One of the "hottest" topics of the last period is certainly that concerning the prospects of recycling and recovery of packaging. If at first the COVID-19 pandemic had beneficial effects on the environment, over time this result could easily be compromised by the production of new non-recyclable waste: we are obviously talking about disposable masks and plastic gloves, often abandoned on the street after use. Once again, it is therefore necessary to rethink our lifestyles, in order to benefit the environment and the entire community. What is sustainable packaging? Sustainable packaging is not just a recyclable packaging, but a product conceived and designed by saving on the material used to favor its recycling and recovery fiber through specific actions, which can represent various advantages in terms of environmental protection and savings in productive processes. From the consumers' point of view, paper and glass are considered the best packaging: taking advantage of this consideration, it is necessary to encourage their recovery and recycling. In particular, paper is recognized, at the level of general perception, precisely for its sustainability, recyclability and biodegradability (Considerations from a survey by TwoSides and OnePool). Why is it important to support paper recycling? Paper, like cardboard, has an intrinsic value, being a natural product of plant origin, but it also has its own value linked to the ability to recycle. The percentage recovered, in fact, reserves most of the forest and manage the green heritage in a sustainable manner. The commitment made by companies, but also by ordinary citizens, for the recovery of paper, has been significant up to now: thanks to the actions undertaken by Conai and Comieco, it has gone from being importers of paper to be recycled to exporters. The paper recycling in Italy: where we are? Italy has reached an important milestone at European level, boasting the second place for per capita recycling rate. If only one in three packaging was recycled in the 1990s, today the percentage has risen to 71%, of which we distinguish 81% relating to cardboard packaging alone. With these so important estimates, which bring us close to the 85% threshold (goal to be achieved by 2030 according to European directives), it is clear that we must not only act in terms of sustainable recycling, but also in the design of low environmental impact packaging. The packaging design must not only be recyclable, but it must be designed to be recycled: in this way it will also be possible to promote the improvement of the quality of the recovered waste. Separate collection must be thought for all recyclable materials, for the functioning of the supply chain. In this sense, especially for polylaminate materials, which combine plastic materials with paper, it is necessary to offer the consumer clear and simple indications on how to separate and dispose of this type of packaging. More and more often we talk of "talking packaging", which can offer all the information necessary for proper recycling, even using the most modern technologies, such as the augmented reality app developed by Conai in partnership with Tecnoalimenti. But Italy is also at the forefront in terms of strategies and techniques for recovering polylaminate packaging. Another goal to be achieved is the ability to deepen and further specialize separate waste collection through the division between paper and cardboard compared to beverage containers or other similarly made containers. By acting in this way, logistic routes can be differentiated and waste sent to specialized centers for treatment and recycling. EcoDTool the new Conai project for sustainable design Conai promoted the EcoDtool project to encourage the search for a sustainable packaging design. It is a scientific instrument of simplified analysis that measures the environmental impact. The factors taken into account are energy and water consumption and production-related CO2 emissions. The second phase concerns training, which through the study of the packaging life cycle and improvement actions promotes its sustainability. Finally, two other very important factors are introduced in the end of life, which take into consideration the secondary raw material that can be generated based on the variation of a circularity indicator that refers to reused, recyclable and recycled content. In this sense, CART-ONE has adopted a supply chain that favors the production and minimization of waste through processes that minimize the environmental impact and that adopt solutions for the recycling of production waste.

