Packaging Sustainability

There are many definitions of sustainability. The UN defines sustainability as "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. "

To me, sustainability is about walking. Be capable of walking a very long distance. Walking with respect to the only Earth we were given. Walking the path on three legs: People, Planet, and Profit. You cannot walk very far if one of these legs is broken. And secure that no leg is broken; we must act responsibly. Sustainability must encompass the whole environment around us.

Sustainability is a bit of a myth when it comes to packaging. In the past, many companies (over 75%) made bold statements and a strong commitment to sustainability in packaging, with 2025 deadlines. Unfortunately, for many stakeholders today, sustainability ends with recyclable packaging. And it is a big misunderstanding of the sustainability concept. Placing recyclable packaging on the market without waste stream infrastructure is another packaging waste. Sustainability must be approached holistically and cover the entire value chain. It is about sourcing, manufacturing, use, disposal, and end life. Packaging sustainability must be assessed scientifically and objectively. It is rather a cross-industry discipline than a "one-man…