Kwik Lok continues to invest in materials science to develop closure options that are reliable and better positioned for recyclability, said Karen Reed, global director of marketing and communications for the Yakima, Wash.-based company.
“A great example is our Enviro-Lok closure with our ultrasonic wed label,” she said. “The Enviro-Lok uses 34% less plastic than the standard Kwik Lok closure, 67% less water and 44% less carbon emissions emitted.”
Customers may also choose the new ultrasonic welded labels, offered only with the Enviro-Lok, for branding, tracking and traceability, Reed said. The label is made from the same material as the Enviro-Lok and, due to the ultrasonic weld technology, removes the sticky adhesives.
“This makes Enviro-Lok even more prepared for recycling,” Reed said. “A packaging solution where all the elements are made with one material, like polypropylene, makes it easier for the consumer to recycle with confidence.”
Backing up sustainability claims with a life-cycle analysis is important, she said.
“By doing [a life-cycle analysis], customers can understand impact trade-offs in materials choices,” Reed said. “For example, comparing a product made of paper board vs one made from polypropylene. In some cases, the carbon and water impact may be higher with the paperboard than a recyclable plastic alternative. Having [a life-cycle analysis] for each proposed material so you can compare them helps customers make the right choices for their company based on specific company environmental goals.”
Kwik Lok wants its customers and consumers to understand and trust sustainability claims, she said.
“The use of [life cycle analyses] has really helped in working with retailers find the right solution for their company and goals,” Reed said. “There are always trade-offs when choosing materials. [Life cycle analyses] help us communicate these trade-offs so retailers can make clear choices.”
Reed said many consumers receive their information from social media, so it is important that claims be accurate.
“We use social media to share information in an easy-to-understand way with links to trusted references and resources for more information,” she said. “We also have a LinkedIn Showcase page that allows us to focus in on sustainability and share resources to create better understanding, transparency, and engagement as a community.”
