Sustainability

APR rolls out Preferred Design Recognition program

Piotr Wnuk — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 02:06:56 +0000

The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) has announced the culmination of the initial rollout of its Preferred Design Recognition (PDR) program, which it says enables brands, manufacturers and converters to receive formal APR Design for Recyclability recognition for any complete PET, HDPE or PP packaging that meets the definition of ‘preferred’.

Following the addition of HDPE packaging constructs to the list of products eligible for PDR, additional categories will be added in parallel to future APR Design Guide updates.

Several paths, including PDR, are available to achieve APR design recognition, but all paths confirm that a package or packaging component meets the highest criteria for recyclability, according to the APR Design Guide.

The organization’s design recognition helps component and packaging manufacturers meet clients’ goals for recyclable packaging, providing third-party validation that a package or packaging component’s design is compatible with the North American recycling system.

‘This marks the end of a 15-month effort, spanning all APR technical committees, to fully align the PDR pathway with the APR Design Guide,’ said Ruben Nance, APR program director for PDR. ‘The APR Design for Recyclability recognition program now provides appropriate pathways for manufacturers and converters to reliably assess the recyclability of their PET, HDPE or PP packaging components, as well as creating a resource for brands to easily find recyclable packaging options.’

According to APR, brand and retailer procurement teams can save time, effort and resources to identify and validate recyclable packaging through the APR Library of Recognized Solutions.

The recently upgraded library now includes search, sort and filter capabilities, with new products included in real-time, with ongoing additional improvements in searchability and categorization.

‘The successful rollout of this program comes at a pivotal time as companies prepare for extended producer responsibility policies in multiple states, compliance with California’s SB343 Truth in Labeling law, as well as other commitments, including the US Plastics Pact,’ said APR president and CEO Steve Alexander. ‘We look forward to seeing the continued growth and impact of the APR Design Recognition program and recognizing companies that demonstrate their commitment to developing sustainable packaging solutions.’

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1 day 8 hours ago

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APR rolls out Preferred Design Recognition program

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PDR Program enables brands, manufacturers, and converters to receive formal recognition for the packaging materials used.

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PDR Program enables brands, manufacturers, and converters to receive formal recognition for the packaging materials used.

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Archroma secures gold EcoVadis sustainability rating

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 12:56:55 +0000

Archroma, manufacturer of specialty chemicals, has been awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis, the global rating agency for sustainability performance.

This consolidates Archroma’s position among the top 5 percent of the more than 130,000 companies from 180 countries and 220 industries assessed by EcoVadis against stringent criteria covering environmental performance, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement.

Mark Garrett, group CEO, Archroma, said: ‘Archroma has a clear sustainability strategy that guides all of our efforts to develop and deliver innovative solutions that enhance people’s lives. This is encapsulated in the ambitious environmental operations targets we have just announced for 2030. Our enduring goal is to lead our industry towards a more sustainable future. By engaging with platforms like EcoVadis, we strengthen our commitment to partnership and transparency while retaining our focus on consumers and the environment.’

It extends to Archroma’s own operational targets. From 2023 to 2030, Archroma will work to reduce water intensity by 40 percent, energy intensity by 15 percent and waste intensity by 10 percent, with zero hazardous waste to landfill. It will also aim for an ambitious 20 percent reduction in absolute Scope 1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its own plants and processes and a 40 percent reduction in absolute Scope 2 indirect GHG emissions from the energy it consumes.

Martina Beitke, group sustainability director, Archroma, said: ‘We have been tracking our sustainability journey through the EcoVadis assessments since 2017 and it has been so motivating to chart our progress and to see how much the standard of sustainability management has also improved across industries over this time. At Archroma, we believe that strong leadership, shared goals and a culture that supports innovation and partnership are the keys to creating value for our stakeholders and a positive impact on people and planet.’

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1 day 21 hours ago

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Archroma secures gold EcoVadis sustainability rating

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The company has set ambitious environmental operations targets for 2030.

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The company has set ambitious environmental operations targets for 2030.

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Katun EMEA releases ESG overview report

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:37:17 +0000

Katun EMEA has released its annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Overview Report, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and high-quality products and services.

The report outlines Katun EMEA’s strategies and achievements in key areas, including reducing carbon emissions, promoting employee wellbeing and progression, and contributing to the industry with innovative, eco-designed products.

‘We are incredibly proud to share our first EMEA ESG overview report with our stakeholders,’ said Heidi Boller, general manager at Katun EMEA. ‘This report reflects our dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and society while maintaining strong governance practices. We are committed to embedding ESG principles into our core business strategies and advancing towards our sustainability goals in order to support a more sustainable future and increase value for our customers.’

