Consumers' purchasing choices increasingly seem to be influenced by packaging, especially when it comes to products with sustainable packaging. The confirmation comes from the research conducted by Nomisma, entitled “Packaging speaks green”. It has been dedicated a forum and its results. Consumer awareness and the sensitivity for green issues are nowadays a fact that must be taken into account if you want to give your products a superior appeal. Can the perception of sustainability affect purchases? Efforts towards a sustainability policy must be evident for the consumer: according to research, in fact, only 4% of users believe that companies make targeted choices in this sense, and the percentage drops by one point when it comes to industrial processes. The situation in Italy shows a considerable delay on the part of companies in taking concrete actions aimed at sustainability and the creation of ecological packaging, an element that falls within the category of activities that should be consolidated and be part of the best practices adopted from any entrepreneurial reality. 46% of Italians make their choice fall on products with recyclable packaging and with a low environmental impact. This behavior mainly affects personal and household products. The sustainable cosmetics and packaging sector The cosmetics sector seems to be particularly involved in this revolution, made by consumers who require products with the lowest possible environmental impact, but also biodegradable, recyclable or compostable green packaging. As is well known, the design pertaining to the beauty sphere has always also focused on packaging to increase the appeal of the product. From the color to the silhouette of the package, the packaging becomes a real trademark, the vehicle through which the product can be recognized at first sight without having to read its name. As we have seen, the new habits and needs of consumers are also changing the Beauty sector, not only by adapting their cosmetic formulas in favor of more sustainable products, but also by transforming packaging to reduce waste. The importance of the cosmetics sector within the national economy and the need for greater attention to packaging The cosmetics company represents a strategic sector in the economy of our country. While on the one hand the Made in Italy make-up and creams are well known throughout the country, on the other hand the sector is also profitable in terms of exports. The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the habits of using cosmetic products. After a physiological decline in sales, there was a shift in interest in certain products. In addition, the demand for products with a natural connotation and attention to new channels have increased, for example eCommerce, which has brought new consumers closer to purchasing products. The industry did not stand still during the pandemic; however, some plants have reconverted part of the plant for the production of sanitizing products and for the manufacture of gels. And the advent of Covid-19 has created a new awareness in the consumer, as claimed by Clare Henningan, who holds the position of senior beauty analysts at Mintel. With the pandemic there has been an increase in requests for clean and safe products, without toxic ingredients and with a low environmental impact supply chain. Packaging also comes into play in this scenario. The digitized generations are those grown up with ecological values ​​matured through study paths, carrying out separate collection and showing attention to the choice of products that reduce the weight of packaging in terms of waste and quantity of materials used. The choice is oriented towards products with eco-friendly packaging, that is, which follow an ethical production cycle. This trend should also be attested in the course of 2021 hoping for a convincing recovery in consumption, as long as they are lived in a sustainable perspective. To create customized packaging for your products, CART-ONE offers ideas and solutions with a low environmental impact, eco-sustainable and aimed at offering fully satisfactory performance for the creation of both primary and secondary packaging.

We have spoken several times about issues related to corporate sustainability and in particular about the role of green packaging as a resource optimization strategy, as well as an ethical choice for environmental protection. We can therefore state that green packaging is increasingly widespread among companies that aim to make their production processes and logistics chain more sustainable and compatible with new consumer needs and market demands. Green packaging: a strategy for optimizing company resources Using green packaging for your company's products helps optimize expenses and resources. A product born from a green supply chain is packaging created from recyclable raw materials. To learn more, read the article What is green packaging Recyclable raw materials, such as paper, allow costs to be amortized through a product that preserves quality and resistance in all its characteristics, while being more economically convenient at the same time. The production of green packaging also involves limiting production waste, which in the case of paper and cardboard can not only be optimized, but can simultaneously be recycled to become a reel again. This virtuous production cycle translates into a saving opportunity for companies that need packaging for their products. Choosing eco-friendly packaging can impact the entire supply chain, in addition to improving the company-environment relationship. In fact, green packaging is designed to reduce volumes, which translates into a reduction in loading space and a higher concentration of transport, thereby limiting CO2 emissions more decisively. At the same time, it is possible to make your product more competitive on the market and boost brand awareness. Green packaging as a marketing lever As we have pointed out several times, packaging plays a fundamental role in the customer engagement and loyalty process. Modern consumers are not just interested in packaging being beautiful, but also in it being easily identifiable and recyclable. In this sense, pure cardboard packaging is preferred over multi-material laminates precisely because the packaging is not always easy and intuitive to separate. Furthermore, in terms of engaging your audience, packaging can also be used to create a new experience. Imaginative designers have created packaging capable of transforming after opening, becoming a useful and stylish design object. In other cases, boxes can be used to run contests highlighting creative uses, continuing that loyalty journey. The product destined for its end-of-life after fulfilling its function, however, must feature clear and precise indications on recycling methods for an error-free separate collection. CART-ONE's commitment to creating green packaging For years, CART-ONE has been promoting a policy regarding the creation of sustainable packaging with the aim of implementing the principles of a circular economy, as demonstrated by the latest project the company has joined. We are talking about Ecogrip, the ecological and corrugated cardboard solution developed by the Pan-European Blue Box Partners (BBP) Alliance, of which Cart-One is a member, to offer an alternative to shrink film, thereby limiting the use of plastic packaging that is not recycled. CART-ONE is always at work to provide its partners with sustainable and high-quality packaging solutions and customized displays. Turn to our company to get more information about our creations and how we can support your business: contact us.

