Product packaging and labeling: a beginner's guide

Redefining your corporate image can help give loyal customers a new experience, which can also be compatible with reaching new niches of public. Nowadays, sustainability policies are fundamental, as consumers are more attentive to issues concerning the production chains and the aspects concerning the packaging of the item they purchase. Is it sustainable? Is it easily recyclable? Is it reusable? These are some of the questions the user asks himself when faced with packaging. Let's see some examples that have made it possible to redefine the corporate image through experiences focused on sustainability. Sustainability as a communication strategy Presenting itself as a company that favors sustainable processes certainly helps to build a more ethical image and at the same time responsible for working conditions. In fact, sustainability does not only mean limiting environmental impacts, but also having a positive impact with one's business on the social communities involved in the production process. Sustainability has now become central to corporate communication. There are more and more cases of brands, such as in the rice supply chain, which reinvent packaging starting from waste. Other companies, on the other hand, work to reduce the use of plastic, such as for example in delivery. Circular economy and sustainability: protagonists at the Milano Marketing Festival 2021 The themes of the circular economy and corporate sustainability were the main concepts of the opening works of the third day of the Milan Marketing Festival 2021, an event organized by Class Editori, visible on ClassCnbc and on official channels. During the event, the players in the sector, from food companies to cosmetic product production companies and representatives of companies specialized in the production of packaging, told about their experience regarding the impact of the sustainability choices made. on sales and customer perception. In this sense we can mention Emanuele Preve, managing director of Riso Gallo, who told of how the company started from the selection of the raw material coming exclusively from certified agriculture, and how the next step was working on the packaging through the reduction of impact of the packaging starting from the cardboard up to the recycled plastic necessary for the creation of the vacuum packaging. This process proved the company right, which saw a positive response from the market. Consumer and packaging: the levers that can promote the purchase. The vision of the packaging, the tactile experience and the deepening through the reading of the label are crucial moments in the purchasing process. Why is a product discarded? Probably because the buyer did not recognize himself in the values ​​of the brand, which is represented at that moment by the packaging itself. A wrong product dress can decree a failure in sales, because it does not reflect the new ideals and new characteristics of the modern consumer: more informed, more attentive and more aware of the entire path that leads a product from the shelf to the online showcase. For companies operating with a real production sustainability project, it is also necessary to defend themselves from competitors who boast a purely formal adherence to the ethical principles of the circular economy. Company policies communicated through its official channels must necessarily be followed by consistent action. In this sense, not only recyclable packaging is enough, but it is necessary that the raw material used has been, in turn, completely or in part, recovered, and that the production phases impact as little as possible in terms of polluting emissions. It is necessary to have certifications that can attest to the quality of production processes, in order to obtain greater credit towards consumers. Policies regarding personnel management must be respectful of the dignity of the worker. We need to promote activities and messages aimed at raising consumer awareness. In this sense, all these aspects decree a sustainable approach. CART-ONE is engaged at the forefront in the production of corrugated cardboard packaging for companies and e-commerce. We have activated production cycles that reduce the environmental impact and only use certified raw materials from responsibly managed natural resources, as well as having implemented a recovery policy for processing waste so that nothing is wasted. For personalized advice, contact CART-ONE and find out how to make the packaging for your product in a sustainable and ecological way.

