PPWR: What Changes for Corrugated Packaging

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

Food packaging plays a fundamental role in protecting food safety and quality during transport, storage, and sale, but that is not all. Food packaging: 7 tips for choosing the solution best suited for you. Choosing the right type of packaging requires considering various factors, such as the type of food, shelf life, transport requirements, sustainability, product visibility, branding and communication needs, without forgetting regulatory requirements. In this article, we will provide 7 useful tips to help you choose the food packaging solution best suited to your needs, in order to ensure the safety and quality of your product and meet your customers' expectations. Find out more: “Packaging labeling: mandatory since January 1, 2023” The importance of food packaging First and foremost, food packaging aims to preserve food in the best possible way and for as long as possible. But that's not all; food packaging represents a powerful corporate communication tool. Without forgetting, of course, its importance in terms of eco-sustainability and the lowest possible impact on the environment. This is why, when running a professional business, it is essential to choose the food packaging best suited to your needs. Food packaging, in fact, plays a crucial role in protecting food safety and quality throughout the entire production, distribution, and sales process. It protects products from physical damage and contamination, while simultaneously providing information such as expiration dates, nutritional facts, and ingredients used. Furthermore, food packaging can guarantee the product's freshness and taste, preserving it from oxidation and moisture. Food packaging can therefore influence consumers' decisions when purchasing a product and can also be used as a branding tool, promoting your business and products. Here are 7 tips for choosing the solution best suited to your needs. Consider the type of food The type of food you intend to package is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the type of packaging. Some foods, such as fresh meats, require packaging that protects them from air and contact with other foods to ensure food safety. Fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, and meat require packaging that allows them to breathe to prevent the formation of mold and bacteria, while dry foods like pods and biscuits require packaging that protects them from moisture and oxidation. Then, ask yourself other questions: what size should the packaging be, what are the customer's needs, whether hot-use or cold-use containers are required, or if the products need to be stored in a specific way. Check transport requirements Food packaging is vital for protecting food during transport, whether it is a short or long journey. Transport requirements can vary based on the type of food, transport distance, and the means of transport used. For example, for delicate or fragile foods like fruit and vegetables that can release water and are subject to significant temperature fluctuations in short periods, it may be necessary to use shock-resistant packaging with treated papers suitable for food contact, in addition to allowing good ventilation to keep the product fresh during transport. Meanwhile, for long-life foods, such as canned or glass products, the packaging should be resistant to pressure, as well as to changes in temperature and humidity, oxidation, and light. Remember that inadequate packaging can cause physical damage or contamination, compromising product safety and customer satisfaction. Reflect on branding needs Food packaging can also be used as a branding tool to promote your business and your product. For this reason, it is important to choose packaging that fits your brand and your corporate image. To choose the right food packaging, it is fundamental first of all to understand who your target audience is, along with their specific consumption habits. Choosing packaging that reflects your mission and your coordinated image allows you to increase the chances of product success and improve the customer experience. Remember that packaging should reflect the brand's positioning and values, such as sustainability and authenticity. For example, if a brand focuses on sustainability, the packaging should be made with ecological and recyclable materials, while if the focus is on healthiness, the packaging should be designed to highlight the product's natural and nutritious ingredients. Examine the sustainability level Sustainability has become an increasingly important factor when choosing the type of food packaging. Sustainable packaging includes options that can be recycled, composted, or reused. Furthermore, sustainable packaging reduces the amount of waste produced and the consumption of natural resources. Cart-One has always been on the side of the environment with its produce-consume-regenerate-recover model: in this way, production waste becomes a reel and then a box again thanks to the use of clean and innovative technologies, together with an ecodesign aimed at saving raw materials and preventing waste. Cart-One, in fact, is committed every day to decreasing impacts on water, air, and