Darren Smith, Head of Marketing at Southgate Global, one of Europe’s leading packaging suppliers, comments that the popularity of ecommerce is continuing to grow, and with that is the consumer demand for less packaging. It is a common frustration to receive a parcel which is much larger than the product inside, which is driving customers to care about packaging. It’s now an expectation that a package should be delivered in the right size parcel, easily recyclable and in great condition with minimal impact on the environment. A challenge that many packaging producers are continuing to face.
Since the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging came into force in February this pressure to meet requirements has been elevated. The scheme requires all obligated producers of packaging to collect and report data on the amount and type of packaging that they place on the market in England, with the first reports to be submitted from 1 October 2023. Producers will then be required to pay for the collection and disposal of household packaging they supply when it becomes waste.
The EPR scheme is designed to encourage packaging producers to reduce the amount of packaging they place on the market and improve the recyclability of their packaging. In return aiding towards less waste in the natural environment. Despite the impending deadline for submission, a recent survey revealed over half of UK businesses have yet to make plans. And a further three out of five UK businesses do not collect data on packaging waste – let alone report on it. So, what changes can producers make to reduce the use of packaging?
There are lots of ways packaging processes can be reviewed to minimise waste and increase recyclability, and a great place to start is with void fill. ‘Less is more’ has always been the key when it comes to void fill. It should always be reduced where possible, and businesses should focus on using the correct size box, but where it is necessary to ensure a damage-free delivery, there are different options available.
The act of cushioning, wrapping, and filling packaging has been around for a long time, with traditional forms including polystyrene foam peanuts and plastic bubble wrap. However, both products are incredibly hard to recycle and will end up in landfill taking centuries to degrade, which is why the industry has moved away from such options. With the shift towards sustainable solutions over the years, alternative options are continuously being introduced into the market.
One of the most popular is air pillows, which use less plastic material and cover a large surface area, making this product one of the most sustainable void fill alternatives. Consisting of 99% air and only 1% film, paired with the use of biodegradable plastic and paper-based material, air pillows are a popular choice for those looking to reduce waste and lower carbon emissions caused by freight transport.
Another option to be considered is shredded cardboard. By utilising a cardboard shredder, cardboard waste can be reused as void fill, not only eradicating the expense of purchasing void fill materials but additionally the expense of waste disposal.
One of the world’s largest ecommerce companies recently made the move away from single-use air pillows to recyclable paper material for product protection, in attempts to eliminate unnecessary packaging and reduce waste. A great alternative for those looking to do similar is Kraft Paper, which is distinguished by its superior strength compared to other paper alternatives while also being fully recyclable. The consumer can also easily dispose of this packaging waste, which considers the end user and avoids the issue of increased household waste.
As the year progresses and packaging producers adjust to the EPR scheme, we predict to see further investments in ecommerce and an industry-wide focus on reducing excess packaging. At Southgate, driving sustainable solutions is at the heart of our business, and we’ll be on hand to support and educate our customers by demonstrating the important benefits of product changes and the wider picture of sustainability.
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