Certifications are crucial to establish compliance with specific standards that allow a company to gain greater prestige in terms of market presence. Today, we will delve into the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification, which defines the standard and requirements for an “Environmental Management System”. This type of certification can be implemented within any type of organization. What is the purpose of the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification? Achieving this certification significantly reduces the liability of any type of organization with respect to environmental legislation. In detail, if the company or organization meets the necessary requirements, the certification serves to attest to the commitment shown, both in terms of achieving environmental performance and from the perspective of the virtuous goals that will shape the future of the company itself. Holding an Environmental Management System certification, therefore, publicly certifies a corporate path dedicated to environmental protection. This grants organizations access to various types of advantages, such as the possibility of obtaining specific authorizations or recognitions that allow for tax benefits. This certification sometimes constitutes a prerequisite that allows the certified organization or company to participate in tenders or public procurement procedures. How is compliance with the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System declared? As mentioned, UNI EN ISO 14001 gathers standards with which companies and organizations must comply in order to be awarded this recognition. In this sense, the first step to follow is to establish the environmental impact that one's business has on the territory and the community it affects. To do this, it is necessary to carry out an Environmental Analysis.  During this analysis, several aspects will be examined, including: the use of resources, emissions resulting from one's activity, and so on. Not only that, but the company must also demonstrate a flexible organization capable of managing, within the current regulatory framework, the requirements applicable to that specific type of business, thereby significantly influencing its impact. Companies and organizations wishing to apply for this certification must specify their Corporate Policy, which must be consistent with the commitments and goals to be achieved regarding environmental protection and the reduction of impacts strictly related to their business type. Within the process to become a UNI EN ISO 14001 certified company, specific environmental responsibilities are also established. Once awarded, the certification seals the commitment made to define, implement, and maintain active the conditions that enabled the achievement of this milestone. This means the company is called upon to continuously respect the imposed standards and requirements. The advantages of the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification: what do they consist of? Achieving the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification is advantageous from multiple points of view.  The advantage is for the Environment: implementing an Environmental Management System means a conscious use of resources. The ability to recognize one's environmental impact allows for the application of coherent strategies to reduce the pollution of soil, air, and water.  The advantage is for the company: in fact, there are several benefits to achieving this certification. Beyond the increase in prestige that this recognition brings, the company also acquires greater authority regarding market positioning. In this sense, we can recognize a competitive advantage for certified companies. As mentioned at the beginning, the certification grants access to tenders where it is explicitly stated as an essential requirement for participation. The certification also allows for the reduction of direct and indirect environmental costs. Last but not least, greater efficiency is achieved at both operational and managerial levels. The advantage is for potential partners: relying on a certified company for one's partnerships allows for the maximization of efforts in the area of environmental protection. In the field of corrugated cardboard packaging production, CART-ONE stands out as a company, not only for having achieved the prestigious UNI EN ISO 14001 certification, but also for putting into practice a corporate policy aimed at reducing environmental impact, in addition to being at the forefront of combating waste, directing production waste to the recycling supply chain to eliminate waste while generating new raw materials. Are you looking for a serious and reliable partner for the production of corrugated cardboard packaging and displays? Contact us. We can assist you in creating your customized, ecological, and sustainable packaging.