soil, ensuring a high-quality, efficient, and eco-sustainable service. Think about product customization Food packaging not only protects the product but can also attract consumers' attention. It is important to choose packaging that allows consumers to see the product and its characteristics, such as color, freshness, and quality. Hence the need for a brand to study and select the color that can best attract the customer. Color is one of the key points in a brand's image, capable of offering a strong visual identity to your company, but also of transmitting emotions. Customized food packaging, also through the logo and labeling with symbols and images, tells a unique story, just as happens with accurate printing. In this way, the brand's message is highlighted, improving what you wish to communicate, while also making the shipping and cataloging of goods simple and functional. Verify regulatory requirements Finally, it is important to verify that the chosen packaging meets regulatory requirements for food. Regulatory requirements are an essential part of food packaging, as they establish the safety and quality standards that must be respected during food production, transport, and sale. There are several international, national, and regional regulations governing food packaging, and food packaging manufacturers must comply with these regulations to ensure product safety and legal compliance. In Italy, since January 1, 2023, mandatory packaging labeling has entered into force, affecting not only producers but also distributors, importers, and product retailers. This involves a specific label on all packaging placed on the Italian market, to facilitate its collection, reuse, recovery, and recycling, providing information on both packaging composition and its correct disposal by the consumer. Choose Cart-One for your food packaging Cart-One plants are equipped with latest-generation systems with very high production capacity. Cart-One proposes itself as a dynamic and flexible partner capable of providing a range of paper-based packaging solutions of proven quality and always constantly updated. Here are its main distinctive characteristics: Innovation: we test latest-generation technologies, innovative raw and complementary materials to create the perfect packaging suitable to protect and guarantee maximum product visibility; Sustainability: we use clean and innovative technologies, an eco-design that pays maximum attention to saving raw materials and preventing waste, and the continuous improvement of production processes aimed at reducing impacts on water, air, and soil; Technology: we can produce every type of single and double wave corrugated cardboard product, also printed in high definition up to 6 colors + varnish. We are equipped with backup on all machinery and customize thanks to the Digital Division; People: we believe in the involvement, motivation, and satisfaction of the resources working with us, helping us to reach higher and higher. Contact us for requests and more information. Read also: “Are cheap cardboard boxes really the ideal solution?”

The practice aimed at encouraging the sustainable use of recoverable materials is now increasingly widespread, focusing attention on respecting the Planet and adopting increasingly eco-sustainable practices. Recyclable, compostable, biodegradable: what are the differences? In modern society, there is an increasing focus on the health of the Planet thanks to good daily practices related to the correct management of waste recycling, but also to the knowledge of certain terms that concern precisely these actions. Terms such as biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and non-recyclable materials are used. Having greater knowledge and awareness of these now commonly used terms means understanding what the real differences are in product disposal, in order to select and purchase objects, packaging, and materials knowing their disposal cycle in advance. So let's discover all the details.   Read also: “Environmental labeling in packaging: what Italian regulations say”   What recyclable means A recyclable material is a waste material that can be used again in production processes, such as glass, paper and cardboard, aluminum, plastic, and wood. In this regard, Directive 94/62/EC 17 recognizes the social and economic function of packaging. Packaging, in fact, must be designed to allow the recycling of at least a percentage of the materials used in compliance with European Community regulations, based on specific criteria concerning all stages of the packaging life, the so-called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the life cycle analysis that evaluates the environmental footprint of a product or service. In recent years, the percentage of recycled waste was recorded at 63% of national production; according to the 2021 Urban Waste Report, paper and cardboard account for 19.2% of the total. A figure that demonstrates how necessary it is to continue on this path, increasing the recovery of packaging as much as possible, making them more performing, reusable and, above all, recyclable.   “The term recyclable is constantly used to define materials and products without a defined and shared reference. But the recyclability of a product goes beyond being technically recyclable: consumers must have access to a collection and recycling system, a recycler must be able to treat the material, and an end market is needed for the regenerated materials”. (Steve Alexander, President of The Association of Plastic Recyclers)   The recycling of these materials has become possible only thanks to a correct and conscious waste separation operation, which allows these waste elements to be transformed into a resource, giving them new life, thus reducing materials that end up in landfills.   Non-recyclable materials This refers to dry waste, also called unsorted or residual dry waste, waste products that cannot be recycled in any way. On the contrary, they must be disposed of in landfills, in a waste-to-energy plant, or in a facility where refuse-derived fuel is produced. Non-recyclable dry waste includes, for example: diapers, sanitary pads, cotton swabs, cotton, plastic objects that are not packaging, objects composed of various materials that are not easily separable, cash receipts, ceramics, ballpoint pens, dirty paper, sponges, etc.   What compostable means A compostable material, after degrading, is transformed into compost, a substance rich in nutritional properties usually used as a fertilizer to enrich the soil. According to the UNI EN 13432 standard, a material is compostable if it is: biodegradable; disintegrable, meaning it consists of fragments smaller than 2 mm; free of eco-toxic substances; low in heavy metals and fluorinated compounds; with pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium values below the established limits.   Always according to European regulations, a product can carry the word “compostable” if it is biodegradable within just 3 months and if it passes ecotoxicity tests as proof that it cannot exert any negative effect on the environment. A classic example of compost is pruning waste and fruit and vegetable leftovers.   What biodegradable means Biodegradable is defined as waste consisting of materials that decompose thanks to the action of microorganisms and bacteria, sunlight, or other natural atmospheric agents. Degradation can occur under two different conditions: Aerobic - in the presence of oxygen: the substance produced can be used as a fertilizer or substrate in agriculture and floriculture; Anaerobic - in the absence of oxygen: the substance produced, in addition to agriculture, can be used as a gaseous fuel.   A material can be defined as biodegradable if it is able to transform within six months; this means that what remains of the object must be able to be absorbed into the ground in the form of water, carbon dioxide, mineral salts, and other elements.   Difference between compostable and biodegradable From what has been said so far, it is clear that for waste to be defined as compostable, it must inevitably be biodegradable and, conversely, a biodegradable material is not necessarily compostable because, for example, it might not disintegrate sufficiently during a composting cycle. The main difference between the two types of material therefore lies in the degradation speed, but also in the complete non-toxicity and chemical composition: this means that what is compostable returns to the earth as a nutrient substance in the form of compost, while the biodegradable returns to nature in the form of mineral salts and other simple elements.   Cart-One's eco-sustainable commitment The main problem, until a few years ago, was the inability to dispose of packaging, containers, and other plastic objects made of non-recyclable materials, which therefore ended up in unsorted waste. Today, thanks to new circular economy models, it is possible to produce ecological, safe, and advantageous materials for the environment, health, and the economy. Cart-One, for example, has decided to invest more and more in sustainability and innovation, with great sensitivity towards environmental protection policies. Always a promoter and implementer of the circular economy, Cart-One has adopted the produce-consume-regenerate-recover model, thanks to which production waste becomes a reel and then a box again. In the packaging universe, these actions translate into the use of clean and innovative technologies, an eco-design understood as a packaging design that pays maximum attention to raw material savings, and with the continuous improvement of production processes aimed at reducing water, air, and soil impacts. ECOGRIP, for example, is the corrugated cardboard alternative to plastic shrink film, developed by the joint experience of the Paneuropean Alliance Blue Box Partners (BBP) of which Cart-One is a member. ECOGRIP eliminates the need to use a single-use plastic shrink wrap when transporting multiple bottles. It provides 100% biodegradable packaging, designed to fit any type of bottle on the market.   You might also be interested in: “Packaging Trends 2023: all the new packaging developments”   Cart-One produces and develops innovative corrugated cardboard packaging that meets the specific needs of every product sector, thanks to active collaboration with customers, but also to a flexible and efficient service with eco-sustainable projects and concrete examples of cost reduction. Contact us to receive all information.