Reusable Packaging Solutions: The Future of Packaging Industry

Plastics and nature are two main reasons and the greatest concerns for today's environment. We can always find the plastic described data, however, it remains in an extended environment. Why? Since plastic are the most environmental friendly solutions, unlike its contradictions, because it will reduce, minimize opportunities and less energy consumed in production. For example, we use stiff glass packaging for the product, will require additional storage space compared to multiple pollution. So the question is not how to replace plastic, but how can it be environmentally friendly? 

Since this packaging is designed for reuse, guaranteeing great is of most extreme significance. This fills the double need of upgrading packaging timeframe of realistic usability and additional assurance to the bundled item. Items pressed in reusable packaging are less inclined to decay or harm during transportation. Additionally, adaptable packaging that is broadly acquiring notoriety is smaller and requires a lot lesser space to ship items when contrasted with inflexible packaging. 

Efficient Transportation

Since this packaging is engineered for reuse, ensuring high quality is of utmost importance. This serves the dual purpose of enhancing packaging shelf life and extra protection to the packaged product. Products packed in reusable packaging are less prone to spoilage or damage during transportation. Also, flexible packaging that is widely gaining popularity is compact & requires much lesser space to transport products as compared to rigid packaging. 

Limited Storage Space

It eliminates the requirement of raw materials for more packaging, as the same packaging can now be reused. This is beneficial in industrial applications where they need to constantly pack products to transport from one site to another. 

Less Waste Production 

Reusable packaging has the power to minimize household & industrial waste production by many folds. Unlike conventional packaging that goes into trash after one use, reusable packaging results in less waste generation. It can also bring down the cost of waste management, especially for large firms. This can have a major effect on the overall cost of production. 

Environmental Benefits 

It not only saves time & money but also is beneficial for the environment. It can help you bring down your carbon footprint by minimizing environmental degradation activities. When both companies & households use packaging that can be reused or returned to form a circular economy, the requirement to manufacture more packaging material will reduce. 

This also reduces the energy & raw material consumption, and emission of greenhouse gases during the process. Cosmo Films is a responsible organization that is investing money & efforts in creating smart & sustainable solutions for its clients and the environment. Producing durable packaging that enhances the shelf life of products and promotes sustainability is at its core.

Recyclable Packaging Solutions From Cosmo Films

Plastic and nature are two juxtaposing factors and the biggest concern for environmentalists today. We often find plastic being portrayed as the center of environmental destruction, yet it continues to be used widely. Why? Because plastic is the most environment-friendly packaging solution as opposed to its counterparts as it reduces the chances of spoilage of packaged products and consumes less energy & materials in the manufacturing & transportation process. For instance, if we use rigid glass packaging for a product, it will take more storage space during transportation as compared to plastic packaging and result in more pollution. Thus, the question is not how to replace plastic, but how to make it eco-friendly?

Reusable packaging solutions are gaining popularity these days. This ensures a circular plastic economy and reduces the need to produce more plastic packaging by restoring the already produced ones for use. In this blog post, we are going to talk about the key benefits of reusable packaging solutions.

Efficient Transportation 

Since this packaging is engineered for reuse, ensuring high quality is of utmost importance. This serves the dual purpose of enhancing packaging shelf life and extra protection to the packaged product. Products packed in reusable packaging are less prone to spoilage or damage during transportation. Also, flexible packaging that is widely gaining popularity is compact & requires much lesser space to transport products as compared to rigid packaging. 

Limited Storage Space 

It eliminates the requirement of raw materials for more packaging, as the same packaging can now be reused. This is beneficial in industrial applications where they need to constantly pack products to transport from one site to another. 

Less Waste Production 

Reusable packaging has the power to minimize household & industrial waste production by many folds. Unlike conventional packaging that goes into trash after one use, reusable packaging results in less waste generation. It can also bring down the cost of waste management, especially for large firms. This can have a major effect on the overall cost of production.

Environmental Benefits 

It not only saves time & money but also is beneficial for the environment. It can help you bring down your carbon footprint by minimizing environmental degradation activities. When both companies & households use packaging that can be reused or returned to form a circular economy, the requirement to manufacture more packaging material will reduce. This also reduces the energy & raw material consumption, and emission of greenhouse gases during the process. 

Cosmo Films, lead by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, is a responsible organization that is investing money & efforts in creating smart & sustainable solutions for its clients and the environment. Producing durable packaging that enhances the shelf life of products and promotes sustainability is at its core. 

Flexible Packaging for a Sustainable World

In the last few years, sustainable products have become the top most priority for consumers. The staggering growth of consumer awareness about sustainability, and frequent dialogues on social responsibility have pushed brand owners to do away with traditional packaging methods. The global mood to reduce negative environmental effects of packaging married with technological innovations have driven brands to reduce material usage, use recyclable material in packaging, and develop the use of other sustainable materials. Flexible packaging was born out of the urgent need to address environmental issues and reduce waste, but at the same time carry out the functions of traditional packaging. According to the report “The Future of Flexible Packaging to 2022”, flexible packaging sales were valued at $219.5 billion in 2016, and were predicted to reach $282.6 billion by 2022. The figures do not come as a surprise given that today flexible packaging is widely preferred in consumer and electronic goods to cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Flexible packaging uses the best characteristics of film, paper & aluminium foil and allows its shape to be changed readily. Flexible packages are typically bags, pouches, liners, seals, sleeves, carded packaging and sample packets. However, the packaging industry is witnessing the use of flexible packaging in many innovative ways. Flexible packaging solutions range from single-use pouches, or even from zip locks to resealable closures. Here is why conscious brand owners prefer flexible packaging:

1. Use of fewer resources during production
Flexible packaging uses fewer materials in the first place, and hence the waste generated is also less. Even along the production cycle, the use of resources such as water, energy consumption, green-house emission is less. Furthermore, flexible package tends to be light weight and hence the energy used during transportation and the overall environmental pollution reduces drastically.

