At the latest Made in Group industry meetup, a roundtable session focused on "Sustainable Packaging: Beyond Plastics and Foams" brought together key figures in the packaging industry. With participants including Mark Furman from Lesters Packaging, Caroline Findlay from LG David, Dan Ireland from Garthwest Packaging, Phil Stanley from TWP Group, and Ian Fisher from Mattair, the discussion was both enlightening and urgent.
Setting the Stage
Mark Furman opened the conversation with a provocative question aimed at industrialists: “How many litres of water are required to recycle just one tonne of cardboard?” The response was staggering—200,000 litres. This figure highlights a crucial aspect of sustainability; while recycling is vital, understanding the underlying numbers is equally important. The session state that sustainability is not merely an environmental concern but a multifaceted challenge that encompasses costs, materials, and customer expectations.
Exploring Alternatives
The discussion shifted towards alternative packaging materials. Phil Stanley shared insights from his experience at Patterson Photographic, where he successfully transitioned to sustainable materials for point-of-sale packaging. This change not only reduced environmental impact but also led to significant cost savings through decreased weight and transport expenses. Such examples underscore that eco-friendly choices can align with business objectives, challenging the narrative that sustainability always equates to higher costs.
Dan Ireland added a compelling perspective regarding consumer behavior. He noted how the negative portrayal of plastics in documentaries like Blue Planet has spurred consumers to scrutinise packaging materials more closely. Despite this increased awareness, he pointed out that many companies continue to rely on outdated packaging practices. “Customers are still using the same cardboard boxes they were 20 years ago,” he lamented, emphasising the need for innovation in packaging solutions. Addressing this issue is essential for improving a company's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) profile and steering towards net-zero goals.
Industry Practices and Innovations
Phil Stanley raised a pertinent question about the environmental impact of clear tape, prompting Mark Furman to suggest alternatives like paper tape, depending on specific needs. This dialogue exemplified the session’s focus on practical solutions that businesses can implement immediately.
Caroline Findlay highlighted a prevalent industry practice of outsourcing to accredited firms for “conforming” packaging solutions. This trend, driven by customer expectations, reflects a shift towards more responsible sourcing of materials. As sustainability becomes a standard expectation, businesses must adapt or risk falling behind.
Mark introduced EcoVadis, a platform that provides in-depth sustainability assessments of companies. This tool, driven by customer demands for transparency and accountability, has led many businesses to make significant improvements in their practices. EcoVadis not only serves as a compliance measure but also enhances operational efficiencies, ultimately benefiting the bottom line.
Challenges and Collaborative Solutions
Ian Fisher from Mattair discussed the challenges they face with recycling. He noted that while they strive to recycle as much as possible, they often generate more waste than can be processed within their current systems. He posed the idea of larger recycling points, wondering if Lesters Packaging could assist in this effort. This highlighted the potential for collaboration in the industry to enhance recycling capabilities.
Phil Stanley further expanded on this idea, mentioning the upcoming Circular Economy Package (CBMA), which will scrutinise the lifecycle of materials entering and exiting factories. He shared that his company has implemented measures to shred and reuse cardboard, showcasing an innovative approach to waste management.
Conclusion
The breakout session on sustainable packaging was not only a call to action but also a collaborative forum for sharing innovative practices and challenges. The insights from industry leaders reinforced the notion that sustainability is achievable through strategic changes in materials, processes, and partnerships. As the industry moves forward, it will be essential to balance environmental responsibility with economic viability, paving the way for a sustainable future.