In a previous article, we introduced the UNI EN ISO 14001 certification, which defines the standard and requirements for an “Environmental Management System”. We continue our deep dive into the ethical and environmental recognitions acquired over the years by the Cart One Group, introducing specifically the following certifications: The SA 8000 ethical certification Workplace Condition Assessment (WCA) SEDEX Ecovadis In detail, Cart-One Salerno achieved the SA8000 certification and Cart-One Parma achieved the WCA. Sedex and Ecovadis are shared by both companies. The purpose of ethical certifications is to create a virtuous chain involving suppliers, employees, collaborators, and final customers in order to increase their satisfaction and loyalty through socially responsible behavior. What is the SA 8000 Ethical Certification? The SA8000 Ethical Certification is an internationally recognized reference standard created with the aim of guaranteeing optimal working conditions, encouraging and helping organizations to develop and apply socially acceptable practices in the workplace. A management system that holds this certification proves effective for the proper management and constant monitoring of all related activities and processes affecting workers' conditions (human rights, development, empowerment, professional training and growth, health and safety, non-discrimination). These requirements also extend to suppliers and sub-suppliers. WORKPLACE CONDITION ASSESSMENT (WCA) Following an Ethical Audit commissioned by a partner company, the Cart One Group satisfied all the necessary requirements to obtain the WCA certification: Workplace Condition Assessment (WCA) Achievement Award. A valuable award in the Human Resources field, which evaluates the overall Quality of work through a series of indicators. These include: Quality of work, wages, and hours: verifying working hours, employee salaries, and benefits; Health and safety at work: inspecting machinery safety, emergency management, accident prevention, and any related health risks in the workplace; Management systems and Environmental impact: assessing environmental management systems, emissions, waste, and all related activities carried out to develop environmental sustainability. An important recognition aimed at certifying how much our Group cares about the well-being of its employees and the environment. SEDEX Certification Sedex is a non-profit organization committed to the development and dissemination of ethical principles across global supply chains, representing the largest platform in Europe that collects and processes data on the ethical behavior of supply chains. The Sedex methodology proposed and developed the SMETA procedure, namely: “Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit”, to provide a best-practice framework for conducting audits and compiling related ethical and social reports. The beneficiaries are all stakeholders involved in the process: retailers, manufacturers, and (generally) suppliers. EcoVadis Certification EcoVadis aims to improve and enhance the environmental and social practices of companies by leveraging the influence of global logistics chains. EcoVadis operates the first collaborative platform enabling businesses to monitor the Sustainability performance of their suppliers across 150 sectors and 110 countries. Take a look at our CERTIFICATIONS.

More and more companies are changing their organizational setting in order to have a more respectful approach towards the environment. It is no coincidence, in fact, that in recent years there has been an increasing talk of "sustainable marketing". This new approach to the market is significant because it shows the clear willingness on the part of companies not only to create value for consumers and their partners, but also to bring benefits to the whole community through production that does not impact the environment. Therefore, corporate sustainability is selected in several areas: people: the company is committed to offer its employees working conditions that ensure their well-being and safety. community: the activity is committed to produce wealth for the entire community, including through the creation of a network with local companies. environment: reducing CO2 emissions to a minimum in order not to pay all the further pollution of air, water and soil, is the cardinal principle on which the concept of sustainable company is based. The basics of sustainable marketing Companies must offer their customers different consumption patterns. If in the past the corporate marketing operations focused on a cycle focused on the creation of a need, or on customer satisfaction through the act of consumption and the production of a waste derived from consumption itself, this perspective is now reversed precisely through theory a sustainable approach and a circular economy. Today, companies must not only satisfy customers, but direct them towards a critical consumption that will bring benefits - in the long run - on the whole community. In this sense, the company management system must comply with the provisions of current legislation. It must be taken into account that the sustainability criteria are not monolithic, but are listed on the basis of the technologies available to limit pollution and implement production processes; at the same time, they are also included according to social and environmental needs. Talking about sustainable marketing, means being able to put production processes, the resources employed and the constant training of its staff under the magnifying glass. The commitment of every business reality must focus on the production of collective, social and environmental benefits, the effects of which have an impact on the long term. These benefits must be concrete and measurable. CART-ONE's experience in the field of sustainability Starting from the concepts expressed so far, the CART-ONE experience is explanatory as regards the research and implementation of a sustainable production model. The main purpose of the activity is to combine multiple aspects including respect for the environment, the satisfaction of its partners and the creation of a quality product. By limiting production waste and thanks to recycling, not only are high quality products obtained, but at the same time it contributes to the protection of the environment in an active way. In addition to what has been said so far, the company operates using innovative clean technologies. In addition, the product design takes place exclusively through the design study aimed at saving raw materials and reducing waste.

