Two States Look To Tackle Packaging Waste | Valdamark Direct

The current system of consumer responsibility for the disposal of products is not enough. Two states have passed new laws that will extend this burden onto manufacturers – specifically. However this only applies to materials produced in America!

In 2018, U.S municipal solid waste was 82 million tons with 28% or 40+ million being containers and packaging. Unfortunately almost half (44%) is not recycled! The problem facing our planet today? Plastics in particular that make up most of this disgusting mess are the elephant in the room.

Recycling some materials, such as aluminum can be cost effective. However plastics are more expensive to recycle and generally speaking are only recycled into low value products. With this in mind the market demand does not make a compelling case for recycling because there simply isn’t enough profit to made from the end product. Instead of creating new material & products from the waste they would rather just instead send everything straight into landfills where its likely going stay forever unless you start adding financial incentives or penalties.

The recycling industry has been struggling with the problem of how to handle waste for years. The burden was originally placed on local governments, but they can’t afford it anymore and consumers have to pay a price in taxes or fees now.

The movement to hold producers accountable for the waste they generate is growing. Two new EPR laws in Oregon and Maine will take effect soon, which could save money for municipalities as well as making packaging more sustainable!

Governor Brown signed a new law today that will provide Oregon ratepayers with much more accessible and stable recycling systems. The new system also gives producers financial incentives to make their packaging sustainable, as well as funding for reuse programs in local communities!

Read the full article at: earth911.com

Antalis has opened a new Smart Packaging Centre | Valdamark Direct

The new Smart Packaging Centre is a one-stop destination for all your packaging needs. You can find the latest technology in automation and design, as well as tons of helpful resources that will make it easier than ever before to get started with plastics or paper. 

The demand for SPC’s services has grown since the company’s launch. Antalis Packaging’s head of innovation and design, John Garner said that much of this growth can be attributed to customers who are seeking solutions with their packaging sustainability concerns in mind.

He also mentioned how they have seen an increase from other companies looking into what types of packaging materials might work best when it comes down creating new products as well!

The latest developments in packaging automation, including carton and bag on-demand and hand held heat sealers are showcased by PBA. The demonstration suite allows customers to see a full range of systems that wrap products safely for transportation as well as those which cushion them from damage during storage or shipping – all without sacrificing quality! From air cushions made with Ranpak’s newest technology [Pregis],to Sealed Air’s paper based hugs designed specifically around client needs.

“The future of automation is here,” said Garner. The SPC’s focus lies in helping customers understand how they can protect themselves from innovations that may change the way businesses operate in the future.

Providing opportunities for viewing these innovative devices enables consumers to get more familiar with their features before deciding if investing into one themselves

After seeing these new automatic packaging machinery operate up close you’ll have no doubts as to whether they are a worthwhile investment or not.

The design studio’s new dedicated space offers innovative packaging as well artwork. Once a solution has been developed on screen, samples can be created – and printed in the demonstration suite!

Read the full article at: www.packagingnews.co.uk

Samsung is investing in recycling to get more materials back out of their products | Valdamark Direct

The company started using recycled materials in all its TV boxes as a way to reduce pollution and save natural resources.

The commitment was revealed by Samsung vice-chairman and CEO Jong Han during a pre-show keynote event at CES 2022. The new pledges will see them expand upon current practices of using Styrofoam with expanded interior packages made from 100% postconsumer paper products. These include inserts like PS trays or box holders that will be filled exclusively with nonwovens fabrics made out of regenerated fiber as well high quality HDPE bottles instead of foil bags. These new paper products will provide protection against dirt/dust particles due to their durability when carrying heavy or aukwardly sized objects.

The eco-friendly packaging programme currently underway at Samsung aims to tranform cardboard boxes into cat houses or other useful furniture items. As reported in their latest sustainability statement released this week ,the company has plans to roll this out across all regions where they operate

This year, the company is adding packaging for other appliances to their sustainability programme. This includes vacuum sealers as well as other cleaning tools in addition to TV box manufacturing materials that were previously recycled at rate of only 50%.

In addition to expanding the use of recycled materials, Samsung has established a partnership with Patagonia. The two companies will work together on reducing microplastics released throughout their product’s lifecycle by up to 50%.

This is an exciting time for environmentally conscious consumers! Brands are starting to recognize that our planet needs more care, so they’re trying their best to mitigate the enviromental impact throughuse of certain packaging materials.

Han added “We will continue explore new partnerships and collaborations” which means we can expect even better news soon enough.”

Read the full article at: www.packaging-gateway.com

If you want to stay ahead of the sustainable packaging game for 2022, keep an eye on these trends | Valdamark Direct

Last year, states passed groundbreaking legislation to help repair the broken recycling system and move companies faster towards their 2025 sustainability commitments.

In 2021 it became increasingly clear that we have a waste problem in this country – this is a global problem but one that is particularly apparent in the United States and wider western world.

We live in a world where Recycling isn’t delivering what its capable of anymore due in large amount to external forces like the increased amounts plastics being used across industries. Or advancements within manufacturing processes leaving behind more synthetic fibers which cannot be recycled because of their chemical contents, making them too dangerous for human consumption. The single use, disposable culture that many of us adhere to does not help neither.

