Page 42 - Plastics News September 2023

FEATURE

Sustainability & quality in packaging: insights from a global survey

terials should align with quality and
safety requirements, as deviating from
effective materials might inadvertent-
ly lead to increased food waste, con-
tradicting waste reduction objectives.
Recyclability and waste reduction on
the radar
The research also unveiled that pack-
aging professionals in the food and
beverage sector are actively investing
in recyclability (60%) and waste re-
duction (59%).

Notably, 37% of respondents are ex-
ploring manufacturing processes like
“lightweighting” to bolster waste re-
duction across the supply chain.
Lightweighting for efficient resource
use
ndustrial Physics, a US-based pro- cated to supporting sustainability initi- Lightweighting, which reduces the
Ivider of packaging, product, and atives through their packaging efforts. amount of material needed for metal
material testing, has unveiled insights Toby Lane, Product and Applications packaging while maintaining durability,
into how professionals in the food Manager at Industrial Physics, noted: is a method gaining traction. Today,
packaging industry are responding to “Sustainability continues to drive ma- cans can be produced with a mere
the growing demand for sustainability terial developments including plastic 0.097mm wall thickness, akin to a hu-
and consumer preference through in- eradication from brands across the man hair.
novative strategies for material selec- world. However, we must look at the
tion and production processes. broader picture in terms of material This not only reduces production
costs but also enhances resource ef-
Key drivers of packaging innova- transportation weight, production en- ficiency.
tion identified ergy, testing capability, food safety ap-
These drivers include: proval, and other related challenges.” Lane underscored the importance of
maintaining durability and quality dur-
Quality assurance: A significant 69% Investment in new materials amid ing the lightweighting process, high-
of respondents highlighted the para- cost challenges lighting the need to adhere to strin-
mount importance of maintaining the Despite 60% of respondents grap- gent regulations, including food-grade
quality of packaging. pling with rising material costs, the coatings, seam closures, and tamper-
Product safety: Ensuring the safety survey found a strong inclination to- evident features.
and quality of the products contained wards investing in new material devel- Testing challenges in material and pro-
within the package was a key concern, opment. cess development
with 63% of respondents emphasis- Notably, 43% of professionals re- Despite a strong overall inclination
ing this aspect. main committed to reducing plastic (96%) towards embracing new pack-
Consumer-friendly design: Approxi- usage, with biodegradable materials aging developments, food and bever-
mately 56% of professionals ex- (58%) and organic alternatives (51%) age professionals encounter challeng-
pressed the need for packaging to be emerging as the most promising av- es in testing new packaging types. Key
user-friendly. enues for exploring new packaging obstacles include:
Sustainability support: Nearly half, or mediums. High expertise costs: A substantial
50%, of those surveyed were dedi- Lane explained that the choice of ma- 63% of respondents cited the high

42 PLASTICS NEWSASTICS NEWS September 2023
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