The institutions have been working for some time to create a non-linear economy, which makes us more competitive, less dependent on raw materials and more environmentally friendly. In less than 10 years ecology, from sensitivity or political instance, has become an economic reality and a production process that is expressed as: "Circular economy". We will see below what the history and definition of the circular economy are and how the paper sector is located. History of the concept of circular economy As already mentioned, the circular economy belongs to ecology, but the former is a concrete project that arises from the value system of the latter. Ecology itself has quite distant ancestors, who can find a first political interpretation in the early twentieth century, in the naturism of the German Wandervogels. Even earlier, in the second half of the 19th century, it was the German biologist who coined the term "ecology", giving it an exclusively scientific value. We have to wait for two world wars and as many after the war to arrive at an economic vision in 1966, with Kenneth Boulding's "The Economics of the Coming Spaceship Earth". A few years later, environmentalist Barry Commoner introduced the concept of "circle" referring to the economy. In the meantime, the European Commission welcomes and prepares economic and scientific reports on the subject. In 2002 William McDonough and Michael Braungart proposed an analogy between industrial and natural processes, characterized precisely by circularity. The ground is ready and in 2009 the Ellen MacArthur Foundation was born, which is headed by the homonymous skipper Ellen MacArthur. The Foundation collects data, carries out studies, prepares proposals and precisely formulates the definition of "circular economy". Definition of circular economy According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Circular Economy is defined as "an economy designed to regenerate itself. In a circular economy, the flows of materials are of two types: biological ones, capable of being reintegrated into the biosphere, and technical ones, destined to be revalued without entering the biosphere ". As rightly underlined by the research promoted by Comieco for the Forum for sustainable finance, the "Circular economy is not a model of waste management, but a rethinking of traditional industrial processes". That is to say that the correct management of waste is one of the "moments" that characterize circularity, but the economy thus conceived does not end in recycling. If it is not circular, then it is linear The adjective of this economy - precisely "circular" - also defines the alternative to which it "opposes", that is, the linear economy. This model, followed by all countries and today considered unsustainable, is based on 5 phases: 1. Extraction of raw materials; 2. Production; 3. Distribution; 4. Consumption; 5. Waste collected in dumps and / or incinerated. This system is today considered largely unsustainable due to the scarcity of raw materials and the environmental impact. Basic principles The basic principles of the circular economy, as formulated by the "Ellen MacArthur Foundation" are: 1. Eco-design. Conceive the products (including packaging) with a view to their duration and their life cycle. Therefore prefer what is repairable, durable and recyclable. 2. Versatility. Give priority to products manufactured to be modular and recoverable in individual components. 3. Renewable energies. Reduce the use of energy from fossil sources. 4. Ecosystem approach. Be aware of the entire production system and take into account the relationship between the different components. 5. Recovery of materials. Promote recycling and reduce the use of virgin raw materials. Advantages of the circular economy The circular economy brings environmental, social and economic advantages. The production of greenhouse gases, thanks to recycling and, above all, to renewable energies, can drastically decrease. The quality of life of the citizen would benefit and an ethics built for this purpose would help to conceive the "We" beyond the individual. From an economic point of view, the constraint of raw materials - of which Italy is in short supply - would be less. Finally, creating lasting and recyclable products increases the competitiveness of national economies. The paper in the circular economy As said, the circular economy is not only a matter of recovering materials, but it is the commitment to think about the entire production cycle so that they can: 1. Reduce waste; 2. Extend the life of the products; 3. Recycle and regenerate. The cellulose industry has an advantage over alternative materials as it is of plant origin, biodegradable and recyclable. Italy, in particular, is a country that excels in paper recycling and is second only to Germany: "During 2018 - reports Comieco in the report for the Forum for sustainable finance - 4.9 million tons of cellulosic packaging released for consumption, with a recycling rate of 81% ". However, there are critical issues for the circular economy in general and for paper in particular. Just think of one of the many consequences - in addition to those of growth - due to the pandemic from CoViD-19: the collapse of crude oil prices. Strong deflation could delay the use of renewable energy sources, such as reducing the cost of plastic production. Or, again, the persistent use of products that are difficult to recycle because they cannot be divided by the consumer into the individual elements, place irrecoverable goods on the market (and in dumps). For example, the use of polylaminates represents a problem in food packaging. For this reason - as Comieco once again points out - the packaging of the future must be: ● Single material; ● Increase the barrier effect; ● Allowing you to monitor the life cycle of the packaging (through, for example, printing the label); ● Sustainable. The pulp industry is already ready for tomorrow's challenge.