The full report is available for download on the company’s website.

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3 days 10 hours ago

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Katun EMEA releases ESG overview report

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The document emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

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The document emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

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Europe

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Berry Global Spain site secures RecyClass and UNE 15343 certifications

Akanksha Meena — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 12:54:54 +0000

Berry Global’s factory in Pamplona, Spain has achieved RecyClass and UNE 15343 certifications, both highly regarded independent markers of the site’s commitment to improving the recyclability of plastic packaging and incorporating recycled content across its products.

RecyClass and UNE 15343 Certifications are awarded after a voluntary audit conducted by third-party recognized certification bodies. The Pamplona factory welcomed auditors over two days, during which various sustainability factors were monitored, including Berry’s capabilities in designing for recyclability and the traceability of recycled plastics used at the site.

These certifications mean that Berry can now offer RecyClass labeling on non-food packaging produced at the Pamplona factory, validating its claims around recyclability and the incorporation of recycled materials for its customers.

Other European Berry factories that have already achieved RecyClass Certification include La Genête and Lubien. Audits at other sites are also underway.

The Certifications, which are valid for three years, were awarded to sales director Ignacio Igea at the Hispack exhibition.

‘Berry is committed to helping our customers with circular packaging solutions, and the RecyClass and UNE 15343 Certifications are a commonly-used and widely recognized means of sharing our credentials in recyclability and recycled plastics,’ said Igea.

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3 days 21 hours ago

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Berry Global Spain site secures RecyClass and UNE 15343 certifications

Short summary

These certifications mean that Berry can now offer RecyClass labeling on non-food packaging produced at the Pamplona factory.

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These certifications mean that Berry can now offer RecyClass labeling on non-food packaging produced at the Pamplona factory.

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Eco Flexibles appoints Amy Gray as key account manager

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 00:01:23 +0000

Eco Flexibles, a UK-based recyclable flexible packaging specialist, has appointed Amy Gray as key account manager. The company continues to expand its footprint and deliver its products to a growing customer base.

Gray brings a wealth of experience to the role, having spent the past six years in the flexible packaging industry, with roles ranging from national account manager to customer service team leader.

As key account manager, she will maintain strong relationships with customers and oversee the journey from initial meetings to final product delivery. Her role is integral to ensuring that Eco Flexibles' customers receive responsive, high-quality service tailored to their specific needs and sustainability goals.

‘I am delighted to join the Eco Flexibles team at a very exciting period of growth for the business,’ commented Gray. ‘As key account manager, I will be helping to build and develop lasting relationships, from first contact to the delivery of an outstanding finished packaging product. Eco Flexibles is known for its fresh approach to recyclable flexible packaging design and development, its customer-first approach and bold innovation strategy, so I’m very much looking forward to stamping my mark on the role.’

Gray joins Eco Flexibles at a high-growth period as its packaging innovation resonates with brands and retailers. Following the launch of a new 40,000sqft production site, the business enhanced quality, agility and performance by adding a Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 water-based ink digital press. Then, due to high demand, the company announced it would be investing in a second machine.

Simon Buswell, director at Eco Flexibles, added: ‘We are delighted to welcome Amy to the Eco Flexibles family. One of the reasons we have been so successful is the strength of our team. We come together from all corners of the packaging industry, so we know what the common pressure points are for brands, and we know how to deliver excellence. Amy is an ideal fit for us, with her extensive experience in account management and customer service, combined with her passion for sustainable, flexible packaging.

We look forward to seeing the positive impact she will have on our client relationships and our business as a whole.’

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1 week 2 days ago

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Eco Flexibles appoints Amy Gray as key account manager

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The strategic appointment comes as the company continues to expand its footprint.

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The strategic appointment comes as the company continues to expand its footprint.

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Europe

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Cost is main barrier to sustainable packaging says recent survey

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:35:34 +0000

UPM has released the findings from a survey conducted in collaboration with the Pentawards, targeting some of the world's leading packaging designers. Most respondents identified price as a significant challenge in developing sustainable packaging.

The survey results show that while the majority (47 percent) of the designer respondents feel extremely comfortable handling briefs that include sustainability requirements, 43 percent of packaging designers would prefer more direction or information to feel fully comfortable when dealing with these briefs. This highlights a need for further education on how to incorporate sustainability into packaging design, with most respondents (35 percent) suggesting material guides would be the most beneficial.

Further findings reveal that 57 percent of the designer respondents believe they always or often can impact the material choice of a product. However, 20 percent say they seldom do, and 17 percent almost never, which suggests some clients may not have yet realized the value of exploring alternative and more sustainable packaging.

