The race to net zero is a global competition to achieve something truly remarkable: Net zero carbon emissions. One vital aspect of this race involves companies within the supply chain adopting sustainable packaging. From excessive waste, to harmful emissions, traditional packaging methods continue to contribute significantly to our planet’s environmental problems.
By moving towards sustainable packaging you’re not only doing your bit when it comes to keeping the planet more sustainable but – as we’ll see – it can help you increase the long-term viability of your business.
The impact of packaging on the environment
Unsustainable, excessive and wasteful packaging contributes to air pollution in a variety of ways, with plastic packaging a particular problem for the environment. Not only does its manufacture use up precious oil and gas reserves, but many plastic products are designed to be used just once, making it part of a linear “take-make-waste” model.
Most plastic packaging is sent to landfill – often because it’s recycled incorrectly – and since it isn’t biodegradable it breaks down into microplastics, many of which are washed into oceans to be consumed by marine animals.
Without taking action it’s estimated that the flow of plastic into the ocean could triple by 2040.
Governments are helping to drive the race to net zero
Government regulations are helping to drive the race to net zero. In many countries, stringent regulations are being implemented to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable packaging practices. Additionally, customers are becoming increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, and are demanding more sustainable options from the brands they support.
This shift in consumer behaviour is forcing companies to re-evaluate their packaging strategies and invest in greener alternatives.
How does using sustainable packaging help to drive down emissions?
Sustainable packaging is geared towards minimising environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Among other things, sustainable packaging aims to:
- Reduce the use of non-renewable resources
- Promote recyclability
- Incorporate biodegradable materials
- Optimise transportation efficiency
The goal of eco packaging is to create a circular economy, where packaging materials are reused, recycled, or naturally decompose, without leaving a trace.
Why use recycled and recyclable packaging materials?
The use of recycled materials in packaging materials helps to reduce emissions, since they create a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional materials during their production.
Whether it’s paper, cardboard, or even plastic, giving a second life to these materials helps to reduce the demand for virgin resources, and curbs the overall environmental impact. And with new and innovative recycling technologies improving continuously, it’s getting easier to turn old packaging into new, high-quality materials.
PALLITE® packaging comprises 85% recycled materials
PALLITE® products are made from just two products: Paper and glue. Our super-strong reinforced honeycomb packaging is made using 85% recycled resources – and our products are also 100% recyclable.
PALLITE® packaging is manufactured using clean production technologies and uses 70% less water and energy compared to using new paper from trees. This cuts harmful emissions by around 40%.
Reducing carbon emissions doesn’t have to mean losing functionality
When it comes to reducing carbon emissions, it’s not just about the materials themselves; the design and functionality of the packaging play a vital role too. It’s important to select packaging that minimises waste by being lightweight, stackable, and easily collapsible.
By optimising space and reducing excess materials, you can improve transportation efficiencies, resulting in fewer emissions – since smaller shipments means fewer truck runs. By cutting down on your mileage you can drastically cut down both on your costs and carbon emissions.
PALLITE® packaging: Making optimal use of space
PALLITE® packaging allows you to ship more products per load, since shipping crates have a smaller profile that are designed to fit your product’s dimensions exactly. Since they’re customised to your exact load, size and weight, you can minimise the number of truckloads you require and get more units per shipment.
PALLITE® packaging is made from recycled materials, but it is still very strong and durable, and will keep your consignments safe and protected during transportation. If required, we can make custom shipping crates with bespoke inserts for you, to ensure the sizes of all products in your consignments are safely protected from damage during transit.
PALLITE® products are extremely lightweight too, in fact they’re up to 83% lighter than comparable wooden crates, so you can not only reduce the size of your consignments but reduce your overall consignment weights too, saving you money whilst reducing your CO2 emissions.
Our packaging is fully collapsible for easy storage which gives you extra precious space in the warehouse so you can store your items in a smaller footprint. And a smaller footprint means less space to heat, light and manoeuvre around in.
Practical steps you can take today in the race to net zero
By turning to sustainable packaging solutions you can help to lower your greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the drive towards net zero. So what practical steps can you take right away to reduce your carbon footprint?
- Replace your current polystyrene packaging with 100% recyclable PALLITE® paper cardboard alternatives
- Use EcoLITE void fill, a sustainable alternative instead of foam and polystyrene packaging
- Switch away from plastic shipping crates to PALLITE® boxes
- Use our sustainability calculator to see by how much you could reduce your footprint if you switch to PALLITE®
So, what does the future hold for sustainable packaging? With each passing day, more and more companies are embracing the concept of net zero emissions and taking concrete steps toward achieving this goal. According to a report by McKinsey sustainability is becoming the new norm, with companies that bet on sustainability winning their bet, by improving their processes and experiencing higher growth rates.
The packaging industry is evolving rapidly. The solutions being developed today will have a lasting impact on our planet’s health. Would you like to be part of the solution and help accelerate the drive towards net zero? Then please get in touch with us today to discuss how PALLITE® sustainable packaging solutions can help you go greener, while improving efficiencies and reducing costs.