Climate change is a current and urgent topic that affects the whole world and requires the right attention from society. First of all, the industries that have an urgent duty to change their production methods, becoming more sustainable and attentive to the environment. It is for these reasons that for years there has been talk of a decarbonisation strategy to be implemented as soon as possible, that is, a path that will gradually limit CO2 emissions into the atmosphere until they completely disappear. Is it possible to donate a healthier and cleaner planet to the next generations? What is decarbonization Scientifically, decarbonization is the change in the ratio of carbon to hydrogen between energy sources. A decarbonization strategy, therefore, involves the use of energy sources that have fewer and fewer carbon atoms, cleaner and more renewable. For a long time, the energy sources used by man have always had, in their composition, a high ratio of hydrogen to carbon atoms. Not surprisingly, the energy supply has always been divided between oil, natural gas and coal, that is fossil sources that require combustion to produce energy, releasing significant quantities of pollutants into the environment, especially CO2. Decarbonisation aims at a progressive reduction of fossil sources as energy sources, replacing them with renewable ones, so as to gradually reduce the release of CO2 into the environment, up to zero emissions. The objectives of the European Union for decarbonisation Due to global warming, today it is very important to push industries towards the use of clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, abandoning the fossil sources responsible for the release of enormous quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere and consequently for climate change that it could destroy our planet. Already since the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 and the Paris Agreement of 2015, institutions have begun to worry about the environment, so much so that they have recognized that decarbonisation is an essential tool for minimizing carbon dioxide emissions in atmosphere. The European Union has set itself the goal, by 2030, of reducing emissions by 40%, so as to reach zero by 2050. In this way, we will be able to release emissions so low that the planet will be able to absorb them naturally. Decarbonisation strategy: what is the European paper industry doing? The European paper industry immediately expressed its interest in supporting a decarbonisation strategy, which, accompanied by a circular economy, can be the key to making our planet a better planet. The European paper industries have already outlined their plans for some time to achieve the environmental objectives that the European Union has set for 2050, guaranteeing the sustainability of the raw materials used and improving production processes. Among the sustainable raw materials used is wood pulp, renewable and ecological, coming from forest sources managed correctly. Forests, in fact, are natural carbon sinks that play a fundamental role in rebalancing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. For this reason, in addition to renewability, the circularity of the economy and decarbonisation, a correct and sustainable management of forests must be accompanied, supported by the paper industry, which ensures growing tree coverage in Europe, thanks to a series of certified programs such as PEFC (Program for the approval of forest certification) and FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council). Furthermore, since 2005, the European paper industry has already implemented a decarbonisation strategy with a reduction of 27% and spends around 5 billion euros per year to improve production processes.

