Skip to main content
  • login
  • contact
  • language
    • English
    • Français
    • Español
    • Português
    • Deutsch
    • 简体中文
    • 日本語
  • search
X
GEP Logo GEP Logo
  • Company
    • Leadership
    • Customers
    • Partners
    • Sustainability at GEP
    • News
    • Events
    • Culture
    • Mission & Vision
    • Awards & Recognition
  • Solutions
    • Strategy
      • Procurement Consulting  
        • Procurement Transformation
        • Digital Procurement Transformation
        • Opportunity Assessment
        • M & A Services
        • Strategic Cost Management
        • Supply Risk Management
      • Supply Chain Consulting  
        • Environmental, Social and Governance
        • Socially Responsible Sourcing
        • Supply Chain Strategy
        • Supply Chain Diagnostics
        • Inventory Optimization
        • Network Optimization
      Software
      • GEP SMART  
        • Procurement Software
        • Direct Procurement Software
        • Indirect Procurement Software
        • Digital Procurement Transformation
        • Master Data Management
        • AP Automation
        • Spend Management
        • SMART S2P Technology
      • GEP NEXXE  
        • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution
        • Supply Chain Planning
        • Supply Chain Collaboration
        • Supply Chain Control Tower
        • Should-Cost Modeling
        • Inventory and Warehouse Management
      • GEP CLICK  
      • GEP MINERVA  
      Managed Services
      • Procurement Outsourcing  
        • Source-to-Contract
          • Spend Analysis
          • Strategic Sourcing
          • Category Management
          • Supply Market Intelligence
          • Tail-Spend Management
          • Procurement Support Services
        • Procure-to-Pay
          • Cost Recovery & Invoice Auditing
          • Accounts Payable
      • Supply Chain Outsourcing  
        • Planning & Forecasting
        • Inventory Management
        • Logistics Management
        • Supply Chain Data Management
        • Supply Chain Risk Management
  • Industries
    • Automotive
    • Chemicals
    • Consumer Packaged Goods
    • Energy & Utilities
    • Financial Services
    • Government & Nonprofit
    • Industrial Manufacturing
    • Life Sciences
    • Oil & Gas
    • Retail
    • Telecommunications, Media & Technology
    • High-Tech
    • Media & Entertainment
    • Software, Social & Platforms
    • Telecom
    • Travel & Hospitality
  • Knowledge Bank
    • Digital Transformation
    • Software & Technology
    • Strategy & Planning
    • Operations
    • Procurement
    • Sustainability
    • Insights From the Top
    • COVID-19 Resource Center
    • Inflation Strategies
  • Careers
    • Join Us
    • GEP Per Se
    • Campus Connect
  • Partners
   
