The word sustainability is currently a predominant topic of conversation throughout the packaging industry with the EU's Green Deal at the top of the list. Let's explore what the Green Deal is, and how it could impact your company.
How Does The Green Deal Affect Us?
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan that consists of more than 50 initiatives, regulations, and legislative proposals that aim to make the European Union's economy more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment.
For brands and converters in the packaging industry, the Green Deal can have both challenges and opportunities:
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Challenges: The Green Deal includes ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting circular economy principles, and promoting the use of sustainable materials. Brands and converters will need to adapt to these targets, which may require significant investments in new equipment and processes.
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Opportunities: The Green Deal also presents opportunities for brands and converters to differentiate themselves in the market by promoting their sustainability credentials. By embracing sustainable materials and processes, brands and converters can appeal to consumers who are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions.
What Do We Need To Focus On?
To comply with the Green Deal, brands will need to focus on the following:
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Sustainable materials: Brands and converters will need to focus on using sustainable materials that can be recycled or composted at the end of their life. This will require significant investment in research and development to find suitable materials that meet the needs of their customers.
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Energy efficiency: Brands and converters will need to reduce their energy consumption and adopt more energy-efficient processes to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Circular economy: Brands and converters will need to adopt circular economy principles by designing products that can be easily disassembled, repaired, or recycled.
Overall, the Green Deal presents both challenges and opportunities for brands and converters in the packaging industry. Those that embrace sustainability and invest in the necessary changes will be well-positioned to succeed in a more sustainable future.
Our Packaging Footprint
The packaging industry contributes to a significant portion of the total carbon footprint, and studies have estimated that packaging accounts for around 8-10%.
The carbon footprint of packaging includes all the emissions associated with the production, transportation, use, and disposal of packaging materials. This includes the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing of packaging materials, the transportation of packaging to production facilities, the packaging of products, and the disposal or recycling of packaging materials after use.
Reducing the carbon footprint of packaging is an important part of promoting sustainability in the industry. This can be achieved by using sustainable materials, reducing packaging waste, promoting recycling and reuse, and adopting energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
In summary, the Green Deal benefits us by promoting a more sustainable future for both the environment and society as a whole. By embracing the Green Deal's initiatives and proposals, we can work towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
How Can BKT Help You To Achieve Your Sustainability Goals?
BKT are taking a leadership role in addressing climate change and reducing its carbon footprint within our industry sector and business operations.
As 1 of only 5 businesses in the Print and Packaging industry holding an SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative - Scope 1 & 2) accreditation we can help companies develop and implement effective sustainability strategies and initiatives.
Find out more - SBTi Accreditation and Environmental Commitments
Conclusion
Both the SBTi and the European Green Deal emphasize the importance of taking action to address climate change and promoting sustainable practices. Companies that hold SBTi accreditation can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint, aligning with the goals of the European Green Deal. At the same time, the Green Deal can provide a framework for companies to develop and implement sustainability initiatives that align with SBTi guidelines, furthering their commitment to reducing their environmental impact.
Our Advisors Are Here To Help You
Get in contact with BKT if you're looking for a packaging partner to take your sustainability goals to the next level of quality and efficiency.
Our friendly team are available to discuss your ideas and concepts - Contact Us
Sustainable Packaging Developments