In our previous article, we described the key drivers of ecommerce packaging and the three main stakeholders in the value chains. Today, we will focus on e-consumers and how to create a memorable unboxing experience. We will first redefine where the term comes from. Then, we will identify how ecommerce packaging plays a crucial role during all ‘Moments Of Truth’. Finally we can make assumption about the key future trends. Please enjoy reading the piece, along with some wonderful examples of how our European teams have already started to create compelling packaging designs. Memorable unboxing experience – Why and when? “If companies want to increase their profile, specifically on social media, they must invest in the box as much as the product.” Paul Marsh, Managing Director – The Packaging Experts A memorable unboxing experience occurs when a consumer is so inspired by the packaging and the visual impact of a product they have bought online, they want to share it on social media. The ways consumers interact with ecommerce packaging – how they receive it, open it and engage with it - provide a big opportunity for brands, and can even help them go viral. But when did this new trend appear in the digital world? What is its evolution and how can we explain it? According to Google trends, people have been talking about their “unboxing experiences” for many years, but the term became widespread in 2008, as the “Unboxing Ceremony of Nokia E61” was the first to be recorded and published on youtube. Since then, the trend has grown to reach a peak in 2014, before stabilizing until 2019, and decreasing slightly in the last two years (probably due to Covid’s impact). However, most years there are substantial peaks in the month leading up to Christmas. Our role is then to co-create with our customers memorable unboxing experiences. How? By identifying the best opportunities to increase brand loyalty across the different Moments Of Truth. As we looked at in our previous article, these are shown below: Source: Google Memorable unboxing experience – A vehicle of brand image and message “If you were a customer who ordered something online, which is going to make you feel more valued: your purchase arriving in a generic cardboard box, or in attractive, bespoke packaging?” Beth Owens – Marketing Strategist Online purchasing is a completely different experience to shopping in physical premises. All of the touchpoints within the customer’s journey are changed, with ecommerce packaging replacing the role of traditional primary packaging. Let’s start with the arrival at the doorstep, which marks the start of the Second Moment Of Truth. At this stage, the ecommerce packaging is the first thing a customer sees, and is therefore responsible for carrying a brand’s key messages, including its sustainability policy. In the below example, developed by the Blue Box Partners’ Alliance, the packaging design generates a great first impression. It provides fantastic incentive to open, and promises to deliver a memorable unboxing experience. According to Dotcom Distribution, 40% of online shoppers would share an image of their purchase on social media if it came in branded packaging . Memorable unboxing experience – The Ultimate Moment of Truth or the way to go viral! A great unboxing experience is like the cherry on the cake: the final thing that makes something perfect! Ecommerce packaging can prolong the consumer’s exposure to a brand’s vison and allow a wider scope for positioning and storytelling. As they open the box, consumers will continue their journey, offering the brand further opportunity to display coherent and homogeneous messages. At the same time, brands can propose additional services, and further information on how to reuse their packaging. In the first example, parents can build a baby mobile for their children: This is similar to Amazon’s initiative in July 2020, “Less packaging, more smiles” which encouraged consumers to upcycle the boxes into pet houses and robot costumes. Or this example below, where online shoppers are invited to reuse the box to sell items of clothing on Vinted! In both these examples, you can clearly see that packaging design enhances the brand narratives. It is not just “a box”, but a chance to take customers on a journey,which is vital for inspiring repeat business. And, according to Forbes, acquiring new customers can cost up to five times more than retaining your existing base. Ecommmerce packaging – Reusability and returnability features to ease sustainable behaviours The next example raises curiosity and awareness of after-use recycling possibilities. Research shows 62% of online shoppers are more likely to purchase from brands using sustainable packaging. Moreover, “Returnability” features are key: they simplified life for the consumer by using glue tapes to reclose and resend the original product. These examples, all made out of corrugated cardboard, a mono-material solution that enhances recycling rates. Using sustainable products and communicating about it allows brands to cultivate an image of strong ethics and social responsibility. It has become a global concern, clearly shown by an increase in searching results of 140% within the last 12 months. Finally, as we discussed at the beginning of the article, the concept of the “unboxing experience” started with electronic products. Let’s close the loop with another example from that industry. First of all, consumers today are equipped with more electronic devices than ever before. The average UK household owns 9.16 devices. Secondly, society is increasingly concerned by the impact of so many electronic devices on the environment. Therefore, we are seeing a huge demand for reconditioned products that are delivered online. To avoid shipping the original box inside a new box, we can offer a packaging design solution with a retention system that overcomes logistic strains while minimising resources and void. To conclude, Packaging design has become a powerful tool that can have an impact throughout the customer journey. Not only does it help to engage and inform consumers, it can help to retain them too. As a result, packaging plays an important role throughout the act of purchasing, where consumers are influenced not only by a product, but by the entire memorable unboxing experience – resulting in the Ultimate Moment of Truth. Seduced by unexpected extra offers or benefits within the ecommerce packaging, the consumer will be keen to share the moment with others, creating viral content that will increase eWOM (e-Word Of Mouth), and become the Zero Moment Of Truth (ZMOT) for another consumer looking online for the same or a similar product. What can we expect for the future ecommerce packaging? As technology continues to evolve, and advancements such as AR (Augmented Reality) or IoT (Internet of Things) become commonplace, the concept of a memorable unboxing experience becomes even more important. Companies will need their brand perception to evolve alongside their products, and packaging design has a crucial part to play in promoting both consumer engagement and sustainability. If you need support in designing packaging for e-commerce, our team is at your complete disposal: contact CART-ONE for a personalized consultation.

