Environmental labeling in packaging: what the Italian regulations state

From aesthetics to environmental sustainability, packaging must meet increasingly specific needs from consumers and the environment. Packaging Trends 2023: all the new packaging developments. Nowadays, packaging must focus on aspects that go beyond aesthetics, but also on issues regarding sustainability and the adoption of materials that respect the planet. And then there is the e-commerce factor, a sector that is growing dramatically day by day, and which requires increasingly cutting-edge packaging and digital printing technologies.   Read also: “How the energy crisis impacts the supply of paper and cardboard”   Greater demand for corrugated cardboard Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, consumer purchases have changed radically. Consequently, companies had to adapt to the new “normal” by creating an online store to continue selling their products. The data confirms it: 30% of companies moved online during the peak of the pandemic, with the resulting significant growth of the e-commerce sector. A trend that will continue to grow in the future. Indeed, thanks to the use of smartphones and the accessibility of more digital technologies, 95% of all purchases will be made online by 2040.   E-commerce retail sales will continue to rise, with estimates of around 20% annual growth for electronic commerce in Europe; global online sales are expected to exceed 5.5 trillion dollars in 2023, which will have a profound impact on packaging demand, especially in the corrugated cardboard industry, affecting 80% of the demand for products sold online. This results in an increasingly complex supply chain for direct-to-consumer delivery, considering that packages sold via e-commerce are handled up to 20 times or more during standard distribution. All this translates into a new demand for corrugated cardboard packaging. Packaging that is increasingly resistant, safe, robust, and versatile, therefore capable of containing, protecting, and transporting the various types of products within.   More and more digital printing Digital printing will be increasingly important for the packaging world in 2023. With the higher demand for corrugated cardboard, in fact, companies will choose increasingly high-performance materials that can be printed optimally. This results in higher brand customization, certainly thanks to a quality of the latest technologies that is significantly superior compared to the past. With these technological developments, brands will want higher customer loyalty and engagement, and packaging will do nothing but help create a memorable purchasing experience to share through social media, also attracting new users and generating more conversions.   Custom fit-to-product packaging Again thanks to the explosion of e-commerce and the needs of its sellers, the fit-to-product (FtP) or box-on-demand system will be increasingly important, a technology that allows the production of custom packaging based on the exact dimensions of the product to be packed, including irregular shapes. In this way, the end user will no longer need to hold large stocks of standard-sized boxes that often require abundant amounts of void-fill material. Gradually, with the increased request for FtP platforms, there will be more demand for cardboard sold as fanfold.   Retail-ready formats Shelf ready packaging, intended for retail sale, is establishing itself more and more as a tool to save costs for retailers, especially in Western Europe. A factor derived from greater sales pressure, also as a solution to save labor, since it is estimated that these packaging formats can reduce shelf-replenishment and handling costs by up to 50%, while also providing greater control over the presentation of goods within the retail space.   Sustainable packaging Corrugated cardboard is easy to recycle and can be converted into new packaging cardboard production. This also results in an increased demand for corrugated protective formats compared to polymer-based alternatives, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) foams. Consumer goods companies are increasingly committed to modifying existing packaging and ensuring that new versions are more sustainable through the lightweighting strategy, which reduces the size and weight of the packaging, so that products are lighter and the carbon footprint during transport is lowered. The importance of lightweighting will continue to be felt in the coming years, as retailers need to save on costs and attract end users. To be considered, obviously, is that environmental labeling will come into force from January 1st, 2023, so it will be mandatory to communicate the final destination of the packaging, with an indication of all the materials it is made of. The purpose is to facilitate the collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling of packaging, as well as to increase consumer awareness on the subject of sustainability.   More conscious design for the beauty sector The global packaging market is booming, and it is destined to grow by nearly 3% year-on-year between now and 2028, to a value of 1.2 trillion dollars. For the beauty industry, packaging is no longer just a means for transporting products; it is the mirror of the brand and its values, of its commitment to people and the planet. For this reason, for the 2023/24 season, cosmetic packaging design will be more ecologically conscious through regenerative design systems, where the packaging will improve the ecosystem and protect biodiversity. There will be more and more compostable materials, packaging based on carbon capture, and materials derived from waste and by-products. Furthermore, thanks to new post-pandemic values, such as self-care and inclusion, more space will be given to experiences, cultures, and individual realities with the development of micro-dose packaging and universal packaging. The choice of materials will also be made to stimulate interaction, thanks to tactile and sensory textures like suede or the matte-velvety effect, and packaging that will strengthen the person-product connection. In addition, packaging will have increasingly evolving shapes: from single-dose sachets that seal the key moments of the beauty routine to magnetic single-dose miniatures, packed in soluble sachets and pods, completely recyclable and compostable, while large-sized refills will stay at home and be used to refill travel containers when necessary. Everything, clearly, from the perspective of sustainability.   There is talk of four materials that will be the protagonists of the new packaging in the coming years: mycelium, seaweed, cork, and hemp. Mycelium packaging has already made giant strides: durable, resistant, and lightweight, it has the capacity to decompose in the ground within 90 days, also reducing costs along the entire supply chain. Seaweed will be increasingly available from 2024; it does not require fresh water, land, or fertilizer, and grows 20-30 times more than land-based agriculture, so as to replace single-use plastic. Cork and hemp paper are already available and both come from regenerative agricultural practices. If these materials continue to be used, it will certainly facilitate the transition to regenerative crops with a new longevity for packaging.   The future of food and drink packaging 2023 Packaging related to the food and drink sector is a fundamental communication vehicle, which must constantly adapt to consumer expectations. In recent years, to respond more and more to environmental, social, and economic sustainability needs, packaging has also taken on an ethical role, keeping track of our purchasing choices regarding the environment. 2023 packaging, therefore, will put sustainability, value, technology, and appealing aesthetics at the center, choosing more sustainable materials, but also more optimistic designs and colors, especially after the long global post-pandemic period. The colors will be simple and reassuring, as well as versatile: soft and classic base colors that will produce a sense of security in consumers. Furthermore, 2023 packaging will find inspiration in nature: consumers will find serenity and pleasure in nature, appreciating it for its healing benefits and nurturing a deep desire to preserve it. Food and beverage ingredients for wellness and self-care will be fundamental, as will natural processes for packaging. Packaging must be created from natural regenerative and biodiverse fibers and products must be made from processes that increase biodiversity and leave no trace. The trend colors will be optimistic and emotional, with a delicate balance between natural earth tones and bright colors, for a perfect harmony with a consumer who seeks their own well-being and that of the earth.   Find out more: “Environmental labeling in packaging: what Italian regulations say”

