Packaging has a variety of functions such as protecting its contents during transport and storage, imparting information on the use or correct preservation of the contents, assuring hygiene, e.g. of food or sanitary ware or extending the shelf-life of food. Nevertheless, it is controversial. And it’s true: packaging produces waste. But if we get it right and the packaging industry partners work together, we can give this waste a new lease of life.
At hubergroup Print Solutions, we take different approaches to make this possible. First of all, we carefully evaluate the impact of our printing inks and try to make them suitable for composting or direct mechanical recycling. Where this is not possible, we look for alternatives such as deinking.
However, a major obstacle to more recycling also is the high proportion of packaging that consists of several materials. Such a mix of materials is difficult to recycle. This is why we support ‘design for recycling’ solutions. The goal is to replace plastic with paper wherever possible. Where plastic is still needed, one should use mono-material packaging, i.e. packaging that consists only of one type of plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene.
To drive such solutions, hubergroup has developed barrier varnishes. Our water barrier varnish, for instance, improves the moisture stability of paper and thereby facilitates a change from plastic to paper packaging. Our oxygen barrier varnish enables mono-polyethylene or mono-polypropylene packaging for oxygen-sensitive foods.
Using the right inks can thus support circular economy solutions. And – together with committed partners around the world – we are continuing to search for new methods of converting packaging waste into valuable resources. Would you like to join forces?
Source preview picture of post: Brent Hofacker / AdobeStock