Following the lockdown, a sudden rise in purchases of essential products such as flour, rice, milk, cannery, yeast and personal hygiene products such as pharmaceuticals and sanitizers occurred. In conjunction with the purchase of essential goods, consumers have returned to appreciate the packaging and its main features, such as preserving and protecting the integrity of the content. But not only that: the ability of the packaging to keep the flavor and quality of the products intact over the long term has been re-evaluated, and the security that these bring to the goods preserving them from any type of manipulation or external contamination. In addition, thanks to the increased demand for food at home, the ability to preserve the product during all stages of transport has been increasingly appreciated. The increase in e-commerce during and after Covid-19 Online shopping increased exponentially during and after the quarantine period. The trend of online sales has in fact even gone from 81% to 162%. (Source: Nielsen) Also from a survey by the Netcomm Consortium it emerges that 77% of e-commerce has acquired new customers, demonstrating that the crisis caused during and after the Coronavirus has induced several consumers to approach online purchases for the first time. Specifically, however, the trend is not homogeneous: the boom in online sales mainly concerns basic necessities. An opportunity for packaging What happened in this period of crisis translates into an opportunity for those who produce and design packaging, to be an active part in the packaging solutions that home distribution requires. Innovation, sustainability, flexibility and customization are the keys to conquer the online shop. (Could it be interesting: Tailored proposals and more personalized products: this is how the Inkjet guides Sandra). But not only. It will be essential to propose innovative solutions towards types of packaging that, in addition to preserving the content, communicate the values ​​that the post-covid has led us to achieve. Recyclable, reusable and "sustainable" packaging to preserve the environment and packaging specially designed to meet the needs of end consumers. (Could it be interesting: Food Packaging, how and what to do to win customers over)

Food packaging was created with the aim of keeping the product as long as possible and in the best conditions. This is to preserve its quality and properties and the health of consumers. Food packaging does not have a purely functional purpose but is fully part of a company's communication strategy. How? Let's see together how to conquer end customers through the right food packaging. How to choose the most suitable packaging for your business? The starting point is to make sure that the entire food packaging production process takes place in full compliance with the regulations in force (regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004) which have the aim of guaranteeing maximum safety and traceability of the product at Community level. We can thus summarize the 3 fundamental principles: Do not endanger human health: materials must not release components into food. The materials must not be subject to modification or decomposition, so as not to alter the smell and taste of the foods contained. Presence of documentation to demonstrate compliance of regulations such as traceability. Once we have ascertained that everything falls within the rules, we can identify the fundamental characteristics for a winning packaging. What do you want to communicate with your food packaging? It is not a simple food packaging tool, as packaging is fully part of the company's marketing strategy. The first step is therefore to understand what and how to communicate the concept of your business to end customers, both before and after the purchase phase. Who is your target? The value that makes the difference: knowing the target. Who are your company's customers? Who is food packaging intended for? Here are some examples. Age: are they children, millennials or adults? Habits: do they go to your shop for lunch or carry it to the office? In both cases it is important to create an easy-to-use and recycled packaging. Choice of materials The choice of material, as well as the colors and shapes must be carefully selected so that the packaging can best describe your business. The cardinal principles of the choice must always be oriented between aesthetics and functionality. Both characteristics are fundamental to fully satisfy the needs and experience of the consumer. What are the characteristics of a winning food packaging? Being in step with the times and knowing the trends of the moment allows you to always be on the crest of the wave. What are the characteristics that make packaging attractive and