APAC's Green Packaging Initiative

The emerging trends in the packaging industry include: 

• Consumer Demand for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Packaging

Consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable product packaging has proven remarkably stable and robust despite the upheaval of societal changes in recent years. A steady climb could be seen in the dedication of younger consumers towards sustainable living. Sustainable packaging is in high demand among young consumers, and the packaging industry must be able to meet this need. 

• Eliminating Plastic Waste at the Source

Plastics is the leading cause of pollution, and the packaging industry has been actively eliminating plastic waste at the source and working towards 100 per cent reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging for their food products. A lot of sustainability initiatives are being employed by several companies. The world’s first food-grade Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles produced entirely from enzymatically recycled plastic has pushed the companies even closer to their sustainability goals.

 • New Materials and Innovations in the Packaging Industry

There are also small and medium-sized companies making an effort to create sustainable packaging. A variety of new materials have been employed in the space, and innovations abound in the industry. The scope of research for sustainable technologies is vast, and scientists around the globe have been exploring the research possibilities. These are not only material-centric but also involve new technologies, designs, manufacturing practices, etc. for incorporating sustainability in the packaging.

Indian research institutes and scientists are also part of such studies and present innovative solutions to the F&B industry. A team of scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) developed environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable polymers that are polysaccharides extracted from guar beans and shells of crab and shrimps. Polysaccharides are a biopolymer with high potential for use in the synthesis of packaging material. Another research group from the same institute developed a biodegradable, biopolymer nanocomposite that can detect relative humidity and can find applications as smart packaging materials, especially for the food industry.

 • Recyclable Packaging

To attain a higher quality product suitable for food contact in all of their goods, several packaging companies across the world have been collaborating with their partners to regulate sourcing, material sortation, and blending within their PCR material. This effective project marks a turning point in the development of a circular plastics economy in Malaysia and South East Asia by demonstrating the viability of addressing the plastic waste problem through committed value chain alliances.

 • Paper-Based Packaging

Paper packaging is amongst the most eco-friendly and economical forms of packaging. The global push for recyclability in the paper packaging market will create enormous opportunities for food companies globally. It is also observed that recycled paper packaging offers a distinct cost advantage for the production of corrugated boxes and cartons and other paper packaging solutions.

 • Recyclable Paper Straws

An aseptic carton packaging solutions provider has launched a wide range of recyclable paper straws in India with a variety of dimensions, shapes, and utilities. As a potential solution to the massive environmental damage caused by plastic straws, and in line with the plastic ban.