  • GEP Strategy ›
    • GEP Strategy
    • ‹ Back
      • Procurement Consulting ›
        • Procurement Consulting
        • ‹ Back
          • Procurement Transformation ›
            • Procurement Transformation
            • ‹ Back
              • Procurement Strategy
              • Org. Design & Implementation
              • Capability Building
              • Change Management
              • Governance & Performance
              • Processes & Policies
              • S2P Operations
              • Sourcing & Category Management
              • Technology
          • Digital Procurement Transformation
          • Opportunity Assessment
          • M&A Services ›
            • M&A Services
            • ‹ Back
              • M&A Clean Room
          • Strategic Cost Management ›
            • Strategic Cost Management
            • ‹ Back
              • Zero-Based Budgeting
          • Supply Chain Risk Management
      • Supply Chain Consulting ›
        • Supply Chain Consulting
        • ‹ Back
          • SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE
          • Environmental, Social and Governance
          • Socially Responsible Sourcing
          • Scope 3
          • PLAN
          • Digital Planning, S&OP, S&OE
          • Collaborative Planning
          • PROCURE
          • Source To Contract
          • Procure To Pay
          • MAKE
          • Inventory Strategy & Management
          • Operations & Manufacturing Excellence
          • DELIVER
          • Network Strategy & Optimization
          • Warehousing & Transportation Management
  • GEP Software ›
    • GEP Software
    • ‹ Back
      • GEP SMART ›
        • GEP SMART
        • ‹ Back
          • Procurement Software
          • Direct Procurement Software ›
            • Direct Procurement Software
            • ‹ Back
              • Bill of Materials Management
              • Data Analytics & Reporting
              • Inventory Management
              • Master Data Management
              • Quality Management
              • Supplier Collaboration Portal
              • Supply Chain Operations
          • Indirect Procurement Software ›
            • Indirect Procurement Software
            • ‹ Back
              • Source-to-Contract
              • Spend Analysis
              • Savings Project Management
              • Category Management
              • Contract Management
              • Savings Tracking
              • Sourcing
              • Supplier Management
              • Procure-to-Pay
              • Guided Buying
              • Procurement Portal
              • Catalog Management
              • Order Processing
              • Invoice Management
          • Digital Procurement Transformation
          • Master Data Management
          • Product Accessibility
          • AP Automation
          • Spend Management
          • SMART S2P Technology
      • GEP NEXXE ›
        • GEP NEXXE
        • ‹ Back
          • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution ›
            • Supply Chain Visibility and Execution
            • ‹ Back
              • Inventory and Warehouse Management
              • Logistics Visibility
              • Control Tower
          • Supply Chain Planning ›
            • Supply Chain Planning
            • ‹ Back
              • Supply Chain Control Tower
              • Should-Cost Modeling
              • Demand Planning
              • Supply Chain Bill of Materials
              • Supply Chain Direct Sourcing
              • Supply Planning
          • Supply Chain Collaboration ›
            • Supply Chain Collaboration
            • ‹ Back
              • Forecast Collaboration
              • Purchase Order Collaboration
              • Quality Collaboration
              • Capacity Collaboration
              • Quality Management Software
          • Supply Chain Control Tower
          • Should-Cost Modeling
          • Inventory and Warehouse Management
      • GEP CLICK
      • GEP MINERVA
      • Innovation ›
        • Innovation
        • ‹ Back
          • Emerging Technologies
          • Native to Cloud
          • Native to Mobile
          • One Unified Platform
          • Security
          • User-Centric Design
  • GEP Managed Services ›
    • GEP Managed Services
    • ‹ Back
      • Procurement Outsourcing ›
        • Procurement Outsourcing
        • ‹ Back
          • Source-to-Contract
          • Spend Analysis
          • Strategic Sourcing ›
            • Strategic Sourcing
            • ‹ Back
              • MRO
              • CAPEX
              • Logistics
              • Packaging
              • IT & Telecom
              • Energy
              • Direct Materials
          • Category Management ›
            • Category Management
            • ‹ Back
              • Contract Management
              • Supplier Performance Management
              • Savings & Compliance Tracking
          • Supply Market Intelligence
          • Tail-Spend Management
          • Procurement Support Services ›
            • Procurement Support Services
            • ‹ Back
              • eSourcing
              • Supplier Performance Management
              • Savings & Compliance Tracking
              • Sourcing Support
          • Procure-to-Pay
          • Cost Recovery & Invoice Auditing
          • Accounts Payable
      • Supply Chain Outsourcing ›
        • Supply Chain Outsourcing
        • ‹ Back
          • Planning & Forecasting
          • Inventory Management
          • Logistics Management
          • Supply Chain Data Management
          • Supply Risk Management
  • Industries ›
    • Industries
    • ‹ Back
      • Automotive
      • Chemicals
      • Consumer Packaged Goods
      • Energy & Utilities
      • Financial Services
      • Government & Nonprofit
      • Industrial Manufacturing
      • Life Sciences
      • Oil & Gas
      • Retail
      • Telecommunications, Media & Technology
      • High-Tech
      • Media & Entertainment
      • Software, Social & Platforms
      • Telecom
      • Travel & Hospitality
  • Knowledge Bank ›
    • Knowledge Bank
    • ‹ Back
      • Digital Transformation
      • Operations
      • Procurement
      • Software & Technology
      • Strategy & Planning
      • Sustainability
      • Podcasts
      • Insights from the Top
      • COVID-19 Resource Center
      • Inflation Strategies
  • Company ›
    • Company
    • ‹ Back
      • Leadership
      • Customers
      • Partners
      • Sustainability at GEP
      • News
      • Events
      • Culture ›
        • Culture
        • ‹ Back
          • GEP Core Values
          • Women@GEP
          • Diversity
          • GEP Cares
      • Mission & Vision
      • Awards & Recognition
      • Contact Us
  • Global Presence ›
    • Global Presence
    • ‹ Back
      • Americas ›
        • Americas
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • Español
          • Portugués
      • Europe ›
        • Europe
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • Deutsch
      • Asia-Pacific ›
        • Asia-Pacific
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • 中文
      • Middle East ›
        • Middle East
        • ‹ Back
          • English
          • العربية
  • Contact Us
  • Careers ›
    • Careers
    • ‹ Back
      • Join Us
      • GEP Per Se
      • Campus Connect
  • Language ›
    • Language
    • ‹ Back
      • English
      • Français
      • Español
      • Deutsch
      • Português
      • 简体中文
      • 日本語
  • Rapid Response from GEP
  • BLOGS
  • Strategy
  • Technology
  • MIND
Contact Us
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Breadcrumb