functional? Ease to use: opening, usability and disposal of the package must be intuitive and easy to use. Customization: a package must capture the attention of the target and at the same time convey a sense of safety and reliability of the product. Transparency and origin: it is essential to report on the packaging everything that has to do with the origin of the food: nutritional values, packaging details and organoleptic characteristics. Sustainability: green packaging is nowadays increasingly widespread and requested by companies in the food sector and beyond. Preferring the most environmentally friendly and therefore less polluting materials such as corrugated cardboard, in addition to representing an ethical choice, will soon become a real regulation, especially in the case of disposable objects intended for the consumption of food outside your home. Personalized food packaging: professional advice If you need advice on the design and distribution of your food packaging, Cart-One has an R&D Office thanks to which it proposes innovative and eco-sustainable packaging design solutions and real proposals for product improvement and cost reduction. For more information, do not hesitate to contact our customer service: fill out the contact form and send your request. You will receive an answer as soon as possible.

Sustainability, limitation of waste and reduction of packaging: these concepts are also assimilated by companies that seek to achieve greater effectiveness of production processes for the protection of the environment. In recent years, the policy has moved in this direction, as evidenced by the EU Directive 2018/852 issued by the European Parliament in amendment of the previous directive 94/62 / EC. In fact, the modification of the standard was strongly desired to produce tangible effects on two fronts: firstly, to considerably reduce the production of waste and packaging; secondly, to promote reuse and recycling by overcoming the concept of "final disposal" and by encouraging actions aimed at creating a circular economy. Green packaging, therefore, is not a trend but a necessity that goes hand in hand with respect for the environment. In addition, it must be said that in recent years consumers are changing their habits and increasingly choosing products made by companies that adopt eco-friendly policies. What is meant by green packaging? An ecological packaging is first of all, a packaging produced, in part or totally, with recyclable raw materials. Its natural life cycle could follow different paths such as further recycling at the end of use, reuse or transformation. In particular, the concept of "transformation" represents a further source of inspiration for those who work in the sector of packaging creation, because thanks to it the packaging finds new life by becoming a design object or transforming itself into a utility object to be placed at home or in the office; or, in the most imaginative recovery cases, it can turn into a game for the kids. Furthermore, having a green packaging does not only mean having an ecological product that, once its function is finished, can be recycled or is destined to dissolve without polluting. In fact, this also refers to packaging made in a sustainable way. The production process, therefore, must be centered on the idea of limiting production waste as much as possible, while using renewable energy sources for the operation of instruments and machinery. In this sense, CART-ONE promotes, within the framework of a circular economy, a model based on a supply chain characterized as follows: production - use of the product - regeneration of the raw material - recovery. Through such a structured procedure, production waste also becomes an important resource, which constitutes a new reel for the production of corrugated cardboard boxes. Eco-design: the basis of a green packaging Virtuous production processes, a supply chain that recovers raw materials and recycles them and Eco-design are the basis of green packaging. In particular, Eco-design means a packaging design that pays the utmost attention to saving raw materials. This way of approaching production allows not only to limit waste, but also brings benefits to the environment by reducing the impact on the consumption of energy sources and limiting the pollution of air and soil. In fact, no ecological policy’s company can have a successful outcome if we do not start from a project aimed at increasing the sustainability of the product. In this sense, in the production of corrugated cardboard packaging it is important to create boxes with a functional design and at the same time processed in such a way as to consume only the sufficient raw material, obtaining a high quality product that perfectly meets market needs.