The choice of sustainable solutions also concerns the supply chain engaged in the production of cardboard packaging. Based on the new goals set by Europe and government agencies, work is being done with a view to promoting a circular economy that optimizes a virtuous process based on the following principles: production, use, recycling and reuse. In this sense, the paper and cardboard supply chain have achieved important successes. In detail, the biomaterial produced is recycled by the same sector with a circularity rate estimated at 57%, while the most virtuous companies have raised the recycling rate to 80%. The commitment of Italian companies has meant that our country is now in third place at European level in terms of the use of paper for recycling. Rethinking production cycles from a circular economy perspective. We have already explored, in previous posts, the key principles of the circular economy. To achieve results, it will therefore be necessary not only to choose production solutions that favor the use of renewable energy sources, but also to rethink the spaces where production takes place that guarantees the lowest possible environmental impact. In addition, the design of products must, according to these criteria, provide for the lowest possible dispersion of raw materials and the use of resources from responsibly managed sources as in the case of forests. To implement these changes it will be necessary to collaborate between trade associations and supply chain consortia with banks and investors, in order to speed up access to financing and at the same time to undertake a path of technological innovation that can make the difference in terms of sustainability of production processes. The circular economy in Italy: what are the objectives to be achieved Important results have been achieved in our country, but certainly further steps must be taken with a view to lightening the bureaucratic framework, which would make it possible to avoid the dispersion of waste / resources in landfills. Italy, therefore, in the next few years will have to undertake important initiatives on the theme of eco-innovation and fulfill what is mentioned in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations for 2030, in particular by working on the efficiency of industries with a view to sustainability, adopting technologies and industrial processes with a positive environmental impact and promoting responsible consumption and production. In this sense, the paper industry moves, giving life to a constant commitment and to the creation of a sustainable business, which goes from the enhancement and responsible use of raw material, to the recovery and recycling of the asset, creating a process of excellence. An example is the successes achieved in 2018, given that 4.9 million tons of cellulosic packaging were released for consumption, with a recycling rate of 81%. The experience of CART-ONE engages in this complex framework, committed to the constant improvement of performance and the product, choosing to act personally in the circular economy landscape through the production of quality cardboard packaging, implementing a green production and management of resources. The company has always been a promoter and implementer of the principles of the circular economy. The philosophy embraced by CART-ONE is based on the careful management of raw materials and on the optimization of the collection of production waste, so that they can be recycled and converted back into reels. The use of clean and innovative technologies make it possible to implement a virtuous production process, which has the least possible impact on water, air and soil. The packaging design is carried out according to ecological criteria, in such a way as to save raw material without sacrificing the quality and final yield of the finished product.

If we are to find a positive effect caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, we must certainly look for it in the environmental improvement due to the quarantine, which has probably further turned the spotlight on the issues of recycling and recovery. However, the results achieved could be entirely momentary, because in phase 2 and 3 we will deal with what were the side effects of the lockdown on the economy. For example, the decline in oil could overshadow the search for green and sustainable mobility, because it is less convenient; or we will see greater environmental pollution due to the indiscriminate abandonment of masks and gloves on the street, a disturbing reality that concerns small and large territorial realities from North to South. In this sense, we need to work to ensure that environmental and recycling issues are dealt with continuously and constantly. Public opinion and recovery actions in Phase 1 According to a survey conducted by TwoSides, cellulosic packaging is preferred because it is completely recyclable. The same aspect is recognized to glass. In particular, the research shows that the Italian citizen shows greater sensitivity than the other European citizens. Thanks to this sensitivity and the evolution of the system linked to the collection and recycling of paper, we have gone from being importers of paper to be recycled to exporters. Certainly an important role was played by Conai and Comieco through funding and the action of the consortium for the recovery of paper and cardboard packaging. Recycling continued during Phase 1 as well. Post Covid outlook for recycling Covid 19 has brought to world attention the fact that the environment has a delicate balance and that the alteration of environmental changes and climatic upheavals can favor the proliferation of new viruses. It will be important in this context to implement production processes according to the principles of the circular economy. This means starting from the excellent results achieved so far in the field of recycling and implementing them taking into account the entire supply chain: from the birth of the product to its use, recycling and reuse. A crucial role will be played by the funding that will be allocated to improve the plant for the treatment of packaging materials. In addition, a turning point will be determined by the creation of "talking packaging" that offers the end user the opportunity to dispose of waste in the right way, especially when it comes to polylaminates, used most in the food sector. All this will be possible through an augmented reality app. From this point of view, Italy is a promoter of technologies for the differentiation of polylaminate waste. In addition, it is possible to carry out projects that allow, within the collection of paper, to further investigate the differentiation of waste, in particular outside of commercial establishments and in the catering sector. The Post Covid industry: what is meant by Industry 4.0 The Covid experience has deeply affected the industrial sector, placing the emphasis on the issue of a necessary and continuous technological innovation that must be accompanied by resilience and flexibility. In this sense, Industry 4.0 becomes synonymous with efficiency, process integration and sustainability also through the use of agile and remote work. The lockdown gave way to rethink technology by accelerating digital transformation processes to respond to the urgency for change. Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0: augmented intelligence Industry 4.0 does not mean just an investment in technology, but a real evolution in understanding the production processes following short, direct and linked chains, allowing for synergistic development. The relationship with customers changes and is oriented towards a new efficiency, communication speed and consistency in the collaboration relationship. In this sense, new research and the development of technologies that exploit artificial intelligence play an important role. While artificial intelligence cannot replace the creativity of the human brain, it offers a wide range of possible applications. The latter, applied to packaging and printing, allow to obtain new results that are increasingly professional and in step with market needs. With this in mind, the promotion of a circular economy becomes desirable, precisely for the implementation of sustainable processes. Corporate sustainability makes it possible to optimize investments and solve concrete problems, without compromising the future of entire generations.

