_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Packaging
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As we enter the second half of 2024 , the packaging industry is amid a redefining era , driven by escalating demands for sustainability and efficiency . This year , particularly on the eve of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation ’ s ( PPWR ) implementation in Europe , packaging materials are under an increasingly bright spotlight .
Thankfully , practices across the industry are keeping pace with change , innovating lighter , stronger materials that allow brand owners to satisfy consumer demands , meet ever-changing regulations and maximize sustainability efforts , all at the same time .
Constant change
Achieving material efficiency requires continuous innovation , looking to rework and revisit the ways in which we utilize existing materials and how we combine them with new ones .
The PPWR aims to push this forward , mandating a range of tactics to reduce empty space and volume to tackle unnecessary waste head-on . Beyond just cutting down on waste the regulation introduces labelling requirements to support recycling efforts and sets ambitious targets for reuse .
For brand owners and packaging manufacturers alike , this means a dual focus on compliance and innovation , finding new ways to fit existing needs .
Consumer-driven
In recent years , consumers too have become increasingly concerned about the effects of packaging waste , making sustainability not only a regulatory concern , but a reputational one . In fact , more than half of consumers place recycling at the top of the list to reduce the impacts of climate change . Thereby increasing the onus on brand owners to ensure their packaging meets their consumers ’ demands , or risk being left behind .
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