Research is generating continuous innovations, but it is on paper and cardboard that investments are being made because, in reality, they are the most “natural” and healthy way to contain and present food products. The latest innovation was launched by the company SADA Imballaggi: H2OBOX, a corrugated cardboard that seems destined to revolutionize the fresh food market. Also suitable for dairy products, it has proven to be excellent for all frozen food and produce (fruit and vegetables). Waterproof and customizable It is a box that is waterproof on the outside and liquid-tight on the inside, ecological, sustainable, 100% recyclable, and customizable in both shape and graphics. It is easy to assemble and can be delivered flat on pallets, thus occupying reduced space and optimizing transport costs. Furthermore, it has low disposal costs of approximately 4 euros per ton. Research in packaging is often promoted by specialists in luxury packaging, as highlighted by the latest luxury packaging exhibition held recently in New York. Luxury, but ecological, like those made from bamboo leaf (used for centuries in Asia) and sugarcane fiber.

Packaging is increasingly at the center of consumer choices, even in the food sector. The concern, in fact, is to have containers and packaging that not only effectively protect food, but that are also sustainable. The luck of a product on the shelves, therefore, is even more linked to the packaging, intended as a mix of materials and design from an Eco-design perspective, which allows to obtain the minimization of the packaging for a maximum yield in terms of conservation and freshness of the food. For an industry in the Food sector, not taking into account the new consumer orientations means leaving the market. What is changing in the habits of Italians and how consumer attitudes affect packaging? Italians are increasingly attentive to sustainability, including in the food sector. Consumption is in fact oriented to the deepening of the supply chain and therefore also of the packaging. According to the statistics that emerged from the 2021 edition of the Packaging Observatory of Largo Consumo created by Nomisma in collaboration with SpinLife of the University of Padua, it turned out that 33% of the Italians interviewed showed a greater propensity to assign a primary role to the environment in everyday choices. According to the findings, 65% of respondents prefer products with little packaging. 59% have purchasing habits that direct them towards products with sustainable packaging. 57% of respondents admit they are reducing the purchase of products with non-recycled plastic packaging. What will be the future of packaging in Italy? Sustainable packaging is also becoming an opportunity for consumers to assess the environmental impact of a brand. We know, in fact, that the packaging can be evocative and identifying the product, to the point of transmitting its values ​​only and exclusively through the sight of the package. In this sense, many brands are making efforts through targeted investments to research technologies that reduce the environmental impact of their business and work, at the same time, on the sustainability of packaging. On the other hand, such investments and improvements can cause increases compared to the price of a product. There is therefore still work to be done to give sustainable packaging the right importance in the perception of the consumer, especially as regards communicating the benefits that such actions can have on the environment and on improving the quality of life. CART-ONE, a company specializing in corrugated cardboard packaging, has always been at the forefront to help its partners in the creation of sustainable and recyclable packaging, with an enhancement in the supply chain of recycled raw materials and with a zero waste approach through the recovery of production waste.

Redefining your corporate image can help give loyal customers a new experience, which can also be compatible with reaching new niches of public. Nowadays, sustainability policies are fundamental, as consumers are more attentive to issues concerning the production chains and the aspects concerning the packaging of the item they purchase. Is it sustainable? Is it easily recyclable? Is it reusable? These are some of the questions the user asks himself when faced with packaging. Let's see some examples that have made it possible to redefine the corporate image through experiences focused on sustainability. Sustainability as a communication strategy Presenting itself as a company that favors sustainable processes certainly helps to build a more ethical image and at the same time responsible for working conditions. In fact, sustainability does not only mean limiting environmental impacts, but also having a positive impact with one's business on the social communities involved in the production process. Sustainability has now become central to corporate communication. There are more and more cases of brands, such as in the rice supply chain, which reinvent packaging starting from waste. Other companies, on the other hand, work to reduce the use of plastic, such as for example in delivery. Circular economy and sustainability: protagonists at the Milano Marketing Festival 2021 The themes of the circular economy and corporate sustainability were the main concepts of the opening works of the third day of the Milan Marketing Festival 2021, an event organized by Class Editori, visible on ClassCnbc and on official channels. During the event, the players in the sector, from food companies to cosmetic product production companies and representatives of companies specialized in the production of packaging, told about their experience regarding the impact of the sustainability choices made. on sales and customer perception. In this sense we can mention Emanuele