Do Italians commit to separate waste collection? According to some data concerning the year 2019, not only does the percentage of recycled waste increase, but the objectives to be achieved in 2025 imposed by Europe are exceeded. Giorgio Quagliuolo, outgoing president of Conai, in a statement issued to the Assembly of the National Packaging Consortium in July, expressed his opinion on this goal: "The system as a whole has already exceeded the objectives that Europe is asking for by 2025. The circular economy in Italy works and stands out due to the effectiveness of its model. The results for the six packaging materials managed by Conai are also very positive, having all achieved their objectives by 2025, except for plastic. It is important to continue to work both on the path of developing new technologies for recycling and on that of prevention, encouraging eco design and design for recycling”. This prospect bodes well for a cleaner and more sustainable future. But let's see in detail why this milestone is so important. Packaging recycling: let's deal with reality Looking at the data for the year 2019, we find that most of the materials have been recycled, as much as 70%, with a growth of 3.1% compared to the previous year. Growth is mainly driven by the increase in recycling from urban waste, which marked a + 6.2%. If you make an estimate, adding these numbers to those of energy recovery, the tons of packaging waste recovered exceed 11 million and correspond to 81% of the packaging released for consumption. In the document General Program for Prevention and Management of Packaging and Packaging Waste it is possible to recognize the percentages of recovery and recycling of materials, which clearly show the achievement of the recovery thresholds for most packaging materials. Steel 78.8% (target 70%); Aluminum 74.6% (target 70%); Paper and Cardboard 81.2% (target 75%); Wood 64.7% (target 25%); Plastic 48.1% (target 50%); Glass 81.4% (target 70%). With the exception of plastic, for which the achievement of the goal is close, for all other materials the set thresholds have been largely exceeded. All this is possible thanks to the commitment of citizens and thanks to companies that are adopting policies of greater sustainability, reviewing production processes with a view to a circular economy, as demonstrated by the case of the CART-ONE company, in the context of production of cardboard packaging. What are the benefits of achieving the European goals? The achievement of the set objectives, in terms of benefits for the individual and for the environment, are considerable. Recovering four out of five packaging means sending less waste to landfills, therefore less environmental pollution and more resources that are recycled, to be used again. In this sense, collaboration between local authorities and collection consortia is also important, which make it possible to effectively recover the waste / resource. An example above all, the activity carried out by the Italian Municipalities in agreement with Comieco, the body responsible for the recovery of paper and cardboard packaging. Conai, in fact, at a time when the prices of waste paper were falling and paper recycling was not convenient, opened windows that allowed municipalities to enter into an agreement with Comieco, assuming the costs for recycling of paper and cardboard, so as to put the environment first, overcoming any market logic. Finally, the possibility of recycling and reusing allows for better management of resources, again if we think of the example of paper, which has a significant impact on nature, firstly avoiding deforestation and the destruction of ecosystems, and secondly by acting to safeguarding biodiversity. 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.

Environment Italian Minister Sergio Costa has signed the regulation that marks the End of Waste regarding the life cycle of paper and cardboard. The minister himself stated that "the End of Waste is an indispensable element for enhancing the potential of waste and can make a strong contribution to developing the potential of the recycling sector". This material, in fact, is less and less assimilated to a waste, and more and more to a real resource to be recovered for the production of new paper and corrugated cardboard. The measure was developed following numerous technical meetings. Before the regulation was issued, in fact, consultations were held with ISPRA, the technical body of the Ministry of the Environment, and sector operators. The meetings were also held with the ISS representatives for the assessment of the impacts on the environment and human health. What does the regulation establish? The regulation establishes the methods and criteria in which the planned actions must be taken to ensure that paper and cardboard cease to be waste and become resources for the creation of new material. The regulation is divided into seven articles which have the task of defining the areas of application and three annexes. In Annex 1 you can read the general criteria for the termination of the qualification of paper and cardboard waste. The content contains an explicit reference to the UNI EN 643 standard. Annex 2, on the other hand, identifies the specific purposes according to which the recovered paper and cardboard can be used. Finally, Annex 3 shows the model of the declaration of conformity (DDC), which has been prepared in the form of a declaration in lieu of affidavit. The latter must bear the manufacturer's personal data in addition to the declarations, always by the manufacturer, on the characteristics of the recovered paper and cardboard. What is the importance of paper recovery? Waste paper can be reused as a raw material, either in the manufacture of paper and corrugated cardboard, or for the paper industry, and for industries that use the UNI EN 643 standard as a reference. All this involves an important step forward in the responsible management of resources, in extending the life of the materials which are released into the environment and in creating an additional source from which to obtain the raw material. We must remember that the paper recovery and restarting sector in the production environment, acts as a driving force for circularity processes. In our country, in fact, the recovery of recycled fiber accounts for 60% of paper production. In the packaging sector, the recycling rate has reached the considerable percentage of 80%, placing the country ahead of the European directives, which require by 2030 to reach the 85% recovery threshold. In addition, the recycling of paper allows to drastically reduce the waste that is then sent to landfills. The experience of CART-ONE, which has always been committed to making its production processes of paper and corrugated cardboard boxes increasingly virtuous and environmentally friendly, fits into this framework, so as to confirm itself as a leading player in area of ​​the circular economy.

