Reusable Plastic Packaging Lifecycle Proves Sustainable at Every Stage

One of the key selling points for reusable plastic containers and pallets is their sustainability. This is more than a buzzword to make a company increase market share and customer loyalty. As packaging producers, we have solid facts and data to show that the reusable packaging lifecycle is truly sustainable at every phase.

To prove this assertion, we will walk you through every step of the process from the very beginning to the very end of the existence of any returnable plastic package. Let us start:

1. Raw Material Extraction

The first step in producing any packaging material is obtaining the raw materials. Traditional packages made of wood or cardboard involved felling trees. This is a major problem at the present, and this is why such packages are being phased out.

Reusable plastic packaging materials do not require extracting raw materials specifically to produce them. The raw materials used in manufacturing these products are a by-product of oil processing.

Plastic pallets and plastic crates are made of:

• High density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP).

All these materials are residues of crude oil processing to obtain gasoline, petrol and other fuels.

2. Material Processing

The next phase in the reusable plastic packaging lifecycle also has a reduced impact on the environment. In the case of wood, it must be turned into cellulose to make cardboard boxes or cut to size as timber to produce wooden pallets.

PP, HDPE and other material require only a few reaction processes to reach the suitable form for using in plastic packaging production.

3. Packaging Production

Logistic Packaging and other professional packaging producers constantly invest in R&D to discover modern production methods that involve:

• Reduced energy consumption
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Minimal waste during the entire production process.

These are not only demands for a sustainable product lifecycle, but also as a means of staying competitive and keeping production costs under control.

4. Distribution

A large part of the carbon footprint is created in the distribution process. However, our team of packaging and logistics experts has developed a smart strategy to reduce it. Our approach is based on:

• Creating production facilities close to important transportation hubs in Central and Eastern Europe
• Building a network of warehouses capable of supplying both end clients and smaller distribution hubs
• Creating a network of partners and distributors in every European country where we sell our products.

Thus, we are able to deliver our products with reduced transportation costs and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

5. Product Use

The most important part of the reusable plastic packaging lifecycle is the time when it is in use. By contrast to other packaging materials, returnable plastic pallets and containers have a very long lifespan – of up to 5 years.

During this period, the packages can sustain repeated use cycles and maintain their qualities even under intense use.

6. End-of-Life

At the end of their lifespan, all reusable plastic packaging materials are 100% recyclable. Some of the products in our standard range are already made from recycled materials. This shows the sustainability of the reusable plastic packaging lifecycle and proves that, with the right approach, plastic can be the solution, not part of the pollution problem.

Logistic Packaging is committed to assist companies transform their logistics operations by implementing sustainable returnable packaging solutions. Send us an email to explain your packaging needs and start discussing with one of our packaging experts!

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