Currently, waste reduction is one of the major environmental issues. Their environmental impact as well as on the economic health of industries are absolutely colossal. Between the waste of resources, poorly optimized waste management and low reuse, it is high time to move the lines to design ecological and economical solutions. A challenge taken up by packaging players such as DS SMITH, committed to the creation of sustainable solutions with reduced environmental impact.
Types of packaging waste:
Packaging waste can be classified into several distinct categories, namely:
- Plastic waste : responsible for significant pollution due to its difficulty in being recycled.
- Cardboard and paper waste which benefits from excellent recyclability, but which requires adequate management to be fully included in a circular economy dynamic.
- Metal waste : resistant and reusable, it is part of sustainable packaging if it benefits from eco-design from recycled materials.
- Other types of waste : such as glass, reusable, but fragile and rather energy-intensive during its first production.
- Compostable waste , made from natural materials (plant fibers, bioplastics, untreated recycled paper, etc.
Causes of packaging waste:
In order to optimize resources and reduce costs, it is interesting to look at the causes of packaging waste. In this regard, it is possible to cite:
- Over -packaging , generating volumes of unnecessary waste, unlike minimalist packaging.
- Poor packaging design : the opposite of smart, sustainability-focused packaging.
- The use of non-recyclable materials which naturally increase the rate of waste generated.
- So-called industrial inefficiencies , which include possible losses inherent in production processes.
Strategies to reduce packaging waste:
Eco-friendly packaging design
By adopting an ecological design (or eco-design) of packaging, it is possible to limit the production of waste at its source. It is then possible to use recyclable and biodegradable materials, in order to anchor ourselves in an approach of reducing plastics and other materials that are not very respectful of the environment.
It is also possible to reduce the quantity of materials used, with a view to responsible and reasoned consumption. Finally, it is necessary to favor reusable or modular solutions, adapted to the real needs of consumers: reusable packaging , such as returnable glass bottles, are the perfect example.
Optimization of production processes:
Optimizing production processes can significantly reduce industrial waste. This is achieved through a green supply chain, including:
- Improving the efficiency of machines, in order to limit material losses as much as possible.
- Optimization of material cutting, avoiding the accumulation of offcuts and scraps.
- Training supply chain employees in best practices, with a view to shared environmental responsibility.
Recycling and reuse:
Producing sustainable packaging is not enough: its recycling and reuse cycle must be perfectly optimized. It is then possible to rely on internal recycling programs, ideal for integrating waste into the virtuous cycle of the circular economy. Otherwise, it is possible to turn to partners specializing in recycling or reusing packaging. Finally, promoting ways of using reusable packaging helps to raise consumer awareness and extend the lifespan of packaging. This limits the waste produced.
Innovation and technology:
Green innovation plays a major role in the waste reduction process . Several levers, linked to new technologies, can be activated in order to reduce the waste emitted by packaging :
- The use of clean technologies for production and design.
- The adoption of new digital solutions for waste management, such as online platforms for example.
- Investing in innovative R&D policies enables the adoption of sustainable technological alternatives to traditional polluting packaging.
