A first step is to optimise our operations. We have installed charging stations powered by solar panels, encourage working from home to reduce lost mileage, and optimise the transport of goods to reduce our carbon footprint.
Of course, we are also strongly committed to innovation within sustainable packaging solutions. This by developing recyclable packaging, both circular and via downcycling, and producing packaging that contains recyclate.
We also offer organic packaging, which is bio-based, biodegradable, or both. This contributes to reduced environmental impact and promotes a circular economy.
One of the most important aspects of sustainable packaging is preventin food losses. Daarom ontwerpen we bij Euralpack verpakkingen die maximale bescherming en houdbaarheid van producten garanderen. In this way, we are all working together for a better and more sustainable future. Read more about the impact of food losses on sustainability below.
Recycling packaging extends the life of materials and drastically reduces the carbon footprint. Some polymers can be recycled circularly to be reused for packaging, while other materials get new life in sectors such as automotive. Europe is strongly committed to recycling; according to the new PPWR, all packaging must be recyclable by 2030. This is a challenge for which Euralpack is fully prepared.
With organic packaging, there are two possibilities. Either this is made of natural renewable materials, in which case we speak of bio-based packaging. Alternatively, it can be biodegradable. This can involve both home and industrial composting and fermentation. Bio-based packaging can have both properties but this is not necessarily the case.
Food waste is a global problem with significant economic, social and environmental impact. Every year, about a third of food produced for human consumption is wasted, amounting to about 1.3 billion tonnes a year. Packaging plays a crucial role in curbing this waste by extending shelf life, providing protection during transport and storage, and regulating portion sizes to prevent overconsumption. So preventing food waste is one of the most crucial factors while designing sustainable packaging. For example, reducing packaging materials may be seen as sustainable, but this may actually lead to more food loss.
Studies show that effective packaging, especially with modified atmosphere technologies (MAP), can significantly extend the shelf life of fresh foods such as vegetables, fruit, meat and fish. Using MAP can extend the shelf life of some products by 200% to 400%. This reduces the risk of spoilage and significantly reduces food waste. The FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) estimates that using appropriate packaging technologies can reduce food waste by 20% to 50%.
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