Industries all around the world are working to lessen their carbon footprint by implementing sustainable practices as a response to growing environmental concerns. Among these efforts, sustainable packaging has gained significant attention as a solution to mitigate environmental issues.
While it can be difficult for the packaging industry to demonstrate sustainable practices due to its extensive use and potential role in pollution, this industry is actively pursuing leading-edge solutions to reduce its environmental impact. How can the packaging industry contribute to sustainability and waste reduction? Let’s explore further.
The Growing Importance of Sustainable Packaging
It is widely recognized that global temperatures are rising, primarily due to human activities. The excessive use of packaging is one of the examples that creates a large volume of waste, particularly when not properly recycled.
In addition to the significant waste, it is also leading to pollution and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through the manufacturing process. For this reason, sustainability in packaging matters more than ever.
Given the intensifying environmental crisis, customers nowadays also demand eco-friendly packaging and using recycled materials. This increases the urgency for zero-waste initiatives to ensure a more sustainable future.
Read About: Sustainable Packaging Strategies for E-commerce: Reducing Waste and Impact
The Role of Printing in Packaging Sustainability
Printing plays a crucial role in sustainability, influencing both material selection and waste generation during production. Packaging that uses less material yet is still aesthetically pleasing can be produced using printing technology, which generally elevates sustainability.
Businesses in the packaging industry can greatly benefit from sustainable printing practices, leveraging the latest technology to achieve their sustainability goals. In contrast to traditional printing, modern printing made print-on-demand possible, hence reducing unnecessary packing and cost overruns.
Digital Printing: A Game-Changer for Sustainable Packaging
Implementing eco-friendly printing involves multiple factors. While using recycled paper is a step forward, integrating advanced tools is even more crucial. When talking about the tools, digital printing is an eco-friendly choice, widely used and cost-effective.
It is not an overstatement to call it a game-changer in the industry. Compared to conventional printing, digital printing is a considerably more sustainable option as it uses less energy, uses biodegradable inks, has a smaller carbon footprint, and produces less waste.
Less Energy Used
Since digital printing reduces the need for large-scale set-up procedures, uses only fewer mechanical components, and typically operates at lower temperatures, it has smaller energy footprints than conventional printing methods.
In addition to helping reduce carbon emissions, the less energy used during production can contribute to a lower cost of production. So, businesses can support both economic and environmental objectives.
Use Biodegradable Inks
Digital printing mostly employs water-based or soy-based inks, as it is thought to be less toxic than conventional petroleum-based inks. Many businesses also use toner for their digital printing tools made from plant-based biomass, which further makes them more biodegradable for sustainable packaging.
No Overproduction
Digital printing technology enables businesses to adopt new business models. It allows them to deliver short-run product packaging while minimizing the costs and waste from excess stock of production.
The Environmental Impact of Flexible Packaging
Flexible packaging refers to any kind of packaging that can be readily bent or folded, is not rigid, and can easily change its shape. Typically, this type of packaging is composed of materials such as paper, plastic film, aluminium foil, or combination of these.
Compared to other packaging options, flexible packaging is often considered to have lower environmental impact. But, the key to reducing its environmental impact lies in using compostable and recyclable materials. By embracing innovation, the flexible packaging industry can set the standard for a more sustainable packaging future.
How On-Demand Printing Reduces Waste
On-demand printing, unlike traditional printing, overcomes the problem of excess inventory that may become outdated and need to be disposed of, preventing overproduction. It means less excess materials will end-up in landfills. In consequence, businesses only print what is necessary, diminishing the waste associated with unsold stock.
It often allows for personalized designs, which can supply individual customer needs without requiring large-scale production runs. As it is eliminating the need to store large quantities, on-demand printing can also minimize the need for warehouse space.
Read About: Waste Not, Want Not: Industrial Inkjet Printer Minimizes Food Packaging Waste
Embracing the Future of Sustainable Packaging
The future of sustainability in packaging is being shaped by smart design, eco-friendly materials, and advanced technology. By integrating these elements, the packaging industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact over time.
Thermal inkjet, as a type of digital printing, is a technology that has been largely employed in the packaging industry. Lower energy consumption, reduced ink usage, and minimal ink requirements make this technology highly recommended for sustainable packaging. See a complete list of thermal inkjet printers here.
References
https://www.domino-printing.com/en/blog/2024/sustainable-printing-practices-for-packaging
https://blog.fantastapack.com/sustainable-packaging-how-digital-print-reduces-waste
