Antalis reveals long-term goal to compostable packaging
Following recent headlines concerning plastic packaging waste in the UK, Antalis has welcomed the transition towards sustainable, compostable packaging.
Over the past year it has been revealed that 86% of collected plastic is not recycled; the Blue Planet claim that 8m tonnes of plastic ends up in our oceans. As a result, businesses are coming under mounting pressure to optimise their green packaging credentials and be smarter with the packaging they are using to help minimise waste.
In response, the market has seen the compostable packaging concept gain rapid traction with 11 leading brands, retailers, and packaging companies, including Unilever, Coca Cola and M&S, working towards 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025 or earlier.
According to Antalis, however, the transition towards truly sustainable compostable packaging is one which cannot happen overnight and will be a long, complex process.
John Garner, head of business development at Antalis Packaging, comments, “It is fantastic to see so many major brands take the mantel and make significant commitments towards optimising the sustainability of their packaging, particularly when it comes to embracing compostable options
“However, it is important to note that the change required to bring this innovative solution into the mainstream is an inherently complex one.
“For a start, there is a job to do in changing perceptions that all plastics are bad. Packaging made from organic matter such as seaweed and sugar cane, for example, actually produces polymers so it is, technically, classed as plastic despite the fact that it is completely natural and will break down naturally.
“Also, it’s not just about the material but how we use it – after all, one of the biggest issues we face today is the vast amount of unnecessary, excess packaging used which – if tackled – could make a huge difference to the amount going to landfill.”
Currently, Antalis Packaging is working with a major supermarket under the remit of providing an organic solution for its ready-to-eat-fruit and is working on creating a paper foam alternative constructed from fungi.
Looking further to the future, the business is also investigating grass land as an alternative raw material to wood, in a bid to ensure a future resource and negate carbon emissions.
Garner adds, “It’s an incredibly exciting time for the packaging industry as we continue to innovate and evolve in line with the dual challenge of rising e-commerce and environmental concerns.
“Clearly though, while the choice for fully compostable packaging is an obvious one, the plan of delivery is inherently complex which requires further innovation, greater commercial buy-in from all industries and a change in mind-set. Yes it’s a long road ahead but by working together we can look to realise a brighter, more sustainable industry for all.”
