FEFCO reports further drop in carbon footprint of corrugated packaging
Packaging and its relationship with the environment is a subject that continually occupies the minds of many people, some more informed than others. Packaging is still widely seen as an ecological bête noire by green campaigners, but many in the business are working hard to improve both its image and its actual physical impact.
Recent positive industry stories have included an EU proposal to launch a voluntary code for producers of plastic packaging designed to reduce the levels of plastic waste; plans by Ecover to make its bottles out of plastic waste reclaimed from the sea; and supermarket chain Waitrose is apparently investing in a scheme to develop the use of Welsh ryegrass in packaging products for the food and cosmetics industries.
Corrugated packaging is not just the most popular of packaging materials, but is also already one of the greener ones around, being mostly made up of recycled materials as well as being fully reusable, recyclable and degradable. But those impressive credentials don’t mean that its manufacturers are being complacent.
In fact, FEFCO (European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers) has recently reported that over the three years from 2008-2011, the CO2 footprint of corrugated packaging has been reduced by 4.8%. That follows on from an even more impressive 11.7% drop between 2006 and 2008.
The bulk of this reduction has come about because of a more efficient use of energy in the manufacturing processes, meaning that kraftliner producers have had to buy considerably less electricity than previously.
At the same time, the average amount of recycled fibres used in new corrugated has risen from 82% in 2009 to 85% in 2012.
As one of the country’s leading packaging supplies companies, Davpack takes its environmental responsibilities seriously – our latest catalogue, for example, gives clear information on which of our products are recycled, recyclable, degradable and reusable.
We are particularly proud to offer perhaps the biggest range of in-stock cardboard boxes in the UK, allowing Davpack customers to purchase as many or as few as they need at a time. Such flexibility means you can plan your purchasing in the way that’s most efficient for your business. It also allows you to quickly source the most effective carton for your product, thus reducing the need for extraneous packaging such as loose fill and bubble wrap.
Buying just the right-sized packaging also reduces material waste, and our brown corrugated cartons are generally made from at least 80% recycled material.
In an ideal world, perhaps, we’d have no need for packaging at all. But as long as fragile or easily damaged goods need to be transported around the country (and, indeed, around the world), we’re going to need something strong and reliable to put them in to keep them safe. Consumers demand that the greenest and most cost effective solution should always be to the fore when companies plan their packaging, and that solution will often be corrugated board and cardboard boxes.
For the biggest choice and the best deals in corrugated packaging, you need look no further than Davpack. Find out more by calling our Sales team on 0844 800 9844 or by visiting our website at www.davpack.co.uk.
Remy Courtois
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