A new report entitled “Sustainable Packaging in Europe: the drive for change” indicates that the European packaging industry is making significant changes to the materials it intends to utilize in the future by investing in sustainable options. The report was released by Aquapak, a material technologies business, during the Rethinking Materials Innovation and Investment Summit in London. The report, which was based on research with sustainable packaging experts in the United Kingdom, Italy, and Germany, shows that 62% of those surveyed expect their companies’ budgets for investing in sustainable packaging materials to increase over the next five years, with an additional 23% anticipating significant budget increases.
This increase in funding is reflected in the predicted rise in the use of new polymers, multi-material (a combination of paper and plastic), and paper over the next five years, while the use of polyethylene is expected to diminish. The survey results demonstrate that 83% of respondents plan to increase the use of multi-material across their product portfolios and nearly three quarters (72%) will use more paper. Regarding innovative materials, 69% and 65% anticipate using more new polymers such as PVOH and bioplastics, respectively, in their packaging materials. These trends show similarity over a ten-year timeframe.
The data shows that polyethylene use is expected to decline over the next five years since 45% of respondents plan to decrease its use across their product portfolios. As for packaging material attributes, product protection is the key feature of the materials used, with barrier properties and extending the shelf life as well as functionality and ease of use for end-consumers considered more important than recyclability.
Mark Lapping, CEO of Aquapak, stated that “Our research shows that the European packaging industry is moving towards more sustainable materials such as paper and new polymers as they focus on the circular economy. However, it is also clear that the job packaging has to do is paramount, with product protection and functionality a priority. The good news is that new barrier film technologies exist, offering both performance and environmental responsibility at scale.”
Aquapak has introduced Hydropol, a PVOH-based polymer that can be successfully coated onto both paper and board, with proven gas and grease barrier properties, as well as additional functionality such as heat seal and improved paper sheet strength, making it appropriate for various packaging applications like bags and pouches. Aquapak has already demonstrated that Hydropol coated paper is 100% repulpable in standard pulping systems and can be fully recycled, surpassing current regulations that permit the “recyclable” label to be used even if there is up to 15% unrecyclable material in the product. If littered, Hydropol is biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic, and marine-safe.
In conclusion, it is clear from this report that sustainable packaging options are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, and innovative new materials such as those developed by Aquapak are making it possible for companies to embrace eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
