One of the biggest trends in the packaging industry is the increasing demand for recycle-ready products. Consumers want to see businesses using boxes, pouches, wrappers, and other containers that can go straight in the recycling. There is also a lot of pressure from governments. Ultimately, the aim is to save more materials from landfill and protect the environment. So, it’s important to look carefully at what you are using and sustainability. Things like laminating services can be a huge benefit.
Life cycle
The key thing to think about is what packaging to use to achieve each goal with as little impact on the environment as possible. This could be something simple like choosing a box to protect goods during shipping. Or, it could be more complex functions like pouches that need to ensure products will be safe on a shelf for months.
It’s also vital to think about the entire lifecycle of each piece of packaging. What could happen to it after use? Is it recyclable, reusable, biodegradable, or even compostable? It’s important to think about this and ensure end users know what they can do with rubbish.
Mono-materials
When considering packaging, it is absolutely crucial to think about mono-materials. A big obstacle to recycling is products feature a combination of different materials or have had specific laminating services. In some cases they are bonded together in such a way it is difficult or impossible to separate them again. This can cause issues for recycling, biodegradability, and compostability.
Instead of mixing materials and having issues, there is more focus now on mono-materials. They are made of a single material, sometimes PE or even paper. It’s easy to see why they are growing in popularity; they are recycle-ready.
Think about barrier properties
One of the most important things to look at is the barrier properties of packaging materials. Luckily, there are now great options for almost any need. This can include recycle-ready materials with ultra-high, high, medium-to-high, and lower barrier solutions.
Businesses need to make sure they select packaging with the ideal properties. There is no point using non-recyclable materials offering higher barrier properties if it is not necessary to maximise shelf life. In fact, some products could be damaged. Cheese is a really good example; some types will deteriorate quickly if the packaging is completely airtight because it will trap moisture.
Speak to us about laminating services for different products
Lamination is fantastic for a massive range of applications, including packaging to protect different goods. It’s also excellent for protecting a variety of substrates, including timber, metal, and paper and cardboard. There are even uses for flooring, furniture, and more.
If you’re thinking about laminating services and want some help, you can rely on us. Crucially, we can help you to choose the right solutions for different needs while also focusing on achieving green goals. There are several quality laminates available now that are recycle-ready. Contact us today to learn more.