Preve, managing director of Riso Gallo, who told of how the company started from the selection of the raw material coming exclusively from certified agriculture, and how the next step was working on the packaging through the reduction of impact of the packaging starting from the cardboard up to the recycled plastic necessary for the creation of the vacuum packaging. This process proved the company right, which saw a positive response from the market. Consumer and packaging: the levers that can promote the purchase. The vision of the packaging, the tactile experience and the deepening through the reading of the label are crucial moments in the purchasing process. Why is a product discarded? Probably because the buyer did not recognize himself in the values ​​of the brand, which is represented at that moment by the packaging itself. A wrong product dress can decree a failure in sales, because it does not reflect the new ideals and new characteristics of the modern consumer: more informed, more attentive and more aware of the entire path that leads a product from the shelf to the online showcase. For companies operating with a real production sustainability project, it is also necessary to defend themselves from competitors who boast a purely formal adherence to the ethical principles of the circular economy. Company policies communicated through its official channels must necessarily be followed by consistent action. In this sense, not only recyclable packaging is enough, but it is necessary that the raw material used has been, in turn, completely or in part, recovered, and that the production phases impact as little as possible in terms of polluting emissions. It is necessary to have certifications that can attest to the quality of production processes, in order to obtain greater credit towards consumers. Policies regarding personnel management must be respectful of the dignity of the worker. We need to promote activities and messages aimed at raising consumer awareness. In this sense, all these aspects decree a sustainable approach. CART-ONE is engaged at the forefront in the production of corrugated cardboard packaging for companies and e-commerce. We have activated production cycles that reduce the environmental impact and only use certified raw materials from responsibly managed natural resources, as well as having implemented a recovery policy for processing waste so that nothing is wasted. For personalized advice, contact CART-ONE and find out how to make the packaging for your product in a sustainable and ecological way.

Paper is increasingly at the center of the Food and Beverage sector due to its intrinsic characteristics. This material, in fact, can define a natural, biodegradable and recyclable product. All these features are perfect for cellulose-based packaging to be used in contact with food. In the next paragraphs we will evaluate the consequences related to the use of packaging with respect to food waste, especially given the increase in sales from e-commerce and food delivery. Food waste in a pandemic: the numbers Food waste is still one of the most common problems related to the welfare society. An estimated 3,624,973 tons of food were wasted in 2020. However, despite the boom in e-commerce and food delivery, there is a decrease of 11% nationally, given by Waste Watchers 2021 on the occasion of the eighth day against food waste. The greater awareness has led the consumer to implement strategies that also involve packaging, which today becomes a faithful ally in the fight against waste. Paper and cardboard in the consideration of consumers Paper and cardboard play a fundamental role in the preferences of Italians because they combine safety and sustainability. The Waste Watchers report we cited earlier demonstrated how our fellow citizens have implemented strategies that have helped limit food waste. The situation of uncertainty and the restrictions imposed on circulation have changed spending habits with more prudent and conscious choices, including that of favoring efficient and sustainable packaging. Packaging of paper and cardboard: how innovation allows the transport and storage of food The paper industry sector has always worked to develop innovative products, so that increasingly high-performance solutions can be obtained that offer safety and sustainability performance. This concept led to a study conducted by Comieco, the National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Cellulose-Based Packaging, and by the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa. The study showed that innovative materials such as nanocellulose offer perfect preservation guarantees and a high degree of recyclability. These features allow for great application possibilities. The food packaging scenario, based on the goals achieved, is destined to change and transform itself in an increasingly sustainable and circular perspective. In particular, at the heart of the development of new solutions is the series of products for food delivery. This segment has experienced a boom in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. This impulse has accelerated already evolving processes and encouraged the realization of new projects. From doggy bags to pizza cartons, passing through food bags, paper and cardboard are confirmed in first place in consumer preferences. According to a study by Two Sides, Packaging in the eyes of the European consumer, 2020, paper and cardboard are confirmed the top choice of European consumers: the latter have declared that they absolutely prefer this material for its sustainability and ease of recycling. CART-ONE, thanks to the experience and know-how consolidated over time, is your trusted partner for the production of customized packaging for the Food sector. Discover our innovative proposals for sustainable cardboard packaging.