Despite many packaging designers striving to develop more sustainable packaging, price was highlighted as a key challenge by the majority of those surveyed. Although many of the designers acknowledged the importance of using sustainable materials for innovative packaging, the cost frequently deterred their clients, leading many to choose the cheapest option instead.

One respondent stated: ‘Everyone wants to be green until they see that being green is usually more expensive.’ While another noted: ‘I think the production end, or the manufacturers are not yet completely ready for this kind of change.’

Robert Taylor, sustainability director at UPM and member of the Pentawards jury, used a speaker opportunity at a recent Pentawards Meets closed event to discuss the findings in detail and address these challenges to help support designers and further drive sustainable innovation.

‘While cost has been highlighted as a barrier to embracing sustainable packaging design, it’s important to take a moment to consider what is the true cost of not doing so,’ said Taylor. ‘We need a holistic approach that considers the value creation potential in a market that is growing twice as fast for sustainable products. This is especially key as the impact of new regulation and green finance kicks in, with carbon taxes, plastics taxes and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees just a few examples. Reducing packaging is one of the most effective ways to reduce impact and cost. Using less raw material, water and energy and generating less waste or having a more effective supply chains brings savings and reduces the environmental footprint.

‘As an industry, we need to understand the true cost of sustainable packaging design and embrace innovations that will help us meet the ambitious environmental targets set. We are faced with more climate, biodiversity and water crises across the globe every day but with only 15 percent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on track to meet their target levels by 2030, not taking action towards improving sustainable packaging is simply not an option. We need to move forward faster.’

Adam Ryan, head of Pentawards, commented: ‘We’ve had some really interesting insights from the survey with UPM, our community was open in sharing challenges, improvements and their ways of working in sustainable design. It’s great to see that brands and agencies are now so willing to share insights and learnings which benefits the industry as a whole. Sustainability in design is continuously developing and it’s so important that we at Pentawards are part of this.’

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1 week 4 days ago

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Cost is main barrier to sustainable packaging says recent survey

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Most respondents identified price as a significant challenge in developing sustainable packaging.

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Most respondents identified price as a significant challenge in developing sustainable packaging.

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Sustainability

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UPM Raflatac

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Davis-Standard achieves Operation Clean Sweep certification

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 01:15:45 +0000

Davis-Standard, a specialist in extrusion and converting technologies, has achieved Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) certification, becoming the first OEM in its field to earn this distinction.

OCS is an international program designed to help plastics-industry companies implement good housekeeping and pellet-containment practices. By achieving OCS certification, Davis-Standard joins a growing list of companies committed to reducing plastic pollution in waterways and communities.

‘Our facilities in Fulton, NY, and Pawcatuck, CT, are blessed with natural beauty and proximity to vital waterways and the ocean,’ said Giovanni Spitale, CEO of Davis-Standard. ‘This underscores our responsibility to protect these resources and is why Operation Clean Sweep certification is so important to us.’

This OCS achievement builds on Davis-Standard's environmental responsibility and its 2025 sustainability commitments. The company's North American facilities are now powered by carbon-free electricity, and its Maillefer division received a Silver EcoVadis rating for its sustainability efforts in Finland. Moreover, numerous Davis-Standard facilities maintain ISO-14001 certification for their environmental management systems, with only one remaining to achieve the certification.

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2 weeks 4 days ago

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Davis-Standard achieves Operation Clean Sweep certification

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The certification demonstrates the company's commitment to preventing plastic-pellet loss and contributing to a cleaner environment.

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The certification demonstrates the company's commitment to preventing plastic-pellet loss and contributing to a cleaner environment.

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Lecta commits to renewable gas

Akanksha Meena — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 10:53:34 +0000

Lecta has partnered with energy group Naturgy to supply renewable biomethane gas for its manufacturing activities at Spanish mills in Leitza (Navarra) and Zaragoza, aiding in its decarbonization efforts.

The renewable gas supplied by Naturgy has certified guarantees of origin and sustainability tests that assure Lecta of the reduction of emissions derived from its industrial activity and the fulfillment of the sustainability commitments set in its 2030 agenda.

Lecta is firmly committed to sustainability, energy efficiency and decarbonization. This collaborative effort and commitment to the use of renewable energy is one more step the company has taken towards protecting the environment, combating climate change and promoting the circular economy.

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2 weeks 4 days ago

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Lecta commits to renewable gas

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Its agreement with Naturgy will enable the use of biomethane in the production processes at several of the company's mills in Spain.