Pizza boxes, bread bags, pasta packaging: paper and cardboard are everywhere in our kitchens. But what do we really know about these materials? And how are they revolutionizing the way we store and consume food? Paper and cardboard food packaging: a sustainable revolution in the world of packaging. The food industry is constantly evolving, as is the way products are packaged and presented to consumers. In this ever-changing landscape, paper and cardboard are emerging as protagonists of a true sustainable revolution in the world of packaging. Read also: “Packaging: paper is the fastest-growing food packaging material” The boom of paper and cardboard: an ecological and versatile alternative Paper and cardboard are conquering more and more space on supermarket shelves, gradually replacing plastic packaging and other less ecological materials. This trend is driven by a growing environmental awareness among consumers, who seek products with a lower impact on the planet. But the advantages of paper and cardboard go far beyond sustainability: Biodegradability and recyclability: unlike many plastic materials, paper and cardboard are biodegradable and easily recyclable. This means they can be reintroduced into the production cycle, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Versatility and personalization: paper and cardboard offer endless possibilities for customization in terms of design, shape, and size. Producers can create unique packaging that stands out from the competition and effectively communicates brand identity. Food safety: when properly treated, paper and cardboard are safe for direct contact with food. Specific regulations exist to guarantee the absence of harmful substances in food packaging. Lightness and resistance: despite their lightness, paper and cardboard can be surprisingly resistant, especially when combined in multi-layer structures. This makes them suitable for protecting food during transport and storage. Cost-effectiveness: in many cases, paper and cardboard represent a cost-effective packaging solution, especially when considering economies of scale in production and the availability of recycled material. Paper and cardboard: a world of variety There is not just one type of paper or cardboard, but a wide range of materials with different characteristics: Kraft Paper: produced from virgin fibers, it offers high quality and resistance and is suitable for direct contact with food. Recycled Paper: obtained from the recycling of used paper, it represents an ecological and sustainable choice. Corrugated Cardboard: used for boxes and protective packaging, thanks to its wavy structure that offers adequate resistance to stress. Paperboard: thinner and lighter than corrugated cardboard, multi-layered, it is suitable for direct contact primary packaging. Paper through time: a millenary history The history of paper is a fascinating journey spanning millennia and continents. From ancient Egypt, where papyrus was used as a support for writing, to China, where the process of producing paper from plant fibers was invented, all the way to Europe, where paper became an essential element for the spread of culture and knowledge. Today, the paper industry is a cutting-edge sector that uses innovative technologies to produce high-quality paper and cardboard while respecting the environment. Paper recycling: a pillar of the circular economy Paper recycling is a fundamental process to reduce the environmental impact of the paper industry. Thanks to recycling, it is possible to recover the cellulose fibers contained in used paper and transform them into new paper, reducing the need to cut down trees and saving energy and water. The paper recycling process involves several stages: collection, sorting, cleaning, repulping, de-inking, and new paper production. Each stage is crucial to guarantee the quality of the final product and its compliance with safety standards. Health and safety: the challenges of paper and cardboard packaging Despite numerous advantages, paper and cardboard packaging also present some challenges in terms of health and safety. In particular, it is important to consider the risk of chemical migration from packaging to food. Among the potentially dangerous substances that can migrate from paper and cardboard to food, we find: PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances): used in some treatments to make paper resistant to water and grease, PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and potential negative effects on human health. MOSH and MOAH (mineral hydrocarbons): can derive from offset printing inks or mineral oils used in the paper manufacturing process. Some MOAH are considered potentially carcinogenic. Heavy metals: such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, can be present in traces in recycled paper. Chemical additives: such as optical brighteners, dyes, and adhesives, can migrate into food under certain conditions. To ensure the safety of paper and cardboard packaging, it is essential that manufacturers comply with strict quality standards and use certified materials for food contact. Regulations and quality standards for consumers The food packaging industry is subject to a series of regulations and quality standards aimed at ensuring consumer safety. In Europe, Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 establishes general requirements for all materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. Furthermore, there are specific corporate management system standards for the production of paper and cardboard packaging, such as: BRCGS Packaging Materials: a global standard covering all aspects of food safety and packaging quality, from design to production. FSSC 22000 Packaging: a certification system that integrates the ISO 22000 standard for food safety management with technical specifications for packaging. IFS PACsecure: an international standard focused on the safety and quality of food packaging materials. These standards provide manufacturers with clear guidelines on how to ensure the safety and quality of their packaging, minimizing the risk of food contamination. The future of paper and cardboard packaging The paper and cardboard packaging industry is constantly evolving, driven by the search for increasingly innovative and sustainable solutions. Emerging trends include: Development of barrier materials: special coatings and treatments that improve the barrier properties of paper and cardboard, protecting food from moisture, oxygen, and light. Use of alternative fibers: such as hemp, bamboo, and algae, which offer sustainable alternatives to traditional wood fibers. Active and smart packaging: packaging capable of interacting with food to extend its shelf life or provide useful information to consumers. The future of paper and cardboard packaging is promising, with enormous potential to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible food system. Toward a greener future with paper and cardboard packaging Paper and cardboard are revolutionizing the world of food packaging, offering sustainable, versatile, and safe solutions. Thanks to their biodegradability, recyclability, and personalization, these materials are conquering more and more space on supermarket shelves, responding to consumer needs and the environmental challenges of our time. Choosing paper and cardboard packaging means making a conscious choice for a greener and more sustainable future. Cart-One offers tailor-made packaging solutions to meet the specific needs of our customers. Whether it is packaging delicate products or large goods, we have the ideal solution for you. Our packaging cardboards are not just containers, but a commitment toward a more sustainable and resilient future. Investing in our products means investing in quality, innovation, and environmental responsibility. For more information or to request a personalized quote, do not hesitate to contact us. To learn more: “Packaging cardboards: what materials are they made of?”

How to reduce cardboard box costs for the new year. If your business regularly uses cardboard boxes to pack and ship products, you might have noticed that the costs associated with this material have increased over time. But fear not, in this article we will present some effective strategies to reduce cardboard box costs and optimize your packaging process. Read also: “Product packaging and labeling: a beginner's guide” Evaluate your packaging needs Ask yourself if you are using the most suitable size and type of boxes for your products. Often, companies end up using larger boxes than necessary, which leads to higher shipping rates and an increased amount of material used. Take an inventory of your products and find out if you can use different box dimensions to reduce waste and optimize space in your warehouse. Buy boxes in bulk quantities Many companies offer significant discounts for wholesale orders, so consider purchasing boxes in larger quantities than your immediate needs require. Furthermore, look for suppliers that provide regular supply programs, allowing you to plan orders in advance and secure more favorable pricing. Examine alternative materials For instance, some businesses are adopting recycled cardboard boxes or boxes made from biodegradable materials. These materials can be more cost-effective and help improve your corporate brand image regarding sustainability. However, make sure to maintain the quality and sturdiness of the boxes, since protecting your products during transit remains a top priority. Implement an internal recycling system Collect used cardboard boxes and, whenever possible, recycle them to create new boxes or other materials. This approach can help reduce the costs of purchasing new boxes and demonstrate your commitment to environmental sustainability. Review your packaging process Finally, carefully examine your packaging process. You might discover that certain inefficiencies are contributing to your overall cardboard box costs. For example, you could optimize the packing layout to reduce material waste or improve overall throughput. Investing time and energy into these areas can lead to significant savings and boost your overall operational efficiency. Don't wait, start implementing these strategies today and watch your costs go down while your business grows. Choose high-quality Cart-One products for your packaging. Contact us for further information, we are completely at your disposal. See also: “Reducing the environmental impact of packaging: what Europe mandates”