How green packaging also \'sustains\' a company\'s economy

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.

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 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”