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Its agreement with Naturgy will enable the use of biomethane in the production processes at several of the company's mills in Spain.

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Jet Technologies brings sustainable Encore films to Australasia

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 01:38:59 +0000

Jet Technologies, one of the leaders in the print and packaging sectors in Australia and New Zealand, has implemented its Encore range of recycled content BOPP films in partnership with Impact Labels and Ultra Labels.

Jet Technologies offers a diverse portfolio that includes traditional BOPP and PET films and innovative sensory options like Soft Touch and Rough Touch ranges.

In recent years, the company has focused on sustainability, striving to provide genuine materials that meet the changing regulatory landscape and consumer expectations.

Encore films contain a significant percentage of recycled content, helping to work towards meeting the APCO 2025 targets of initially 30 percent and now 50 percent recycled content in all plastic used in Australia.

‘The challenge of sourcing high-quality recycled resin that meets strict standards has been met with the Encore range,’ said Jack Malki, director of Jet Technologies. ‘Initially introduced with a minimum of 20 percent post-industrial recycled content, this figure was quickly upgraded to 30 percent, with ISCC PLUS certification ensuring compliance. Recently, the inclusion of post-consumer waste resins has further enhanced the sustainability of Encore films.’

According to the company, Encore films offer the same quality and performance as traditional films at virtually the same price, making it easy for clients to transition to more sustainable practices.

‘The future of sustainable packaging looks promising with Encore films,’ added Malki. ‘As more high-quality recycled resins become available, the percentage of recycled content in Encore films will continue to increase, supporting printers and brand owners in achieving APCO targets.”

Two Australian converters, Impact Labels and Ultra Labels, have already endorsed Encore films for their performance and sustainable benefits, marking a significant step forward in recycle-ready packaging.

Impact Labels, a Brisbane-based, Australian-owned and operated player in the label production industry since 2006, has been using Jet’s Encore range for six months.

Harry McFadyen, production manager at Impact Labels, commented: ‘Our clients have been asking for an environmental solution for some time, and we decided to trial Jet’s range of Encore films. We found the performance both on-press and at the point of label application to be equal to the previously supplied laminates. The choice was easy to move all our laminated work to the Encore range to offer a more sustainable solution for laminated products.’

Ultra Labels, another leading label and flexible packaging manufacturer operating out of Brisbane and the Barossa Valley, has been using Encore films for more than a year.

Johnny Marusic, production manager at Ultra Labels, said: ‘Ultra Labels is known as a leading innovator in the label and digital flexible packaging space. Our clients expect that we use the most sustainable products in our production. We have found the Encore recycled film to be even better than the old film, with zero rejected rolls and improved adhesion to our print. As a result, we have move all of our laminated work to the Encore range.’

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3 weeks 3 days ago

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Jet Technologies brings sustainable Encore films to Australasia

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The Encore range of recycled content BOPP films has already been endorsed by two Australian converters, Impact Labels and Ultra Labels.

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The Encore range of recycled content BOPP films has already been endorsed by two Australian converters, Impact Labels and Ultra Labels.

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RafCycle by UPM Raflatac validated by Dekra

Akanksha Meena — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 10:25:25 +0000

UPM Raflatac has received a new certificate of validity from leading international assurance service provider, Dekra, for its RafCycle recycling service validating the credibility of the CO2 impact assessments provided by RafCycle in Europe and the US.

As a result, customers can communicate their environmental contributions in the labeling value chain with increased assurance.

Juha Virmavirta, RafCycle director, UPM Raflatac, said: ‘With Dekra validated CO2 calculation method, RafCycle partners now have access to credible information on the potential benefits of the RafCycle service. This information helps companies make informed decisions and convey their sustainability efforts to stakeholders.’

The global waste issue is significant, with the linear use of materials contributing to climate change. Stricter sustainability regulations and changing consumer preferences are driving the need for better waste management. Despite this, there is still room to improve label release liner recycling rates worldwide.

UPM Raflatac’s RafCycle is the original label release liner recycling service, designed to streamline label waste management and support the circular economy. Recognized for its cost efficiency, transparency, easy implementation, and localized partner support, RafCycle offers a comprehensive solution to liner waste recycling challenges. During the past year, RafCycle has been awarded several times across the globe for its commitment to a circular economy in the packaging industry.

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1 month ago

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RafCycle by UPM Raflatac validated by Dekra

Short summary

The certification validates the credibility of the CO2 impact assessments provided by RafCycle in Europe and the US.

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The certification validates the credibility of the CO2 impact assessments provided by RafCycle in Europe and the US.

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