Page 58 - Plastics News October 2023
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tainers specifically designed to trans- environmental pollution. It’s been es- accuracy.
port and store dry goods like grains, timated that a staggering 8.3bn tonnes Sustainability in industrial pack-
seeds or pet food. Both drums and of plastic have been produced far re- aging
bulk bins play a role in safeguarding sulting in around 6.3bn tonnes of plas-
the contents during transit and stor- tic waste that either ends up in land- Industrial packaging plays a crucial
age to ensure that the products reach fills or finds its way into the natural role in safeguarding products during
their destination intact and, without environment. transit and storage but it also affects
any damage. On the one hand metal packaging can the environment. With consumers
growing more conscious of the con-
In industrial packaging drums and bulk be quite heavy and costly to produce sequences of their purchases it’s cru-
bins find applications in the transpor- while paper packaging may not be as cial for companies to take measures
tation of chemicals. The primary con- resilient as some alternative options. to minimise their carbon footprint.
cern during chemical transportation However, despite these downsides
is to prevent any leakage or spillage. each material serves a purpose in the One approach to achieve this is by
Drums serve as a choice for chemical packaging market and finds extensive embracing friendly practices, in in-
transport due to their durability and use, across various industries. dustrial packaging. Companies can
ability to withstand the challenges of Market trends and opportunities opt for materials minimise packaging
transportation. Conversely bulk bins waste and design packaging that is
are specifically designed for transport- In the industrial packaging market easily recyclable. This not only helps
ing chemicals like fertilizers or pesti- there is a noticeable trend towards to reduce their environmental impact
cides allowing for convenient storage, embracing sustainable and eco-friend- but also appeals to consumers who
in large quantities and dispensing as ly solutions. A significant number of prioritise sustainable products.
required. companies have already begun adopt- Challenges in industrial packaging
ing environmentally friendly practices
Materials used in industrial pack- by utilising recycled materials and One of the hurdles in industrial pack-
aging products with lower emissions. aging is the issue of cost. As businesses
Industrial packaging can be crafted This shift can be attributed to the aim to reduce expenses and enhance
using a range of materials each pos- growing awareness and concerns efficiency they frequently search for
sessing its distinct characteristics and surrounding the environmental ef- methods to decrease their packag-
advantages. Plastic is a choice due to fects associated with conventional ing expenditures. However, this ap-
its durability and versatility. It can be packaging materials like plastic and proach can potentially jeopardise the
molded into shapes and sizes making metal. Consequently, there is now an protection of products. Raise the like-
it suitable for products of different increased demand, for packaging al- lihood of damage, during transporta-
forms and dimensions. ternatives that’re biodegradable and tion and storage.
Metal packaging is renowned for its compostable. Designing packaging that fulfills both
robustness and ability to withstand Besides sustainability, technological aesthetic needs poses another chal-
extreme temperatures. This makes advancements have also had an impact lenge. On one hand the package must
it an excellent option for transporting on the industrial packaging sector. For be durable and offer protection. On
goods over distances or storing them instance, the adoption of automation the other hand, it should also be visu-
in challenging environments. Paper in packaging operations has enhanced ally attractive and represent the brand
packaging is also commonly utilised, efficiency while reducing expenses. effectively. Achieving this balance can
in the food industry. It is lightweight, prove to be a time consuming task.
environmentally friendly and easily re- Moreover, the integration of tech- Regulations also pose a challenge in
cyclable. nology like sensors and RFID tags the field of industrial packaging. Each
has greatly improved supply chain
While every type of material has management and product tracking. country has its set of regulations per-
its advantages it’s important to also Manufacturers and distributors who taining to packaging materials labeling
consider the potential drawbacks. incorporate RFID technology into obligations and environmental impact.
For instance, plastic packaging is not their supply chains witness an 80% Companies must navigate these regu-
biodegradable and can contribute to enhancement, in shipping and picking lations to ensure compliance while
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