What role do plastics have in sustainable packaging?
What a lovely conversation I had with Lisa Huett from Pretium Packaging on the People of Packaging Podcast !
Personally, I am not anti plastic for packaging. LCA's often show tremendous value in the sustainable supply chain for plastics. Specright and Trayak are a powerful combination to show the data.
Beyond the LCA's though, the materials are often light weight, offer tremendous protection, and are quite cost competitive.
You can listen to the episode wherever you listen to podcasts or go subscribe at www.packagingisawesome.com
Here's an article written about the episode by Deciphr AI :
Navigating Sustainable Packaging: Insights from Industry Experts
Key Takeaways
The People of Packaging podcast hosted by Adam Peek featured Lisa Huett, Director of Sustainability at Pretium Packaging. Their engaging discussion covered critical aspects of sustainable packaging, from the evolving landscape of legislation to the complexities of material selection and lifecycle analysis. Here's a deep dive into the thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on contemporary challenges and solutions in the world of sustainable packaging.
The Role of Experts in Sustainable Packaging Solutions
In an era where sustainability is not just a buzzword but a strategic imperative, companies often find themselves lost in the labyrinth of sustainable packaging options. Lisa Huett, with her rich background in sustainability, highlights the importance of having experts guide companies through this maze.
"95% of our customers come to us because they want to be more sustainable… they want to comply with legislation, and they just don't know where to start," Huett notes. This statement underscores the fact that while many companies have sustainability goals, they frequently lack the intricate knowledge required to achieve these objectives effectively. Helping brands understand what is objectively true through lifecycle analysis (LCA) can demystify the process. As Adam remarked, "LCAs help us do that… it gives you some legitimate data."
Key aspects of this guidance include:
Pretium Packaging's expertise becomes a valuable resource for companies seeking both compliance and innovation in their packaging solutions.
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Dynamic Customer Needs and Material Agnosticism
Customers often enter the sustainable packaging discussion with preconceived notions about what materials they should use, largely influenced by prevalent perceptions rather than solid data. Lisa Huett elaborates on this challenge, stating, "You have to approach it holistically and you have to really look at it. You have to be material agnostic."
This approach means assessing the entire lifecycle of a product to determine the most sustainable material. For instance, plastic is frequently vilified in the public eye, but in many cases, it might still offer the best environmental benefits when viewed through the lens of lifecycle analysis. "Sometimes plastic is actually the best solution for them," Huett says.
Several factors play into this analysis:
Adam Peek supports this view by mentioning his own experience in the label industry, where sometimes less obvious solutions might prove more sustainable. “I think that people really have begun to appreciate that level of transparency with data,” he says. This openness to data-driven decisions fosters trust and allows for more informed decision-making.
End-of-Life Circularity and Consumer Role
End-of-life circularity is a linchpin in the sustainability dialogue. Designing packaging that is recyclable and can re-enter the production cycle is critical for achieving a sustainable packaging economy. As Adam Peek observed, “The number one response on… what is the most important thing in sustainability… was end-of-life circularity.”
Lisa Huett echoes this sentiment and stresses the importance of designing for recyclability, even if it means making significant changes to existing packaging. "Sometimes it's redesigning for end-of-life because they've already had a package in the market for the last 15 years," she explains. The challenge here is multi-faceted:
Peek also emphasizes the collaborative aspect required to achieve true circularity: “There has to be a whole ecosystem here or else what happens is all the stuff that is made to be circular ends up not being circular.” This ecosystem includes everyone from the manufacturers to consumers, all working in tandem to generate a truly sustainable cycle.
The Road Ahead in Sustainable Packaging
As the discussion between Adam Peek and Lisa Huett reveals, the journey towards sustainable packaging is intricate and multifaceted. Companies eager to enhance their sustainability profile must engage with experts who can provide actionable, data-driven recommendations. It's not merely about replacing one material with another but about understanding the broader impact of these choices.
End-of-life circularity, in particular, presents an area ripe for innovation and improvement. By focusing on designing for recyclability and educating both industry stakeholders and consumers, companies can make meaningful strides towards a more sustainable future. The conversation between Adam and Lisa is a testament to the collaborative effort needed to navigate this complex yet rewarding landscape.
For brands seeking to make informed decisions about their packaging strategies, reaching out to experts like those at Pretium Packaging can provide the necessary support and insights to drive impactful change.