  1. HOME
  2. BLOG
  3. MIND
  4. PACKAGING INDUSTRY SUSTAINABILITY MAKEOVER
Blog Image

A Deep Dive Into the Packaging Industry’s Sustainability Makeover

  • Rising consumer awareness and norms to minimize waste are pushing packaging producers and industrial end users to fast-track sustainability
  • The concept of a circular economy is gaining currency in the packaging industry
  • Brands are incorporating more recycled material in packaging, reducing packaging weight, communicating sustainability narratives

August 25, 2021 | Packaging Blogs

Packaging today touches every aspect of the manufacturing value chain. Packages enclose and protect all sorts of goods destined for storage, shipping and sale and communicates to consumers by conveying a brand's uniqueness.

Unfortunately, the environmental degradation caused by discarded packaging products offsets the benefits they deliver.

Packaging and its discontents

The key raw materials used in packaging are plastic polymers, paper and paper-based products, metals, glass, foils, wood and foam.

With plastics accounting for nearly a 50% share of the raw material used in packaging, there has been a thrust toward implementing a circular economy process, where materials for new products come from old products.

Pandemic, packaging and the 3Rs

The boom in e-commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the demand for packaging, and the demand for protective packaging has also gained momentum as product safety and hygiene concerns have become top priorities.

The skyrocketing demand for packaging has driven a shortage in raw materials. Aluminum, corrugated box, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and rPET (recycled PET) packaging have been in short supply, causing a price hike for most of these materials.

Businesses, especially beverage manufacturers, that were systematically lowering their plastics portfolio have opted to delay that move due to the shortage of aluminum cans.

Such trends have amplified the relevance of sustainability in packaging and fast-tracked the adoption of the 3R model — reduce, reuse and recycle — across the packaging value chain to augment the concept of a circular economy and embed recycling into the consumer psyche.

Certain actions that are helping to achieve packaging sustainability goals include the use of biodegradable, compostable or plant-based raw materials; minimalistic packaging; ship-in-own-container (SIOC); smaller packaging; advances in distribution and use phase; and progress in end-of-life processing.

Also Read: The Paper Bottle Challenge for Packaged Goods Companies

Evolution in packaging materials

The need for sustainability has also led to advancements in packaging materials. For example, the latest progress in paper and plastics chemistry is simplifying recycling.

Many chemicals companies, especially polymer manufacturers, are either investing in in-house advanced recycling infrastructure or collaborating with waste management companies to reintroduce the waste pool as renewable feedstock-based polymers.

Players in the chemicals recycling market have also been expanding their capabilities to help reduce plastic pollution, and packaging producers have been working on several breakthroughs in formatting, materials and design to catch the green wave.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a U.K.-based charity that promotes a circular economy, three out of 31 packaging producers who signed the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment achieved their goal of using 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025 — six years ahead  of their 2019 target — while packaging companies such as Tetra Pak, Berry Global, Graham Packaging and Arca Continental continue moving toward the original goal.

Some challenges faced by the packaging industry include an over-reliance on fossil-based feedstock for virgin polymers and a lack of technology and infrastructure to recycle certain materials, such as multi-layer or multi-material laminates. 

Many packaging producers, along with their upstream partners, have come up with solutions that effectively address the concerns:

  • Plastic Energy, a U.K.-based chemical recycling company, has patented a technology that converts end-of-life plastic waste into hydrocarbon oil used in making clean, recycled food-grade plastic products. The company operates two recycling plants in Spain, with two more plants scheduled to open in the Netherlands (2022) and Malaysia (2023). The company also plans to set up five plants in Indonesia.
  • Ecoplasteam S.p.A, a chemicals recycler based in Italy, has patented a process to recycle end-of-waste polylaminates (plastics and aluminum) into a new material known as EcoAllene. It is recyclable, derived from waste and demonstrates mechanical and chemical properties similar to virgin polymers such as polyethylene.
  • SABIC, a chemicals major from Saudi Arabia, has introduced certified circular polyethylene and polypropylene materials produced from pyrolysis oil by recycling mixed-used plastics. It is also developing resins and chemicals from renewable, bio-based feedstock such as forestry products that can help to reduce their carbon footprint.

