How Flexible Packaging Cuts Waste & Emissions [65% Less Plastic]

Resource Use Reduction Due to Efficinet Use of Material

Flexible packaging significantly mitigates the amount of impact on the environment. While rigid packaging increases the environmental impact since the structure packaging requires layers, flexible packaging only uses as much material as what is needed to keep the product unprotected. This means a reduction of the amount of plastic, film, or other materials that are produced. For instance, a flexible snack pouch uses far less material than a rigid plastic container of the same capacity. As the amount of material produced decreases, the amount of energy consumed during the whole manufacturing process also decreases since less material require processing, melting and shaping. The manufacturing industry will embrace this advancement since environmental protection is becoming a more pressing concern.

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Logistics with Lightweight Design

Flexible packaging helps reduce emissions from transportation due to its lightweight design. When shipping items, every gram counts. Flexible packaging weighs much less than its rigid alternatives. This means that more items can fit into a single truck, container, or pallet. It reduces the number of trips the truck needs to take to transport the items from factories to warehouses or stores. When there are fewer trips, the trucks burn less fuel, which reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. This is even more significant for companies sending items to other countries since lighter cargo means less fuel used on planes and ships. These small weight reductions lead to significant savings in emissions over time.

Recyclable and Compostable Options Boost Circularity

Flexible packaging serves its purpose efficiently and can keep waste out of landfills. As of today, there are many flexible packaging solutions that can be utilized which are constructed out of recyclable materials. Once used, they are easily recyclable and can be made into packaging and other products again. Some flexible packaging materials also comply with international recycled content standards which means that some of the recycled materials used are post-consumer materials. For flexible packaging that ends up in compost, the packaging becomes compostable and breaks down into soil instead of lingering as waste. Options like these work with the world’s initiatives to combat plastic pollution because they are either returned to the production cycle or to nature in an unharmful manner. This is why the packaging is not viewed as a temporary product because it is effective in sustainable waste management.

Giving Products More Time Before Expiring Reduces Food Waste  

Flexible packaging is able to extend a product's shelf life which helps cut down on waste. Flexible pouches for dried fruits, frozen foods, or snacks keep these products fresh longer. Flexible packaging also helps to keep food waste fresh longer. Food that is thrown away is a huge waste of resources. When food is thrown away and left to rot in landfills, it releases toxic greenhouse gases. Food that is kept fresh longer in flexible packaging reduces the amount that is thrown in the garbage and helps to retain the resources used to grow and process the food. Food flexible packaging helps to keep food fresh for longer and reduces the waste of plastic used in food packaging as well.