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.

The materials used in packaging cardboards play a crucial role in protecting your products during transport and storage. In our commitment to offering cutting-edge packaging solutions, we have carefully selected our materials to ensure outstanding performance and a reduced environmental impact. Packaging cardboards: what materials are they made of? If you are looking for the perfect combination of sustainability, strength, and versatility, you are in the right place. Let's find out all the details in the rest of the article. Read also: “The differences between American boxes and die-cut boxes” Corrugated cardboard: the heart of our packaging Our primary material is corrugated cardboard, renowned for its layered structure that provides both sturdiness and flexibility. This lightweight material is eco-friendly, fully recyclable, and offers an exceptional shock-absorbing capacity, protecting your products from damage during transport. Corrugated cardboard is the beating heart of the innovative packaging industry, a material that combines lightness and resistance with a touch of versatility. Its layered structure is the secret to its strength, with strategically glued layers that create a protective barrier against impacts and mechanical stress. But its appeal goes beyond its strength: corrugated cardboard, as previously mentioned, is a champion of sustainability, completely recyclable and environmentally friendly. Layers and adhesives: the formula for success The resistance of our corrugated cardboard comes from the combination of different layers, each serving a specific purpose. Our manufacturing process involves the use of high-adherence glues, ensuring a secure bond without compromising the product's eco-sustainability. Sustainability comes first We are fully aware of the importance of sustainability in today's business landscape. Our packaging cardboards are made from 100% recyclable materials, helping to reduce environmental impact. Furthermore, we are constantly committed to improving our manufacturing practices to minimize waste and resource consumption. Tailor-made versatility for your needs In addition to sustainability, we understand the importance of customization. We offer tailor-made packaging solutions to meet the specific requirements of our clients. Whether it is packing delicate items or large-scale goods, we have the ideal solution for you. Our packaging cardboards are not just containers, but a commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future. Investing in our products means investing in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. For further information or to request a customized quote, do not hesitate to contact us. To learn more: “Food packaging: better if made of corrugated cardboard”