Also Read: An Inside Look into The Smart Packaging Market

The packaging makeover

With sustainability becoming a priority among brands and users, consumer goods companies are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to become greener.

Environment-friendly initiatives, which used to be more popular with some premium brands and forward-thinking companies, are no longer optional for a product manufacturer, service provider or industry. These initiatives are now a necessity.

From sourcing sustainable raw materials for product manufacturing to reducing production waste and energy-effective operations, companies are also turning toward packaging options to find a better place for themselves on the sustainability map.

Increasing recyclability to 100%, incorporating a larger amount of recycled content in the packaging, reducing packaging weight, eliminating single-use packaging where possible, communicating sustainability narratives and incentivizing customers to use recyclable and reusable options are some of the efforts that consumer brands are promoting. Here are others:

  • Colgate-Palmolive introduced sustainable packaging solutions, including mono-material recyclable toothpaste tubes and aluminum bottles for mouthwash, to eliminate plastic waste.
  • Beiersdorf AG announced a collaboration with SABIC on cosmetics packaging using renewable polypropylene, or PP resin. The new PP jars will be made from tall oil, a byproduct of the forestry industry. The move is a part of Beiersdorf’s plan to halve its use of petroleum-based, virgin plastic for its cosmetic packaging products and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2025.
  • Nestlé and Amcor launched the world’s first recyclable, flexible retort pouch. The high-barrier polypropylene pouches have been introduced in the pet foods segment in the Netherlands.
  • Unilever launched fully recyclable tubs and lids developed with recycled polypropylene (rPP) for its ice-cream brand Magnum. In the 2019 pilot, 600,000 new tubs were rolled out in Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium, and in 2020, more than 7 million tubs came to the wider European market. The company plans to introduce the new packs globally by the end of this year.

Conclusion

Although the pandemic necessitated the temporary lifting of bans on single-use plastics due to hygiene considerations, the desire for recyclable and recycled packaging solutions continues to resonate with consumers, stronger than before.

Turn ideas into action. Talk to GEP.

GEP helps enterprise procurement and supply chain teams at hundreds of Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies rapidly achieve more efficient, more effective operations, with greater reach, improved performance, and increased impact. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today.

David Doran
Vice President, Consulting

David has over 20 years of experience in leading several large-scale consulting and sourcing engagements for transport and logistics at Fortune 500 companies.
A recognized leader in supply chain management and logistics, David plays a critical role in the design, sourcing and implementation of supply chain improvements to GEP’s global clients.

LET'S TALK

 

Tags: Category Sourcing , environment

Add Comment +

FEATURED POST

...
Supply Chain Strategy Blogs

How to Effectively Monitor Scope 3 Emission Reporting From Your Supply Chain

...
Supply Chain Software Blogs

From Cost to Resiliency: How Supply Chain Priorities Have Changed

    BLOG CATEGORIES

  • Marketing Blogs
  • Professional Services Blogs
  • Pharma and Life Sciences Blogs
  • IT & Telecom Blogs
  • Logistics Blogs
  • Chemicals Blogs
  • Energy & Utilities Blogs
  • Market Intelligence Blogs
  • Oil and Gas Blogs
  • MRO Blogs
  • Facilities Management Blogs
  • Supply Chain Blogs
  • Human Resource Blogs
  • Procurement Process and Excellence Blogs
  • Agro Blogs
  • CAPEX Blogs
  • Direct Materials Blogs
  • Packaging Blogs
  • Automotives Blogs
  • Healthcare Blogs
  • Corporate Travel Blogs
  • Metals & Minerals Blogs
  • Technology Blogs
  • Awards and Events Blogs
  • Category Management Blogs

TAGS

sustainability
Procurement Software
supply chain strategy
Inflation
Russia-Ukraine War

By checking the box below, you consent to GEP using your personal information to send you thought leadership content – such as white papers, research reports, case studies – and other communications. GEP representatives may contact you to provide additional information or answer questions.

If at any point in time you decide to withdraw your consent, you may unsubscribe by emailing your request to us at privacy@gep.com.

Please refer to the GEP Privacy Statement to understand how we manage and protect your personal information.