Christmas is just around the corner, and if you want your products to stand out in the holiday rush, the key is packaging that captures attention and creates a memorable experience for your customers. Christmas packaging: how to surprise your customers at Christmas. Holiday packaging is not just a wrapper for your products; it is the first impression customers will have of your brand during the festive season. With Cart-One, you can turn this experience into something magical and memorable. Read also: “Packaging cardboards: what materials are they made of?” Start with the perfect foundation: corrugated cardboard sheets The secret to flawless Christmas packaging lies in its foundation. Cart-One stands out in the production of high-quality corrugated cardboard sheets, ensuring strength and flexibility. These sheets are the perfect canvas for creating packaging that stands out for its sturdiness and capability to protect your products. From here, your packaging takes shape. Cart-One transforms corrugated cardboard sheets into a wide range of options, from classic slotted boxes (American boxes) to displays and special boxes. Customization is our strength: single or double wall, recycled or moisture-resistant paper, simple printing or high-definition four-color process. We have everything you need to create a unique packaging design. The art of memorable packaging Cart-One is not just a packaging supplier, but an active partner in the creative process. Collaboration with clients is at the heart of everything they do. If you want a unique design for your holiday packaging, the Cart-One team is ready to put its expertise at your service. Here are some creative ideas for your Christmas packaging: Custom printing: add a personal touch with custom holiday prints that reflect your brand identity; Innovative shapes: Cart-One can create unique packaging shapes that catch the eye and add an element of surprise; Holiday greetings: include holiday messages on your packaging to convey seasonal warmth; Interactive elements: such as reusable stickers or small Christmas games. Offering a tactile experience can engage customers in a fun and memorable way; Integrated lighting: this could be a subtle strip of LED lights or a design that glows in the dark. This will make your product even more appealing under the Christmas tree lights; Reusable packaging: promote sustainability with sturdy and attractive boxes that can be used to store Christmas decorations or other items after the gift is opened; Incorporate scented elements: add an extra sensory dimension, perhaps with a subtle scent of pine or cinnamon that evokes the holiday spirit. With Cart-One, you are not just buying packaging; you are investing in an experience that makes your products unforgettable. Partner with Cart-One to create Christmas packaging that wonders and delights your customers, giving them a unique experience under the tree. For further information or to request a customized quote, do not hesitate to contact us. See also: “How to find the best packaging for your product”

The world of food packaging is undergoing a true revolution, driven by an extremely promising protagonist: paper. Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material. As environmental concerns rise and consumers become increasingly aware of their choices, the food packaging industry is shifting toward sustainable and innovative solutions. In this context, paper emerges as the fastest-growing material, bringing a range of benefits that go far beyond environmental sustainability. Read also: “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates” Sustainability comes first One of the primary reasons paper is experiencing strong growth as a food packaging material is its eco-sustainability. Unlike traditional plastic packaging options, paper is biodegradable and compostable. This characteristic not only reduces negative environmental impacts but also meets the demands of a market increasingly focused on sustainability. Consumers actively seek products that reflect their ecological values, making paper an attractive option for brands wishing to stand out. Saying goodbye to plastic has become more and more important for modern consumers, and paper packaging is rapidly becoming the answer to this need. An increasing number of Italian families are embracing the idea of more sustainable packaging, with 65% in 2022 choosing a product specifically because of its eco-friendly packaging. Meanwhile, 19% gave up on buying a product due to its unsustainable packaging. Versatility and adaptability Paper offers high versatility, adapting to a wide range of packaging needs. From bags to boxes, and from tissue paper to folding containers, paper lends itself to multiple applications without compromising food quality or safety. Its flexibility allows packagers to create tailor-made solutions that meet the specific preservation and presentation needs of each product. According to research by Nomisma, the trend toward paper and cardboard is not just about beverages, but is gaining ground in every food sector, from fruit and vegetables to frozen foods. This reflects a significant cultural shift, with consumers placing higher value on packaging sustainability in every single part of their shopping cart. The power of recycling Italy has proven to be a powerhouse in recycling, generating 1 billion and 525 million euros in environmental benefits in 2021 through packaging recycling