Regulatory pressures and growing consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions is driving significant changes in the packaging industry. Manufacturers are increasingly motivated to develop sustainable packaging materials that meet these expectations while maintaining operational efficiency. Many companies are pledging to make all packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental responsibility. Recent trends highlight a surge in the use of recyclable mono-materials, like polyethylene (PE), and compostable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA), which offer the promise of reducing the environmental footprint of packaging.
Consumer demand is a key factor driving this change. Studies reveal that a large percentage of buyers prioritize sustainability in their purchasing decisions, with many willing to pay a premium for products with eco-friendly packaging. According to McKinsey, products with environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-related claims have shown higher growth rates compared to those without such claims, underscoring the market’s response to sustainability initiatives.
However, balancing sustainability with essential characteristics like food safety and shelf life remains a challenge.
Regulations are accelerating the push for sustainable packaging, particularly in Europe, where laws require all plastic packaging to be recyclable by 2030. Similar targets are emerging in the U.S., with the Environmental Protection Agency aiming to significantly boost recycling rates by the end of the decade. These regulations are compelling companies to explore and invest in new materials and technologies that align with environmental goals.
The shift from conventional plastics to alternative materials like paper-based and compostable options presents challenges, particularly in ensuring these materials perform efficiently on existing packaging lines. This is where collaboration between packaging technology providers and material innovators becomes essential. Collaborating companies can test and refine sustainable solutions in real-world production environments, ensuring these materials meet performance expectations without sacrificing operational efficiency.
With the demand for sustainable packaging solutions continuing to rise, partnerships within the industry will play a vital role in advancing innovation. By focusing on the development and testing of eco-friendly materials, the packaging sector is positioning itself to meet both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements, driving the industry towards a more sustainable future.
Partnering for a sustainable future
A recent collaboration between packaging solutions provider, Volpak, a Coesia company, and a European specialty paper manufacturer, Lecta, is one example of how the industry is addressing the need for greener packaging. Together, they are testing and validating paper-based materials designed to be both functional and environmentally friendly. The goal is to ensure these materials can be used on modern packaging lines that are traditionally optimized for plastic without compromising on performance or efficiency.
This collaboration is an important step in bridging the gap between innovation and practical application. On one side, there’s the expertise in creating new, eco-friendly materials; on the other, there’s the technical know-how required to ensure these materials can be seamlessly integrated into packaging processes. This partnership enables both sides to work toward a common goal: offering sustainable packaging options that meet the demands of consumers and regulatory bodies.
Testing new materials under real-world conditions
Lecta, the paper manufacturer involved in this collaboration, has developed a range of barrier papers that provide essential protection against elements like water vapor, grease, and oxygen. These papers are also heat-sealable, a crucial feature for ensuring they can be processed efficiently on existing machinery. Whether for food packaging or flexible packaging applications, the papers are designed to meet high-performance standards while minimizing environmental impact.
To ensure these new materials perform as needed, Volpak’s dedicated testing facility is crucial. This facility allows manufacturers to trial new materials under real-world conditions, simulating production environments and ensuring they can withstand the rigors of modern packaging lines. Factors like heat, tension, and machinability are carefully evaluated to ensure the materials can handle the stresses of high-volume production without sacrificing quality or efficiency.
The testing facility offers a technical evaluation but also provides a space for companies to experiment with new materials while maintaining confidentiality. Manufacturers can refine their packaging processes without disrupting their regular operations by renting equipment and using controlled testing environments.
Ensuring adaptability across industries
Collaboration between material innovators and packaging technology providers has proven to be an important pillar for more sustainable packaging. Where companies work on reducing their environmental footprint, partnerships like this help ensure that new, eco-friendly materials can be introduced at scale, meeting the demands of both consumers and industry standards.
The collaboration between Volpak and Lecta demonstrates the importance of combining material innovation with practical testing. By working together, they are not only creating new packaging solutions but also ensuring these solutions can be adopted by manufacturers across industries. This approach helps the packaging sector move towards a more sustainable future, where eco-friendly materials are the norm rather than the exception.
Looking beyond the box
The future of packaging lies in innovation, and the growing demand for sustainable solutions is driving the industry forward. As more companies explore alternatives to traditional plastic packaging, research and testing facilities will play a crucial role in ensuring these materials are up to the task.
The packaging industry is moving toward a more circular economy, where waste is minimized and materials are reused or recycled. Consumers increasingly expect companies to take responsibility for their environmental impact, and sustainable packaging solutions will set new benchmarks for the industry.
By focusing on partnerships, innovation, and rigorous testing, the packaging sector is well-positioned to meet these growing demands. Becoming more sustainable may be complex, but with the right collaborations, we can make significant progress.
About the Author: Jordi del Castillo is a product owner at Volpak, a Coesia company specializing in horizontal form-fill-seal solutions for the packaging industry. Jordi has more than 30 years of experience in the Packaging Business, mainly in the commercial area, with responsibility for technical sales, P&L, KPI, and management of commercial structures in an international environment.
In recent years, he has focused on portfolio management, a hybrid position between marketing and R&D. In this role, he aimed to innovate, renew, and rebrand the line of machinery to adapt it to new customer demands and expectations, all according to EngX (Engineering Transformation Excellence). Apart from his technical background, Jordi holds an MBA from EAE Business School in Barcelona.
