplier of addi- those that do,” he adds. packaging that is harder to recycle or solutions exist, offering the same perfor- waste is set to become another such problem, consumers have never had Surfaces in the supply chain for mov- tives for plastics and textiles, Similar hurdles face self-clean- where contamination by residual food mance and consumer convenience? hot-button topic. However, most more power to influence the packaging goods are already hygienic and Addmaster’s most innovative devel- ing plastic. However, if the price takes place. Take, for example, a ready Currently, biowaste facilities must brands have only taken baby steps ing choices of the future. can be easily sanitised, but this would opment is a coating for packs of is right, then it should become meal tray, where the tray itself may limit the contamination rate of plas- towards changing their practices. offer an extra level of protection. fresh chicken that comes in both a commercially viable. be recyclable but the plastic film that tics and other non compostables to Some are put off by the upfront cost “The problem with any tech- liquid and powder form and helps to “The development and rollout of covers it is not, making it impossible to around 5 per cent by weight. However, of some types of compostable packag- 47% 42% 29% 24% 12% nology, though, is that it remains prevent the spread of bacteria, such self-cleaning plastic is definitely 85% recycle the whole thing. the UK Environment Agency wants to ing, but as consumers respond posi- For more information please visit expensive. Our film, which isn’t as campylobacter, a common cause possible,” says Marshall at Exporta. Tea bags, fruit labels and sandwich tighten this to just 0.5 per cent, amid tively to the brand’s actions, sales typ- Natureflex.com exactly self-cleaning, costs more of food poisoning. “Like all new technologies, we need skillets often contain plastics, which mounting concerns over microplas- ically rise, more than compensating for than £1,000 a roll. So, if self-clean- According to findings from the to see an increase in supply and mean they will not get recycled and tics entering the environment. the initial investment. Conversely, doing ing plastic was used for product Food Standards Agency, campylo- demand, as well as adoption, for of British consumers believe more could inadvertently contaminate com- Compostable packaging will reduce nothing can alienate customers, costing packaging, it would add a hefty bacter is present on 5 to 7 per cent prices to drop to a point where it compostable packaging should be post. Once these plastics are dispersed this problem. the business more in the long run. Products are made Products come in amount of cost to each product and of all chicken packaging. Cook-in- could be viable to have bacteria-reused to wrap food as an alternative into the environment, they do not bio- For brands looking to lead the way Biowaste that is properly managed in my home country eco-friendly packaging increase the price of goods, which the-bag chickens, which are sold as pellent materials used for a packet to plastic degrade and may harm ecosystems. on this issue, robust and independent can become a huge asset for the UK. Ipsos 2020 are already price sensitive.” a product where consumers don’t of cornflakes.” 18 FUTURE OF PACKAGING RACONTEUR.NET 19 Commercial feature

HYGIENE Embracing packaging which cleans itself Eating into the problem As public interest HOW LONG DOES in hygiene reaches CORONAVIRUS LIVE ON SURFACES? of food waste its zenith, new