sustainable reusable packaging is part of a green economy

Sustainable Returnable Packaging – a Key Element in Environmental Trends

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During the Global Recycling Awareness Week in March 2024, the specialized publication Euromonitor conducted extensive polls to understand how individuals and businesses embrace environmental friendly habits. Not surprisingly, sustainable packaging made it into the top answers.

As professional packaging producers, the results of the polls and the discussions generated by the poll are of great interest to us. At Logistic Packaging, we take pride of being early adopters of the latest trends in terms of returnable packaging, using sustainable materials and promoting recycling.

How Poll Findings Tally with the Use of Sustainable Returnable Packaging

First, let us share a few findings of the Euromonitor poll in terms of ways of leading a more sustainable and environmentally friendly life. Europeans mentioned the following actions:

  • Reduce plastics use
  • Recycle items
  • Reduce energy consumption
  • Use less water
  • Use sustainable packaging.

Now let us discuss these actions in connection with the production and use or reusable plastic packaging.

1. Reusable Packaging Reduces the Need for Single-Use Packaging

As unlikely as it looks, reusable plastic packaging helps solve the problem of global plastic waste. These packages are designed and built for many use cycles over several years.

One single foldable plastic container can replace thousands of flimsy packages meant to be sent to the landfill after one, maybe several uses. The large variety of returnable packaging solutions ensures that all industries can find the adequate items for their entire supply chain.

 2. Returnable Packaging Is 100% Recyclable

The terms plastic packaging and sustainable packaging do not exclude each other. On the contrary, all the plastic pallets and containers we produce are made of recyclable materials in proportion of 100%.

Moreover, some products are made of recycled materials, thus they have a reduced impact on the environment.

3. Using Plastic Packaging Saves Energy

A study conducted by denkstatt showed that the use of returnable plastic packaging requires less energy consumption compared to other packaging materials. For example, if food products were packaged in other material than plastic, the overall weight of the finished product would be four times higher. This translates in increased costs and energy use for:

  • Handling
  • Storage
  • Transportation
  • Preservation in the cold chain.

4. Plastic Packaging Production Requires Less Water Use

By comparison to wooden and cardboard packaging, sustainable reusable packaging made of plastic uses very little water during the production process. Studies indicate that making a small plastic container needs 6% of the water required to make a container of the same size out of cardboard.

5. Plastic Is a Sustainable Material for Packaging

Last but not least, it is important to note that high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PE) are byproducts of crude oil processing. There is not need to deplete natural resources specifically for the manufacturing of plastic packaging materials.

Moreover, with an increasing number of companies committed to support a green economy, a significant percentage of material used to make new packaging materials comes from recycled pallet containers, boxes and trays.

Logistic Packaging is committed to helping businesses find and implement sustainable returnable packaging that fit their needs. Send us an email to start discussing your packaging applications with our specialists!