2. Zero compromise on performance
Flexible packaging has carefully tried addressing the disadvantages of traditional packaging without compromising on the performance. Flexible packaging maintains freshness, offers barrier protection and durability, great printability and is easy to use. Best of all, it can be used for merchandising myriads of applications ranging from food products to even kids toys.

3. Reduction in overall production cost
Use of fewer resources automatically cuts down production costs. Cost saves are seen across the production spectrum from material to transport. Furthermore, flexible packaging can also be constructed on the spot from roll materials, and therefore additional cost to transport readymade boxes does not exist.

4. High on shelf appeal
Shelf appeal of the packaging is incredibly important and has become a key component for successful marketing. No matter how great the packaging type is, if it doesn’t appeal the consumers, it will fail. Flexible packaging is high on aesthetic value and also offers visibility of contents, which allows brand owners and product designers to think out-of-the-box.

Despite the many advantages flexible packaging boasts of, there are a few challenges as well. Many times, recycled plastic is considered as raw material for flexible packaging. While the idea itself is fantastic, recycled plastic can carry odours that will eventually affect the product. Hence, more research and development is required in the field of flexible packaging to make it even more sustainable. Another big challenge in the use of flexible packaging is the education of consumers. Although it is true that consumers are increasingly demanding far more sustainable packaging solutions, it is hard to tell whether consumers can actually differentiate sustainable packaging from non-sustainable. Once the products are on the shelf, its ultimately the visual and shelf appeal and not the environmental benefits that make the product sell. Hence, a lot of work needs to be done to increase consumer awareness.

There is no doubt that flexible packaging is the most sought-after packaging type for brands these days. They are durable, offer great printability and aesthetics, and above all use less resources and reduce costs during production. Flexible packaging not only help brands make their stand clear regarding sustainability, but it also educates consumers to reuse and recycle wherever possible – and this is a huge step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Biodegradable Plastics: Packaging for A Sustainable Future

Wondering how plastics can be sustainable & eco-friendly? You might be amazed by this fact but the infamous plastic is deemed to be the most environment-friendly material for packaging because of its extremely low carbon footprint. This has been proven in a report by the UK government & many other studies conducted worldwide. However, the root cause of its defamation lies in its association with the linear economy that results in waste creation. This is why responsible organizations are now embracing the power of circular economy that draws upon the policy of Reduce, Reuse & Recycle. In this blog post, we’re going to discuss some polymer-based biodegradable & recyclable materials that are here to revolutionize the future of the packaging industry. 

BIOPOLYMERS & BIOPLASTICS FOR BIODEGRADABLE PACKAGING 

Plastics are formed from polymers which can be synthetic & natural. Biopolymers are the ones formed from organic materials like rice which makes them largely biodegradable in a shorter time, unlike synthetic plastics. Some bioplastics are even compostable under suitable conditions. Made from renewable resources, all bioplastics are recyclable which limits the use of fossil fuels. These are used in the production of bio-based conventional plastics like PET (polyethylene terephthalate) & PLA (polylactic acid). 

However, one of the key challenges with these is the cost associated with it which tends to be drastically high. This is why many organizations worldwide have been researching to find cheaper bioplastic solutions & promote their use. At present, the key reliable solution is a move towards a circular economy with eco-friendly alternatives as opposed to non-recyclable packaging. 

CIRCULAR ECONOMY 

The need of the hour is a circular economy which is possible with the switch to better plastics. Responsible companies are making a switch to recyclable plastic to make the closed plastic economy a reality and reduce the pollution from discarded plastic in the environment. 

Europe has witnessed great success in reducing PET water bottles & PE carrier bags. However, it would need drastic alterations at the end of both producers and users to achieve 100% recycling. At present, only 9% of the total plastic produced is actually recycled. One of the key drawbacks is the lack of awareness of users regarding their handling, and the common use & throw attitude which often leads them into landfills instead of recycling stations. 

SHIFT FROM THE THROW-AWAY PLASTIC CULTURE 

Not just the manufacturers but the consumers too are required to keep a check on their attitude towards the use of plastics. Increased collaboration between businesses & consumers can help create awareness amongst consumers to shift from the throw-away culture and facilitate a circular economy. Strengthening plastic waste collection from both households & industries can reduce waste creation and the by-product can, in turn, be used as raw material by other companies. 

Cosmo Films, as a responsible organization, to become a part of this change, has taken various steps. With a range of products engineered using PP (poly propylene) based material, we aim to promote reuse & recycle of plastic & sustainable development. To tackle the high-cost challenge of bioplastics, our global R&D teams have been working on creating low-cost biodegradable solutions. We’re in this together and we will change this together! Let’s create a better future by switching to sustainable plastics.