Sustainability, simply defined, is the capacity to endure. When applied to packaging, sustainability considers the social, ecological and economic consequences of every aspect of that packaging–raw materials extraction, materials processing, design, manufacturing, distribution, use, disposal and recycling. This also applies to the viability of that packaging as it relates to the product it is to contain. Will the selected packaging material and packaging design sufficiently protect the product thereby insuring efficient use of the resources used in manufacturing that product? The long term objective is to create packaging which successfully transports and markets the product while reducing the environmental impact and ecological footprint of the product. Socially responsible companies are doing everything in their powers to meet the functional and economic needs of the preset without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
In 2005, The Sustainable Packaging Coalition provided a common vision and framework for understanding activities directed towards improving the sustainability of packages. This definition has been widely adopted throughout the packaging industry.
They suggest that sustainable packaging:
- Meets market criteria for both performance and cost;
- Optimizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials;
- Is made from materials healthy in all probable end of life scenarios;
- Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed loop cycles.
But, there is no silver bullet for sustainable packaging. Each instance is unique to itself. Alternatives must be weighed against your product, your distribution and retail requirements, as well as available technological resources and disposal options. You also need to consider how it may change the perception of your product by your consumer. It is a complex situation that requires forethought and planning.
At TricorBraun we know sustainability is no longer just a buzz word. It’s a necessary part of doing business today. We are, as a company, making it our business to be as sustainable as possible and help others do the same. We work diligently to keep current with the latest developments in materials and practices. By providing green options, we help others with their environmental efforts. Our designers and engineers are constantly looking for structural innovations that can make packages more eco-friendly. We consider the logistics behind supplying your packaging and work to make the process more ecologically efficient. In short, we’re interested in doing whatever is necessary and possible to reduce your carbon footprint and improve everyone’s quality of life.
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