The recycling industry may have cause for some hope as 2021 comes to a close. With the coronavirus continuing with it’s disruption, more people than ever before have turned towards virgin plastic for heat seal packaging – but will this momentum lead into 2022? Looking toward this year and beyond here are three packaging trends you’ll want at to keep in mind –

More Produce Responsibility 

The idea of extended producer responsibility has been around for decades, but only in 2021 did it reach the U.S., with Oregon and Maine passing laws requiring manufacturers to help fund collection/processing packaging while other states such as New York not far behind.

Truth in Labelling 

The new “Truth in Labeling” law for recyclable materials is a step towards more sustainable practices and lessens consumers’ confusion about what they are buying. The passage of this bill shows that there’s no shortage of will when it comes to environmentally friendly changes, but rather an endless supply!

Toxins Removal

The EPA has found that when recycling is done properly, more harmful chemicals are introduced into products. This may be an issue for the circular economy and its ultimate goal of purity.” Toxins need to be removed from packaging where possible now.

Holistic Approach To Packaging

One of the biggest tragedies in this field is that it’s all about the recycling conditions as they exist right now. There are however so many other factors to consider when packaging is designed. We need sustainable packaging stakeholders and consumers alike on board with moving beyond just following industry guidelines for what can be recycled or composted. People want more than just those two options if they’re going green!

Growth of Loop and Reusuable Packaging

Reuse pioneers Algramo and Loop are contiuned to expand in 2021. This time around, they’re raising $8.5 million from Series A funding round for their expansion into cities like Jakarta, New York, Mexico & London

More Accountability

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition is looking forward to seeing progress towards their goals in 2022. “We’re that much closer,” said Goodrich, noting the score card for benchmarking company’s performance will be an important tool during this time period. It all comes down taking action and making the changes needed by 2025 standards, sooner if necessary.”

Read the full article at: www.greenbiz.com

Packaging is the single largest contributor to climate change. Can it be eliminated? | Valdamark Direct

Can you imagine a world without packages, boxes or bags – not even one for your toothbrush! But there might just come a day when we can live in such an environmentally friendly way as this could become reality. 

Europe is readying a revision of its packaging and waste directive. The European Commission has commissioned research that highlights the positives, negatives & benefits as well as the ‘grey areas’ for each type of packaging format available on today’s market. From paper to plastics & even glass bottles. The goal is to make the new law more sustainable for the future while still allowing consumers some control over what they buy by choosing whether it’s recyclable when it comes to return or upcylce time.

The European Commission has found that regulation is necessary to both stop unnecessary packaging and make sure that the packaging which does exist can be recycled. A staggering 174.1kgs of waste was generated in Europe last year, per inhabitant. According to the EC there are a few ways they plan on reducing this amount by 2030 including “revisions” (or updates) regarding their current plastic packaging laws as well as stricter recycling standards for all sorts or products made out of paper such as cups & straws etc.

Stakeholders had their say in a public consultation and one of the most discussed topics was whether or not to prioritize certain types of packaging over others. They were asked what they thought should happen with respect to recycling, greenhouse gas emissions reduction (GHGEs), as well as circularity–how the public per
The need for change has been palpable as the relianance on oil and it’s packaging derivatives is still far to great. It’s clear there’s still much more work to be on these issues before we call ourselves fully sustainble.

Read the full article at: www.euractiv.com

TIPA has just closed a funding round worth $70 million | Valdamark 

The TIPA company, which provides eco-friendly compostable packaging to businesses around the world is looking for more funding. The money raised in their last round will help them continue expanding into new markets and worldwide distribution partners with plans to service every country globally. 

TIPA, a leading Israeli company in the field of plastic packaging technology raised $70 million dollars from Millennium Food-Tech and Meitav Dash who invested together 30%. Other strategic investors also include Migdal Group Insurance & Finance along with other international investors interested in cutting edge sustainable solutions to cure our planet’s packaging & sustainability woes.

The $103 billion market for consumer flexible plastic has been the target of TIPA’s focus. With growth expected in this industry, it’s time to move away from hard-to-recycle plastics and towards more sustainable options like their eco-friendly packaging solutions which have helped many brands such as Waitrose in the UK, build trust among shoppers. They continue to deliver their high quality foods whilst using compostable packaging that does not require additional preservatives or artificial flavors in order to provide substantial protection.

TIPA is committed to providing sustainable solutions for all of its partners. In early 2018, TIPA announced a strategic partnership with Amcor that will see them produce compostable packaging material in Australia and New Zealand using biodegradable polymers.

The recent, rapid increase in demand for sustainable packaging solutions from consumers has been paired with a sharp rise of concern over our environmental future. The Tipping Point Association’s CEO Daphna Nissenbaum said “our encounter with plastic pollution can no longer be ignored as it becomes more prevalent and alarming each day.” Newer alternatives are needed to replace these type of materials which fail and accumulate during recycling processes – something we’re already experiencing today! The message from shoppers around the world is clear – they want eco-friendly flexible packaging options.

Read the full article at: www.packagingnews.co.uk