Terms of Use | Privacy Statement

Contact Us

Ask Us

Send us your question(s)

RFP

Request for a business proposal

Feedback

Share your thoughts, comments and suggestions

Demo

Schedule a live demo of our software

Discover
STRATEGY
Strategy
  •   Procurement Consulting
  •   Digital Procurement Transformation
  •   Strategic Cost Management
  •   Opportunity Assessment
  •   Supply Chain Risk Management
  •   Supply Chain Consulting
  •   Supply Chain Strategy
  •   Supply Chain Diagnostics
  •   Inventory Optimization
  •   Procurement Transformation
  •   Sustainability and ESG Consulting
SOFTWARE
Software
  •   Procurement Software
  •   Supply Chain Software
  •   Source-to-Contract
  •   Procure-to-Pay
  •   Supply Chain Planning
  •   Supply Chain Collaboration
  •   Supply Chain Visibility & Execution
  •   Supply Chain Control Tower
  •   Should-Cost Modeling
  •   Inventory & Warehouse Management Software
  •   Source-To-Pay Software
MANAGED SERVICES
Managed Services
  •   Procurement Outsourcing
  •   Strategic Sourcing
  •   Tail-Spend Management
  •   Category Management
  •   Procurement Support Services
  •   Supply Chain Outsourcing
  •   Supply Chain Planning & Forecasting
  •   Inventory Management
  •   Logistics Management
COMPANY
Company
  •   About Us
  •   Leadership
  •   Customers
  •   Sustainability at GEP
  •   Careers
  •   News
  •   Awards
  •   Partners
  •   Contact Us

Fresh Insights, Now on Your Phone

  • Dowmload On The App Store Button
Stay Connected
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Latest Tweets

  • We are delighted to announce @SubhashMakhija1, #GEP #CEO and Co-Founder, as the newest member of the CNBC CEO Counc… https://t.co/MNJXch4Vte

  • #Procurement leaders must develop a spend category management plan to power them through 2023 and beyond. #GEP’s Ry… https://t.co/5JxFw1UbsY

  • How can #automotive companies get the EV transition right? Electric vehicles may be the right option, but it’s not… https://t.co/WmGNCK6sFw

  • Conquering 2023 Supply Chain Setback - 31 Jan 2023 https://t.co/wg0MdRATfh

  • On the occasion of Republic Day in India, GEP Hyderabad held an art competition and GEPpers showed their creativity… https://t.co/NSHrXILbiv

  • We're proud to announce the extension of our #procurement services agreement with @Macys's Inc. to help drive… https://t.co/Hgn4uaGbW0

  • The #SupplyChain and #procurement #software market is in flux amid #MnA. If your software provider gets acquired, w… https://t.co/orQlKUZB4X

  • #SupplyChain #disruptions are a reality in today's unpredictable world. Learn how @gepsoftware has helped #SGS resp… https://t.co/jA2GnbWIBg

  • What steps can companies take to achieve #ESG goals effectively? Well, they can start with #procurement. Learn how… https://t.co/HGEfNyGdeD

  • #ElectricVehicles are a key part of the auto industry's plan to become #NetZero by 2050. But EVs aren't enough on t… https://t.co/YlEoys6vTA

  • Why did Asahi choose #GEP as their #procurement and #SupplyChain partner? Check out this video featuring Carmen Rad… https://t.co/RmstcfJXtm

  • GEPpers know how to have a good time! Check out a glimpse of our Winter Party at the GEP Prague office. We are hir… https://t.co/BqVK6XkpHv

  • #Inflation has dampened expectations for GDP growth and raised the risks of a #recession. What can #procurement lea… https://t.co/Hn1R5bxZXn

  • 4D seismic #technology is opening deep-sea #OilAndGas reserves for exploration, lowering costs and optimizing reser… https://t.co/Omq51vlEq7

  • The #GEP Europe Outlook 2023 Roadshow is coming to a city near you! Join us to learn the seven critical priorities… https://t.co/Hzv68et4Rr

  • GEP wishes a Happy Republic Day to all the Indians around the world.  We are #hiring. Explore our careers section:… https://t.co/RKTsyBfQFc

  • Sustainability Outlook for 2023: Trends, Insights and Actions 25 Jan 2023 https://t.co/58KIepy577

  • #Pharma companies are reshoring production, but shortages of active pharmaceutical ingredients make it a challenge.… https://t.co/a3uQJhn7tx

© Copyright GEP 2022. All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy |   | Quality Policy | GEP Logo