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The continuing industry pivot towards lightweighting has set a new standard for packaging material
But in reality , consumer demands don ’ t always ring true . For example , despite growing numbers ( 55 percent ) saying they ’ ll pay more for more sustainable products , in the face of a continued cost of living crisis , the industry isn ’ t always seeing this translate into sales . On the reusable front , almost a quarter of consumers agree that it would take too much effort to return packaging to the point of purchase , leaving retailers questioning the validity of their schemes .
It ’ s clear then , alongside a perception of doing better by the environment , cost and convenience are crucial for consumers , with many considering them a necessity rather than a luxury . So , brand owners have a tricky line to walk , finding a balance between the latest innovations in packaging materials while ensuring these changes don ’ t feel too radical for their customers , helping them to make greener choices with little extra thought .
Doing more with less
The continuing industry pivot towards lightweighting has set a new standard for packaging material , putting an emphasis on resource efficiency without compromising material effectiveness . As well as meeting environmental regulations , lightweighting also brings with it several benefits . Allowing brand owners to reap economic rewards by getting the most out of all materials used , while reaffirming their commitment to sustainability , making a significant impact on waste reduction and resource conservation .
Emerging renewable materials , such as microfibrillated cellulose ( MFC ) are already contributing to these increasing demands .
MFC is a 100 percent renewable wood fiber-based material that can be used to strengthen fiber-based packaging materials to increase durability without significantly increasing weight .
And , standing at the forefront of environmental trends , Stora Enso was the first company to successfully launch a commercial paperboard packaging material including MFC almost a decade ago . By pushing the boundaries of what ’ s possible , today packaging material that incorporates MFC minimizes material thickness while maximizing performance .
Since 2015 , MFC has been redefining packaging material capabilities , but now ’ s not the time to rest on our laurels .
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