The big picture in packaging at the moment is brands need to prioritise recyclability. Some consumers will actively avoid products today if they have to throw the packaging in the bin rather than recycling it. So, it is important for businesses to think carefully about what you are using. It may be better to rethink your products, exploring alternatives. Things like laminating services can help here.
Performance
One of the main things to look at is how to switch to recyclable materials while also maintaining performance. The new packaging needs to perform just as effectively as the old non-recyclable one. If the change will compromise performance, it is important to look for a different solution.
A crucial thing to look at is the life cycle of the packaging. Ideally the move to recyclable materials should maintain the shelf life of the product. If possible, it could even extend it. It is unwise to make the switch if the new packaging will make the life cycle worse.
Cost
Easily the biggest challenge with recyclable packaging is the cost. Many existing non-recyclable materials have mature supply chains. So, the products can be available at very low costs. Sadly that means there can be a higher price to pay to switch.
The good thing here is that production processes of newer materials are improving every day. Things like laminating services are more efficient than ever. So, it can be cost efficient to add laminates to different materials today.
Product changes
Sometimes it may be beneficial to change the products themselves to improve packaging and recyclability. For example, if chemicals can be bio-based they can work with greener packing materials.
Homogenisation
Another crucial thing to look at is how to homogenise products. We still see numerous pieces of packaging that aren’t homogeneous. For example, a box may be cardboard but the lid could be a non-recyclable plastic. That won’t meet the consumers’ goal for recycling.
What to do here is develop ways to create homogeneous packaging that is entirely recyclable. A good example is drink bottles. The bottle itself is recyclable, but in the past the lids weren’t. Today, they are both the same material and suitable for recycling together.
Paper
As we said above, laminating services are very useful today. They are especially good for ensuring that paper and card can satisfy different packaging needs.
An important thing that every business should consider is people trust and like paper. They automatically view it as a greener, more eco-friendly choice. It is also well known to be sustainable and recyclable.
The use of paper does present a number of challenges though. It has very poor barrier performance, being porous and absorbing moisture from the environment. A laminate can be the ideal solution, especially when the film is easy to debond and recycle.
Talk to us about laminating services
If you are considering your packaging and want to make it more recyclable, laminate could be exactly what you need. We can help, sharing our experience with laminates. Crucially, we have access to some of the best products in the world, including sustainable film. So, get in touch today and find out more.