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.

In recent years, the agricultural sector has undergone a profound transformation, driven by the urgent need to adopt sustainable packaging to reduce environmental impact and meet new market expectations. More and more agricultural businesses are choosing sustainable packaging. Agricultural companies, both large and small, are redefining their packaging strategies by turning to eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, in line with European directives promoting the circular economy. Read also: “Overpackaging: sustainable packaging starts with simplicity” Regulatory Drivers and European Policies In 2024, the European Parliament strengthened regulations on packaging and packaging waste to encourage supply chains, including the agri-food sector, to invest in green solutions that reduce waste and pollution. The goal is to reduce waste generation, increase the share of recyclable packaging, and discourage the use of non-compostable plastics. The key points of the new regulation are: Reduction of single-use packaging; Incentives for the adoption of biodegradable and compostable bioplastics; Mandatory clear labeling to facilitate waste separation and recycling; Promotion of eco-friendly packaging design. The Most Widely Used Materials in Sustainable Agricultural Packaging Italy ranks among the most advanced countries in the field of sustainable packaging, thanks to research and innovation in raw materials. Among the materials most commonly used by agricultural companies for sustainable packaging is corrugated cardboard, chosen for its light weight and ease of recycling, making it ideal for packaging fruit and vegetable products. Recycled paper is used for boxes and cartons, offering a low environmental impact alternative. The adoption of compostable bioplastics, derived from plant-based sources, is becoming increasingly widespread, particularly for bags and protective films used in agriculture. Another example is molded pulp, valued for its biodegradability and protective properties, and widely used in trays and egg packaging. These materials meet both preservation and transportation needs, integrating seamlessly into the new models of sustainable supply chains adopted by the agricultural sector. The Perspective of Italian Agricultural Businesses A recent survey by Coldiretti shows that more than 60% of agricultural businesses consider packaging sustainability a strategic driver of competitiveness. Choosing green packaging represents a dual opportunity: enhancing the value of agricultural products while improving corporate reputation among consumers, who are increasingly sensitive to environmental issues. Consumer Impact and the Role of Large-Scale Retail The ongoing transformation also reflects changing consumer habits in Italy: for 74% of consumers, the presence of sustainable packaging is a key factor when purchasing agri-food products. Large-Scale Retail Distribution (GDO) plays a significant role by steering suppliers toward eco-packaging solutions and encouraging low-impact supply chains. Sustainable packaging is perceived not only as a guarantee of product quality but also as a distinctive sign of the social and environmental responsibility of agricultural businesses. Beyond Materials: Innovation in Design and Life Cycle Management The commitment to sustainable packaging goes beyond material selection. The most innovative companies are investing in: Design for recycling: packaging made up of easily separable components. Collection and return systems for customer packaging; The use of low-energy-consumption processes with reduced CO₂ emissions. These approaches, based on the principles of environmental sustainability and eco-design, help close the packaging life cycle and reduce the risk of improper disposal. Concrete Benefits and Future Prospects Adopting eco-friendly packaging solutions allows agricultural businesses to: Access new markets; Improve product traceability through sustainable digital labeling; Reduce waste management and disposal costs; Strengthen competitiveness and brand positioning within the sustainable agri-food supply chain. The transition toward sustainable packaging in agriculture is expected to accelerate in the coming years, driven by the expectations of younger generations and the growing demand for “green” products. Contact us for more information. You may also be interested in: “Updates on Packaging Regulations: Towards Safe, Sustainable, and Circular Packaging”

Sustainable and recycled paper for product packaging: case studies. One of the sectors where a significant change is being pursued is product packaging. The use of sustainable and recycled paper for packaging has become an increasingly popular and environmentally conscious option. In this article, we will examine some case studies of companies that have adopted this practice and the benefits achieved. Read also: “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates” The concept of sustainable packaging Sustainable packaging focuses on utilizing eco-friendly materials that have a reduced impact on the environment, such as recycled paper or paper sourced from certified forests. This practice helps preserve natural resources while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Using sustainable paper for product packaging offers numerous advantages, including: Reduction of CO2 emissions: manufacturing recycled paper generates fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to virgin paper or plastic; Forest preservation: using paper from certified forests or recycled sources reduces the need to cut down new trees, helping to protect forests; Lower waste generation: recycled paper is biodegradable, thereby decreasing the overall volume of waste generated by packaging; Positive brand image: adopting sustainable packaging practices can boost a company's reputation and image in the eyes of consumers; Resource savings: recycling paper reduces the consumption of energy and water required for virgin paper production. Case Study 1: EcoBeauty Cosmetics EcoBeauty Cosmetics is a cosmetics company committed to sustainability and ethics. Recently, they shifted the packaging of many of their products, transitioning from plastic to sustainable paper. By using 100% recycled paper, they significantly reduced their carbon footprint and plastic waste. The result was an attractive and eco-friendly packaging that drew in new eco-conscious customers. The company also openly communicated this sustainable choice through its marketing campaigns, thereby earning further customer appreciation and loyalty. Case Study 2: GreenTech Electronics GreenTech Electronics is an electronic device manufacturer. Fully aware of the growing issue of e-waste (electronic waste), the company decided to replace its traditional packaging, made mainly of plastic and foam, with a more eco-friendly solution. They adopted sustainable and recycled paper, substantially reducing the amount of packaging waste generated. Furthermore, they launched an awareness campaign on the benefits of recycling their products, encouraging customers to return obsolete devices for recycling. This initiative helped the company build a reputation for environmental responsibility and earn the trust of green consumers. Case Study 3: Patagonia Patagonia, a well-known outdoor clothing company, has long been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its products. In 2018, the company introduced packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper for its items. This choice allowed for significant savings in water and energy, while also lowering CO2 emissions. Moreover, the packaging is easily recyclable, thus promoting a culture of recycling among consumers. Case Study 4: Lush Lush, a leading company in the body care and cosmetics industry, has long embraced sustainability as a core value. In 2019, they started using paper sourced from sustainable origins, such as bamboo and organic cotton, for their packaging. This paper is biodegradable and compostable, offering an ecological alternative to traditional plastic solutions. In addition, Lush took an innovative approach by deploying a water-based printing technique, further minimizing environmental impact. Case Study 5: Nivea Nivea uses natural materials like paper and cardboard for much of its packaging, firmly believing that wood-based materials must be sustainably sourced to protect the planet from deforestation. Nivea has defined a “Sustainable Paper and Cardboard” policy aimed at adopting 100% sustainable materials worldwide. The guideline mandates the use of recycled or FSC ("Forest Stewardship Council") certified paper and cardboard. FSC certification ensures that wood-based products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. As early as 2019, 100% of their folding boxes were made from FSC-certified material. Now, the brand is working intensively on transitioning other paper materials to FSC-certified or recycled paper. Companies that invest in eco-friendly packaging solutions do not just protect the environment; they also increase customer trust. Sustainable paper is an important step toward creating a more eco-friendly future, and businesses should seriously consider this option to contribute to a greener and more sustainable world. Cart-One has always been a promoter and implementer of the circular economy, the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model, so that our production waste turns back into paper reels and then into boxes within our plants. We believe in using clean and innovative technologies, eco-design intended as a packaging engineering concept that pays maximum attention to raw material savings and waste reduction, alongside the continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes aimed at lowering our impacts on water, air, and soil. Contact us for more information or to request a free quote for your packaging. See also: “No compromises in Europe on the packaging regulation: the Italian stance”