Innovations in technology making sustainable packaging more realistic

Innovations in material availability and handling technology are making the quest for sustainable packaging more realistic, several industry leaders say.

In a recent survey, The Packer asked about what recent innovations have made sustainable packaging more realistic. Some of the answers not only spoke to the materials for sustainable packaging, but also the equipment employed to use those materials.

“I think that the ability to heat-seal paper on a vertical form, fill and seal machine are breakthroughs since paper is both recyclable and compostable,” said Steve Greenfield, director of sales and marketing for NNZ Inc., Lawrenceville, Ga. “The current problem, which I think will be fixed over time, is the weight limits that this technology has.”

“Sustainable packaging that is able to fit on our current machinery has made it more of a realistic option,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co. “However, maybe even more so than the innovation of the packaging itself would be the consumer demand. As demand increases, the cost of the packaging for individual shippers goes down, which allows us to bring it to the marketplace at a more rapid pace.”

More choices in feedstocks also have been important to develop sustainable packaging, said Gary Hilberg, chief sustainability officer for Local Bounti, Hamilton, Mont.

The availability of more organic materials — not just bio-based plastics — has been important for adding sustainable packaging options, agreed John Paap, manager at Jac. Vandenberg Inc., Tarrytown, N.Y.

Micro-perforated resealable films have reduced packaging materials by 30-40%, said Andrew Hare, co-founder and general manager of Charleston, S.C.-based Vertical Roots.

Innovation is critical to the sustainable packaging movement, said Jeff Watkin, director of marketing for Sev-Rend, Collinsville, Ill.
“There has been a good amount of growth in sustainable packaging options to help the packer retain their current packaging properties while being even more mindful of a true sustainable option for the market,” he said. “Sev-Rend is committed to introducing these options to the market where it makes sense.”