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ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT
The whole
flexible packaging industry
is looking in various directions at solutions
to improve the
recycling rate,
but progress is still very slow.
One of the directions
is leading to
compostable materials
, which offer the opportunity of an
organic recycling process (composting) as additional end of life option.
PLA film can provide several environmental advantages:
PAPER AND BOARD
RIGID PLASTICS
GLASS
FLEXIBLE PLASTICS
FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
Global consumption 18,1m tons
Growth rate 4,1%
OTHER METAL
OTHERS
BEVERAGE CANS
3%
9%
27%
10%
6%
34%
11%
Flexible packaging has proven to be a great solution because it brings several advantages compared
to rigids: lightweight, transport efficiency, packaging performance among many.
As of today,
flexible packaging
represents
10% in weight of total consumer packaging
, with a
growth rate of more than 4%. However, there is one aspect where flexible packaging is well behind
many rigid packaging solutions like glass, rigid plastics or metal: recyclability.
Lightweight, multilayer laminates and contamination make recycling flexible packaging technically
and commercially difficult. This means that most of it is either incinerated or, in the worst case,
landfilled.
making packaging more sustainable
It’s made from
renewable
resources
Its low thickness,
mechanical and
sealing properties
provide good
weight/performance
ratio
It can be
mechanically,
chemically as well
as organically
recycled
Source: PIRA International 2009
(excludes secondary bulk and
industrial packaging)