and recovery, according to the Conai Sustainability Report. This not only helps to save raw materials but also significantly reduces primary energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Italy, already a European leader in per capita packaging recycling, is in a privileged position to guide Europe toward a more sustainable future. Protection and freshness Contrary to common perception, paper is not just a sustainable choice, but also offers effective protection for food. Thanks to advancements in paper production technology, it is possible to develop solutions that maintain food freshness, protecting products from external factors such as light and moisture. This translates into longer shelf life for food products and a reduction in waste. Beyond practical aspects, paper also helps enhance the consumer experience. Its tactile and visual nature creates a unique sensory experience, evoking a sense of authenticity and connection with the product. Brands can leverage this feature to communicate their commitment to sustainable practices and create an emotional bond with consumers. Cart-One has always been a promoter and implementer of the circular economy—the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model—ensuring that our production waste becomes a paper reel and, ultimately, a box once again within our facilities. We firmly believe in protecting the environment, which is why we pay the utmost attention to saving raw materials and continuously improving our production processes, aimed at reducing our impacts on water, air, and soil. Contact us for more information or to request a free quote for your packaging. Cart-One specializes in specific packaging for companies that produce and sell pasta, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages such as beer, fruit, vegetables, canned tuna, milk and dairy products, sweets, and chocolate. Together, we will find the solution best suited to your needs. To learn more: “Sustainable and recycled paper for product packaging: case studies”

The European Union has recently approved new measures on packaging, destined to revolutionize the way we produce, use, and dispose of wrapping materials. Which packaging will be banned by 2030? On April 24, the European Parliament gave the green light to a regulation that aims to make packaging more sustainable and reduce waste. This regulation was approved with a large majority and represents a decisive step toward the circular economy. Read also: “Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material” New Rules for Packaging The new Packaging Regulation, which will enter into force following formal approval by the Council and publication in the Official Journal of the EU, amends and repeals previous regulations, including Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste management. The new provisions point toward a future with less plastic, packaging that is easier to recycle, and fewer harmful chemicals. Let's see in detail what will change. Recycling and Reduction Targets The new European rules establish ambitious targets to reduce packaging and increase its recycling: Packaging reduction of 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040; Specific reduction targets for plastic packaging waste; Limits on waste, with a maximum empty space ratio of 50% for multiple packaging and for those intended for e-commerce. Packaging Banned by 2030 Starting from January 1, 2030, certain types of single-use plastic packaging will be prohibited. These include: Packaging for fresh, unprocessed fruit and vegetables; Packaging for food and beverages consumed inside cafés and restaurants; Single-serve portions of condiments, sauces, coffee creamer, and sugar; Small single-use packaging used in hotels; Ultra-lightweight plastic bags under 15 microns. Alcoholic Beverage Packaging and Other Provisions The regulation provides specific reuse targets by 2030 for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage packaging, excluding milk, wine, and spirits. Takeaway food and beverage distributors must offer at least 10% of their products in reusable packaging by 2030. Improvement of Collection and Recycling Systems All packaging, except for specific materials like lightweight wood and cork, must be recyclable according to strict criteria. By 2029, 90% of single-use metal and plastic beverage containers up to three liters must be collected separately through deposit-refund systems or other effective solutions. The Italian Case The new rules have raised objections in Italy. Indeed, our government has expressed concerns regarding the impact of these measures on the national recycling supply chain. The Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto, highlighted how the Italian model is already advanced and exceeds EU targets, and how the new regulations could pose a risk to local industry. The new European rules on packaging represent an important step toward a more sustainable future, with less waste and increased recycling. However, the implementation of these measures will require adaptations and investments from companies in the sector. For those operating in the cardboard packaging industry, these new rules represent an opportunity to innovate and adopt greener practices, thereby strengthening their position in the market and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all. See also: “Climate change and environmental impact: summer 2023 the hottest”