Eco-friendly packaging with a paper banderole

3 June 2020

The packaging industry has to face a new challenge – to create a product of the highest quality in terms of performance, but also to be completely safe for the environment. And although many solutions on the market meet the requirements of circular economy, the real opportunities for nature are innovations that minimize the use of plastic.

Innovation is on top

When it comes to innovations, at the beginning one should indicate their significant impact on the development of packaging production. Growing market requirements and the environment contribute to the continuous improvement of production methods, which can be seen in the list of compilation functions covering Akomex Group. Extensive design departments, in cooperation with a certified laboratory, work on solutions containing a limited amount of plastic, while maintaining all standards in quality and functionality as well as visual qualities.

The packaging for yoghurt can be even more eco!

One of these solutions, currently promoted by the German chain of stores Aldi, is a system consisting of unprinted foil and a paper band, most often used for products such as yoghurt or cheese. Akomex Group is the supplier of such packaging. Aldi intensively focused on significant consumer education – in the results of surveys carried out in 2019, it turned out that despite clear instructions on packaging segregation, customers still do not comply with the recommendations. Akomex Group shares the educational mission of German discount stores, offering its ideal pro-ecological solutions. – By following the requirements, we reduce the content of plastic materials, increasing the number of clean materials, suitable for recycling – says Marcin Szumigaj, Business Implementation Manager, Akomex Group.

Innovative packaging system

The packaging referred to above is made of three elements: an aluminium lid, clean, unprinted foil and a paper band. Due to this structure, less plastic is used for its production – the film (surface) can be thinner because the body is strengthened by paper. The cardboard is an additional “reinforcement” for the cup. In the case of alternative methods (printing on foil or an additional sleeve with the printing), it is not possible to limit the plastic content, as it results in the loss of performance. At the same time, it is worth taking into account that due to printing on the foil the material is no longer depurated. As a result, it cannot be reused in the production of packaging for the food industry. In the case of packaging with a paper band, this is fully possible – when used for plastic, it is completely clean and can be processed, and the paper is 100% recyclable. The options are that the material remains in the industry’s “stack.”

Waste segregation

– When thinking about packaging production, you must first ask yourself: what will happen to such packaging after using the product? – adds Marcin Szumigaj. Even though the society understands the ecology way more, they still need more guidance on how to deal with waste – he adds. For paper band packaging, the obvious must be considered: a plastic cup and an aluminium lid go into containers for plastic waste packaging, and a wrapper that can easily be separated from the whole – into the paper bin.

Eco-marketing

For many food producers, packaging also includes the image role. Not only the design used but also the choice of materials has an impact on the final receipt of the brand. Eco-friendly solutions such as a cup with a reduced amount of plastic and an additional paper band available clearly indicate a sustainable approach to conservation activities. Besides – printing on paper, in comparison with printing on foil and sleeve type products, is the most aesthetic.

Environmental protection is our common task

Today, ecology should be remembered throughout the product’s life cycle. You need to think about issues related to packaging at the beginning of the creation process – Akomex Group, with their extensive experience, technological solutions, and a wide range of packaging products, will be helpful in this case. Also, much depends on the final customer, i.e. the consumer – who will, firstly, choose the product in ecological packaging, and secondly – sort the waste properly. By cooperating, educating and promoting innovative methods of decorating packaging, we have a real, joint impact on the condition of the environment – says Marcin Szumigaj.

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