The Italian paper sector is facing an epochal transition phase toward sustainability and decarbonization, with the goal of drastically reducing CO₂ emissions and aligning with European standards for climate neutrality. Presented in Rome, the Assocarta study examined strategies for a competitive decarbonization of the paper industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities linked to electrification and the use of renewable energy sources. Towards decarbonization: the Italian paper industry and the challenges of the green transition. In this article, we will explore the key points of the study and how Cart-One's initiatives fit into this framework of environmental sustainability. To learn more: “29th Comieco Report: paper and cardboard recycling in Italy, 2023 marks a new historic record” Decarbonization and competitiveness for the paper sector The path toward decarbonization is not only a necessity for the protection of the planet, but also a challenge that can transform into a competitive advantage for companies in the paper sector. According to the Assocarta study, the Italian paper sector can become a model of excellence in Europe thanks to a mix of green technologies and innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint. Assocarta emphasizes that Italy, with a very prominent paper production at a European level, finds itself needing to implement concrete measures to reduce emissions. Among the proposals put forward by the study, the electrification of processes and the adoption of renewable energy sources emerge as key elements to accelerate the energy transition and maintain the sector's competitiveness. Electrification and green sources: strategies for the energy transition Assocarta identifies the electrification of processes as one of the main strategies to reduce CO₂ emissions. The use of electricity from renewable sources can represent an effective and sustainable solution to power paper industries, reducing dependence on fossil fuels. However, this transition requires significant investments in new technologies and adequate energy infrastructures. Despite the initial costs, electrification offers numerous long-term benefits, including greater energy efficiency and a significant reduction in emissions. In parallel, the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, can further contribute to making the paper sector more sustainable. The Assocarta study suggests that, by combining these sources with energy storage solutions, paper mills could reduce their energy dependence and optimize the use of available resources. Sustainability in packaging: Cart-One's commitment In the context of this transition toward decarbonization, Cart-One is actively committed to promoting sustainable practices in packaging production. By using recycled materials and adopting energy-efficient production processes, Cart-One contributes to reducing the sector's environmental impact. These actions not only favor the environment, but also make it possible to offer eco-friendly packaging solutions, responding to the growing consumer demand for sustainable products.  Cart-One is implementing strategies that support the transition toward a greener packaging, with the goal of reducing CO₂ emissions and optimizing the use of energy resources. Investing in sustainable practices is now a necessary step to meet market needs and to contribute to achieving European climate neutrality targets by 2050. Towards a sustainable future: opportunities and challenges The Assocarta study highlights that, to achieve complete decarbonization, a concerted effort is required among companies, institutions, and citizens. Incentives and political support will be essential to allow companies to face investment costs for the energy transition. Furthermore, the spread of a sustainability culture among businesses and environmental awareness among consumers represent crucial levers to stimulate change.   For the paper sector, adopting decarbonization strategies is not just an environmental commitment, but a true opportunity to innovate and stand out in a market increasingly oriented toward sustainability. The decarbonization of the paper sector represents a challenge and an opportunity for Italy, which can become a point of reference in Europe for sustainable production. With concrete initiatives and targeted investments in green technologies, Cart-One positions itself at the forefront of the path toward low-carbon production. The future of packaging is increasingly green, and Cart-One is ready to do its part to drive the change. Contact us for more information. See also: “Paper and cardboard recycling: an unprecedented success in 2023”