In the race to replace plastic packaging in the food and beverage industry, Sagentia Innovation warns that the pursuit of quick wins may hinder rather than facilitate environmental progress. The consultancy’s sustainability experts emphasize that a narrow focus on immediate solutions overlooks the complex issues at hand, advocating for more thoughtful and pragmatic approaches that consider the bigger picture.
Many food and beverage companies have adopted strategies like shifting from rigid to flexible plastic, which reduces the amount of material and carbon footprint per pack. However, this substitution trades a recyclable material for one that is not widely recycled.
Substituting plastic with materials like paper also presents challenges. Carbon footprint assessments often show that plastic packaging performs better than alternatives due to its lightweight nature and the ability to use less material while maintaining functionality. Moreover, a widespread increase in paper usage could contribute to deforestation, an issue that has gained heightened scrutiny due to regulations such as the recent EU Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains. Additionally, the production of plant and bio-based plastics may lead to loss of biodiversity, land degradation, and water pollution.
Even the use of industrially compostable plastics, like polylactic acid (PLA), poses sustainability concerns. These materials require specific conditions to biodegrade effectively, and some industrial composters doubt their suitability for their facilities. Furthermore, organic waste collection often does not permit the inclusion of compostable packaging.
To address these complexities, Dr Caroline Potter, VP of Sustainability at Sagentia Innovation, advises food and beverage companies to evaluate the sustainability credentials of packaging materials on a case-by-case basis instead of seeking a one-size-fits-all solution.
“While reducing plastic pollution is crucial, it’s important to recognize that food and beverage packaging sustainability encompasses more than just plastic,” explains Potter. She adds, “Plastic, despite its controversy, possesses attributes like lightweight, durability, and low permeability, which play a vital role in reducing food waste. To make informed choices, companies must adopt a broadminded approach that considers various factors. Otherwise, investing significant time and resources in packaging solutions may yield little environmental benefit.”
Sagentia Innovation has published a comprehensive guide on packaging innovation strategies, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. The guide is available for free here.
