Ecodesign in plastic packaging has become essential for companies with ethical and social responsibility.
What are their key aspects, and how does it promote circularity?
Find it out in this article!
We will talk about...
- Ecodesign in plastic packaging: What does it refer to?
- Key aspects of eco-design in plastic packaging towards the circular economy
- Benefits of eco-design in the development of circular packaging
- APS: Development of circular solutions
Ecodesign in plastic packaging: What does it refer to?
Ecodesign in plastic packaging is not a trend but a paradigm shift in the commercial and packaging world, aimed at enhancing the connection between companies and the environment.
This popular concept refers to the process to design in plastic packaging keeping in mind the entire environmental impact over its lifecycle.
Focusing in this way of designing means considering various factors, from material selection and minimizing resources use in production to recyclability and reduction of waste generation.
Sustainable design is a key strategy for implementing circular economy principles, aiming to design products that are not only sustainable in their use but also contribute to a broader system of regeneration and resource reuse.
Ecodesign and circularity: How are they related?
The relationship between eco-design and circularity is fundamental in the context of sustainability and resource management sought by companies to create packaging to be more respectful to the environment.
Keep learning: Sustainable plastic storage of chemicals: An approach to the circular economy and safety
Together, these approaches promote a more sustainable and responsible future in consumption and production because both seek to minimize environmental impact and maximize efficient resource use.
While eco-design focuses on creating products with a lower environmental impact, the circular economy provides the framework for a system where products, materials, and resources remain in use as long as possible.
Key aspects of eco-design in plastic packaging towards the circular economy
For eco-design to meet circular economy requirements, it must incorporate highly relevant aspects. Let's take a look at them.
Use of sustainable materials
It is important to use and incorporate materials that are recyclable to ensure that the design is genuinely sustainable.
This significantly reduces waste, which also implies potential cost savings.
Ease of recycling
Designing packaging with, for example, a single material makes it easier to recycle and avoids contamination of recycling streams.
You may be interested in: Mechanical recycling: What is it and how does it enhance the circularity of packaging?
In this area, it is essential for consumers to have the necessary information to recycle easily. Clear instructions and labels play a fundamental role.
Weight and volume reduction
Eco-design also emphasizes reducing the weight and volume of packaging, prioritizing efficiency and optimization in storage and transport spaces.
Lower weight and volume means better optimization of square footage in warehouses or vehicles, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.
Optimizing functionality
Sustainable product design aims to create packaging that is sturdy, effective, and extends its useful life, preventing waste and accumulation of trash on the planet.
This focuses on multifunctional designs that prioritize durability.
Technological innovations
Pursuing new eco-design techniques requires the use of innovative technologies that consume less energy and resources for design and manufacturing.
Artificial Intelligence, monitoring, data analysis, and 3D technologies support sustainable processes during the design and production of eco-friendly packaging.
Benefits of eco-design in the development of circular packaging
Without any doubt, eco-design in the development of circular packaging offers a series of benefits that can significantly impact companies and the environment.
Contrary to what many believe, sustainable design is increasingly used due to its significant advantages for companies in terms of social acceptance, cost reduction, and regulatory compliance.
Cost reduction
As previously mentioned, eco-design aims to save on materials through reduction and optimization.
This derives into reduced weight and volume of packaging, benefiting companies that may acquire more economical packaging and optimize shipments.
Additionally, there is significant savings in waste management and efficiency throughout the supply chain, resulting in lower transportation and storage costs.
Improving corporate image
Companies that implement eco-design and sustainability practices are perceived as responsible, environmentally committed companies, which tends to attract a larger consumer base.
This responsibility leads to greater competitiveness and beneficial differentiation within the market.
Regulatory compliance
Companies that choose eco-design and circularity are adapting to current environmental regulations, both national and international.
It is important to note that an increasing number of governments are establishing rules requiring the use of recyclable packaging and banning plastics that hinder the circular economy.
APS: Development of circular solutions
Working under eco-design parameters positions a company in today’s market with values such as environmental and civil responsibility.
In addition to benefiting from enhanced reputation, it can also lead to cost reductions in materials, storage, and product handling. Approaching design from a sustainability perspective attracts conscientious consumers, always keeping any relevant regulations in mind.
At APS, we develop our industrial plastic packaging with two essential aspects in mind. On the one hand, the performance and mechanical characteristics of the packaging, aiming to reduce weight as much as possible, adjusting geometries to maximize mechanical and logistical optimization. On the other hand, ensuring preservation, protection, and interaction with the contained product.
CAD design simulations, CAE testing, and internal lab trials allow us to analyze packaging performance to ensure its proper industrialization. The reliability of our industrial packaging is guaranteed by ADR certification – UN marking – tested in independent laboratories.
Keep learning: UN approved plastic packaging… Is it necessary? Why?
Product development at APS involves integrating environmental criteria into plastic packaging design to minimize impact throughout its lifecycle, from technology and material selection to end-of-life disposal and recyclability. With advanced design, simulation, and prototyping tools, we minimize costs and streamline the industrialization and marketing of new packaging developments.
Based on sustainability criteria and parameters in our design, we strive to offer our clients several benefits, both economically and in terms of environmental responsibility, including:
- Regulatory compliance and risk reduction by staying updated on all new regulations affecting the plastics sector.
- Promotion of recycling and waste reduction.
- Cost savings through material optimization, weight reduction, and the use of recycled materials, directly impacting the Special Tax on Non-Reusable Plastic Packaging.
- Facilitating entry into new markets sensitive to sustainability and circular economy aspects.
- Enhanced product image and reputation.
- Encouraging innovation and contributing ideas to the company to achieve industry leadership.
- Strengthening customer loyalty.
In short, gradually incorporating sustainability aspects in the design of plastic packaging not only provides certain economic benefits and compliance with strict regulations but also fosters innovation and supports the circular economy.
At Alcion Packaging Solutions, we approach our designs with innovation and according to UNE:166002 standards, aiming to achieve sustainability in our plastic packaging solutions for the industrial sector.
Let’s talk!
