{"id":53408,"date":"2021-12-29T09:15:06","date_gmt":"2021-12-29T08:15:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/?p=53408"},"modified":"2021-12-13T13:48:44","modified_gmt":"2021-12-13T12:48:44","slug":"gerhard-schubert-sustainability-packaging","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/packaging-journal.de\/en\/gerhard-schubert-nachhaltigkeit-verpackung\/","title":{"rendered":"Schubert: Sustainability with a sense of proportion"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Paper-based, made of glass or biodegradable plastic? Opinions often differ widely on what constitutes sustainable packaging. One thing is certain: the pressure on manufacturers and users is growing. So how can the demands of consumers and the wishes of recyclers be met?<\/strong><\/p>

Many consumers are unsure which product choice will keep their ecological footprint lean when shopping. They are not alone in this - some manufacturers or users of packaging feel the same way. Packaging that is well-intentioned but does more harm than good to the environment still finds its way onto the market. Ultimately, it is the waste disposal companies that suffer<\/strong>What cannot be easily separated or only makes up a small proportion of the recyclable material collection cannot be recycled.<\/p>

For economic reasons, but also because the industry expects politicians to impose even stricter recycling quotas in the foreseeable future, several recyclers and dual systems have now developed their own certifications to assess the recyclability of packaging. Points are deducted, for example, for material composites that are difficult or impossible to separate, such as PE bottles with PVC sleeves. Monomaterial, on the other hand, is rewarded<\/strong>. Consultancy firms and technical testing organisations also offer corresponding services. However, those who produce or use packaging sometimes have to dig deep into their pockets for these services. Changing the material or replacing the systems can be even more expensive<\/strong>.<\/p>

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Consider recyclability from the outset<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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It is easier to get a player on board for packaging development who is at the very beginning of the chain and has a decisive influence on the quality of the packaging: Manufacturers of high-quality packaging systems have this valuable expertise in materials, design and recyclability.<\/strong> They know every detail of the packaging that is processed on their machines and know exactly which factors have an impact on sustainability. In addition to maximising material and energy efficiency during production and processing, recyclability at the end of the life cycle is now also a driver.<\/p>

A machine manufacturer from Crailsheim also offers packaging design as a service. Sustainability is taken into account just as much as product safety and efficient handling. \u201eWe do not see design for recycling as an obstacle, but as an integral part of the development process<\/strong>. After all, thinner wall thicknesses or cartons with smaller dimensions not only have a positive impact ecologically, but also economically,\u201c says Valentin K\u00f6hler, who has been a packaging developer at Schubert<\/a>. With an intelligent solution, the packaging system manufacturer from Crailsheim recently helped a confectionery manufacturer from Turkey to achieve material savings of up to 25 per cent, for example.<\/p>