Sustainability in Packaging

Greater emphasis is being placed on the importance of sustainable packaging solutions, with consumer demand and regulatory pressures being key drivers. Indeed, a global McKinsey survey has revealed that the environmental impact of product packaging is second on the list of priority factors when making product purchases. And the UK Government’s Plastic Pact has set the commitment of ensuring that 100% of plastic packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.

With the PPMA Show set for the 24th to the 26th of September, now is the ideal time to focus on the increasing demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Read on as we highlight a selection of innovative product demonstrations and sustainability-focused sessions that you can look forward to at the UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition.

Current Challenges

Campaigns led by the Government, media, and businesses have significantly increased the awareness of environmental issues associated with packaging waste during recent years. The importance of sustainable packaging has become more widely recognised given the environmental impacts of popular materials such as plastic. There’s been a rise in the number of customers seeking out eco-friendly products. More companies have taken the opportunity to distinguish themselves and ensure compliance with increasingly strict regulations through the use of sustainable packaging.

Still, there’s plenty of scope for improvement, with the World Economic Forum reporting that just 14% of plastic packaging is collected for recycling globally. It’s also been revealed that 46% of plastic waste ends up in landfill. 

The UK Government has attempted to address such issues through the introduction of a plastic packaging tax and a deposit return scheme for drinks packaging. And a wide range of companies have committed to the UK plastics pact. However, there’s an obvious need for the development of functional and environmentally-friendly packaging innovations.

See the sustainability statistics:

• The global sustainable packaging market is expected to reach a value of $391.1 Billion by 2029

• While 75% of companies have openly committed to the greater use of sustainable packaging, under 30% are well prepared to meet such aims

• 72% of UK shoppers are prepared to pay more for products that come in sustainable packaging.

Innovative Solutions

Realising the importance of meeting the sustainable packaging challenges, over 150 PPMA Show exhibitors are set to demonstrate their technological solutions. Add In today’s eco-landscape, FMCG companies are keen to avoid the ‘greenwashing’ tag, so they need to prove that not only are their packaging materials sustainable, but that the equipment they are using to pack their products are also delivering the best eco-credentials.

From energy-efficient machinery to closed-loop recycling systems, the adoption of these technologies could make an immense environmental difference. Add Packaging equipment has also been redeveloped over the years to handle new compostable materials as well as materials containing recycled content at the same efficient rates.

As an example, SMC take out are going to and replace with will demonstrate their energy-saving air management system. Designed take out for packaging equipment integration and replace with to be integrated across a wide range of packaging equipment types, this system effectively monitors the levels of air consumption, add improves energy efficiencies and significantly reduces energy costs. Clients can look forward to much-improved energy efficiency after installing the air management system. Visitors will also be encouraged to explore the range of innovative packaging machinery, inkjet systems and sustainable materials being showcased on the Intamac stand.

Besides the range of innovative solutions, there will be several sustainability-focused seminars over the three days at Birmingham’s NEC. Speakers such as RARUK Automation Sales Manager Andrew Mason and FANUC UK Head of Sales Oliver Selby will be discussing how automation can help drive out inefficiencies in manufacturing companies on Tuesday the 24th. And Huel Sustainability Director Jessica Sampson will be focusing on how to adapt and address the manifestations of climate change on Thursday the 26th.

Get Your Tickets

Whether you’re a manufacturing company CEO or Production Specialist, the PPMA Show will provide the opportunity to discover how to contribute to a more sustainable future. You can look forward to live demonstrations of the latest eco-friendly packaging solutions, plus tools for your journey to Net Zero. So, go ahead and register for your free tickets today!

For more information about how Automate UK can support you go to https://www.automate-uk.com/