all-purpose sustainable packaging doesn't exist!
Stop the myth : All-purpose Sustainable packaging doesn’t exist !
What is the best sustainable packaging? Many proposals, many options & solutions are recommanded by non-expert …my mother and my neighbour have an opinion...
This is the reality, regarding packaging everyone have a solution, it is an emotional subject and it is difficult to remain impartial. But, how to choose the right packaging with no doubt regarding its best benefit for the planet, people health, food & resources preservation and… business?!
Packaging is a complex subject as it touches and impacts all the value chain and it is so easy to make a mistake, expecially when we look only at available "internet expertise" .
For example what should we favour ?:
- biodegradable / compostable packaging (industrial – home)
- recyclable packaging made with renewable sources (bio-sourced)
- recyclable packaging made with fossil sources
- reusable packaging
- ban single use plastic
- packaging made with only with paper fibres
- marine degradable material
All the points above seem to sound good, but are you sure ? did you really take everything into account from material production to end-of-life through manufacturing and use ?
Stop the myth: packaging is a complex topic which cannot be simply treated by proposing ban or one all-purpose solution - Each option has its pro & con and everything is a matter of compromise and balance regarding overall impact.
This is the “big issue” to solve ! A scientific approach needs to be undertaken and packaging solutions must be customised taking into account at least the 3 points below:
efficient performance with the type of product/use- maybe specific
local relevance, having a global answer is a non-sense.
overall impact assessment need to be done from source to end of life, regarding use of water, impact on soil/food and air pollution with are the 3 vital needs for humans.
Understanding and checking solutions against these topics is the only option for a sustainable life (and businesses).