Aquapak study: Companies invest in sustainable packaging material

The new study „Sustainable Packaging in Europe: the drive for change“ was published by Pure Profile in March 2023. with 150 sustainability and packaging experts in the UK, Italy and Germany (50 in each market).

As a result, the survey revealed that 62 per cent of respondents expect their company to increase budgets for investment in sustainable packaging materials over the next five years, with a further 23 per cent expect a drastic increase in budgets. According to Aquapak, this increase in funding is reflected in the predicted increase in multi-material (a combination of paper and plastic), new polymers and paper over the next five years, while the use of polythene is expected to decline.

According to the study, the majority of respondents (83%) assume that they will increasingly use multi-materials in their product portfolio for the three most common packaging materials over the next five years. Almost three quarters (72 %) of respondents want to use more paper. With regard to new materials, 69 per cent and 65 per cent respectively expect greater use of new polymers such as PVOH and bioplastics in their packaging materials. 

The data show that the Use of polyethylene to decline over the next five years 45 per cent of those surveyed want to use less of this material in their product portfolio. 

The most important properties of the packaging material used product protection is our top priorityBarrier properties, extended shelf life and functionality - i.e. user-friendliness for the end consumer - will be considered more important than recyclability. 

„Our research shows that the European packaging industry is shifting towards more sustainable materials such as paper and new polymers as part of its focus on the circular economy. However, it is also clear that the task of packaging is taking centre stage, with product protection and functionality being prioritised. The good news is that there are new barrier film technologies that offer both performance and environmental responsibility at scale.“

Mark Lapping, Chief Executive Officer of Aquapak

Aquapak has developed Hydropol, a PVOH-based polymer that can be coated on both paper and cardboard and has proven gas and grease barrier properties. In addition Additional functions such as heat sealing and increased strength of the paper sheet can be achieved, making it suitable for a range of packaging applications such as bags and pouches.

According to the company, coated Hydropol paper can be used in standard preparation systems. are 100 per cent reprocessed and fully recycled. In the event of disposal, Hydropol is biodegradable, compostable, non-toxic and marine-safe.

Source: Aquapak