The Paper Packaging and Improved Sustainability
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Our Future is within the Packaging
Plastic waste, consumer packaging waste, takeaway packaging waste… the shift in consumer behavior and the emergence of new food services have been pressing environmental issues. Apart from the packaging waste in the food industry, companies are also in seek of a greener and circular approach to improve sustainability with packaging.
Paper packaging, is now a critical form of packaging to circular economic and sustainable packaging approaches, primarily to avoid packaging waste, and improve reusability and recyclability.
In this article, we discuss the recent trend in the food and beverage industry in terms of sustainable packaging and the latest packaging technologies that achieve waste avoidance, circular economy, and improved recyclability.
What is Sustainable Packaging?
Sustainability packaging is the methodology and development of a new form of packaging and its use to improve sustainability, including reducing waste, minimizing carbon footprint, and improving reusability and recyclability.
Solem, an FSC-certified packaging company with noted excellence in paper packaging, suggests that sustainable packaging involves the enforced analysis of the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). And above according to the definition given in Green Food Processing Techniques, 2019, LCI and LCA can provide quantificational and identificational methods to figure out the energy, solid wastes, and substances released to the environment, to find out approaches to reduce packaging’s environmental impact and improve ecological footprint.
What are Life Cycle Assessment (LCI) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
- Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
In ISO 14040:2006, LCI is the “phase of life cycle assessment involving the compilation and quantification of inputs and outputs for a product throughout its life cycle”. To put it in an intelligible way when it comes to packaging, LCI is a quantificational method to find the energy and material flows, or more specifically, the waste and footprint, it releases to the environment during all the stages from raw material extraction and processing to manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal.
LCI allows for a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of a product or packaging by taking into account not only its immediate environmental impacts but also the indirect impacts associated with the entire life cycle. The results of an LCI analysis can be used to identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce the environmental impact of a product or packaging.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Also defined in ISO 14040, LCA is the “compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs, and the potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle.”
That is to say, LCI is one of the foundations of LCA.
To explain it in a detailed manner, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method broader than Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and takes into consideration, apart from environmental impacts, as well as social and economic aspects associated with the packaging throughout its entire life cycle. Therefore, LCA is a widely used method in sustainable packaging to guide decision-making and design for environmental and social sustainability.
Paper Packaging for Snacks
Plastic packaging such as plastic zipper pouch has been a preferred option for products such as nuts and freeze-drying foods in the snack industry for the reason of humidity-proof and air-tightness.
Admittedly, plastic pouches are more durable and resistant to moisture, making them suitable for the longer-term storage of snacks and freeze-dried foods. They also offer better protection against air and light, which can cause degradation of the contents. However, they are not biodegradable and can have negative environmental impacts if not properly disposed of.
Paper pouches, on the other hand, are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact than plastic pouches. They are also lightweight and easy to transport. The most recent technologies are also striving to improve and provide as much protection from moisture or air as plastic pouches.
In the End
The trend of using paper packaging in the dairy, food, and snack industries is a promising step toward achieving more sustainable practices. Not only does paper packaging reduce waste and carbon emissions, but it also appeals to consumers who prioritize eco-friendly options. However, it is important for companies to continue researching and implementing innovative solutions to address any potential drawbacks, such as the need for additional resources and energy to produce paper packaging. With continued effort and collaboration, the industry can work towards a more sustainable future while still delivering high-quality products.
