COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING

Compostable packaging is the most effective solution to replace disposable plastic, performing the same packaging and storage function with equal efficiency. These packages degrade easily and quickly, reducing environmental impact and waste, as they do not cause the accumulation of rubbish. The requirements for a packaging to be submitted to industrial composting are grouped under the so-called "technical standard UNI EN 13432", a voluntary and agreed standard at European level that defines the standard that a packaging must meet in order to obtain certification in bioplastics, paper, cellulose, or combination of these materials.

The compostability of packaging materials greatly facilitates the management of the end-of-life of the packaging itself, making it compatible with the disposal routes for organic waste: the compostability of the packaging makes it possible to recycle it that otherwise could not happen. Compostable and recyclable packaging are packaging that guarantee safety and quality and meet the needs of a modern market that has as its objectives sustainability and circular economy, aiming to reduce as much as possible the use of non-recyclable materials and to make consumers aware of the consequences of their habits on environmental and individual health.

Source: Ecopackaging

Compostable packaging is a real green turning point in the production sector, allowing the definitive replacement of packaging made of materials that are difficult to reuse and with potentially ecotoxic effects. In addition, a compostable material, as a result of its degradation, is transformed into an accumulation of organic materials (compost) which assume properties and appearance similar to the soil, generally used for fertilization or for repotting of plants and flowers: the richness in organic elements of the compost is, therefore, also able to improve the health and structure of the soil and its availability of nutrients.

Reference

https://valsecchipackaging.com/imballaggi-compostabili-normative/   

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CONTRIBUTION DIVERSIFICATION FOR POLYCOUPLED PACKAGING

The contribution diversification for paper-dominated poly-coupled packaging is an important initiative that represents a further step forward in the modulation of the Conai Environmental Contribution (CAC) according to the actual recycling of packaging in different materials.

The modulation of environmental contributions provided for by the extended liability schemes for producers is indeed one of the cornerstones of the new approach proposed at Community level, to prevent upstream the environmental impact of packaging and promote its careful design. It is therefore one of the most effective levers to prevent the environmental impact of packaging, which Conai promotes within its strategy for the Circular Economy; this is accompanied by initiatives to support companies on the issues of Eco-Design and Design For Recycling.

For the paper industry, the diversification project was initially aimed at improving the efficiency of the process of valorisation of the most complex cellulose-based packaging to be recycled, consolidating and developing collection and selection activities for dedicated recycling,

Source: Ecopackaging

The course includes an experimental phase, of at least 12 months from October 2020, with a new declarative forms with equal environmental contributions, but with a clear distinction of the types of packaging that will be subject to diversification (poly-coupled categories with a paper component of less than 80%).

We remind you that for the purposes of the Conai Environmental Contribution, poly-coupled packaging with paper prevalence (or packaging coupled with other materials) means packaging consisting of two or more materials that cannot be separated manually in a structural way, where the predominant material in terms of weight is paper and the weight of the non-cellulosic material is still more than 5% of the total weight of the packaging.

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/la-diversificazione-contributiva-per-gli-imballaggi-poliaccoppiati-a-prevalenza-carta/

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ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING FOR ICE CREAM

From ice cream for walking through the thermoboxes for ice cream to take away up to the packages in the GDO, the technology marries the environment.

Cartonboard packages (cups, tins and trays) are also an ideal solution for very cold foods and companies in the sector are in step with the times, proposing new packaging easily recyclable in the paper and cardboard supply chain.

Recyclable cellulosic packaging solutions are more and more present in the ice cream way, where the consumer can now choose his favorite taste winking at the environment and making sustainability a primary choice.

Materials are recycled, plastic and paper are major players, as are new patents for compostable materials. 

Companies in this sense are in step with the times, respectful of regulations, prone to product and system certifications as appropriate tools to ensure the quality of the company and reassure users. Between stamps and certifications, therefore, the interest and commitment to invest in eco-frendly for the future is confirmed.

But let’s move on to style. On the one hand it must represent the joy and sweetness of ice cream, with fluo colors, playful patterns and attractive shapes. 

Alongside the more carefree proposals, we find the design choices that make the packaging of ice cream also a trendy decorative element. Black and white, gold and metallic colors, contribute to the style of refined environments.

Source: Ecopackaging

The lines followed by the designers firmly match the new trend of consumption. 

We are approaching a model more in line with the international trend. 

Foods are consumed in the street at any time of the day, ice cream is the protagonist of a break, but it is also a meal replacement during a work break, as well as being a refined dessert to accompany an invitation to dinner. Packaging is asked to respond efficiently to the new needs expressed by the user.

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/il-gelato-si-veste-di-cartoncino/  

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ENVIRONMENTAL LITERATURE

Literature today can only be military for the protection of the environment. It is its first task. Literature should organize a reduction of the weight of man on the planet. And in the end the great literature has always done so. Great literature is intimately ecological.

Comieco has among its institutional commitments to encourage good practices, starting from small individual daily gestures that have important consequences on the community and give life to a virtuous cycle perfect example of circular economy, such as separate collection and recycling of paper and board.

In our country, the combination of books and environment has always been limited to paper, that is, the natural support of words. In fact, there is an even closer link thanks to the success of some publications dedicated to the environment that highlight the growing interest in environmental literature.

On the occasion of the first edition of the Literary Prize Demetra Comieco highlights the attention and interest on sustainability issues also in the literary and - without any pretense of exhaustiveness - proposes a selection of publications that represent the basis of a small green library.

Source:  Life cycle assessment from Botta Packaging

With this spirit and in order to create a real anthology of green works, Comieco invites all citizens to make their contribution by indicating the communication address@comieco.orgthe preferred title, as long as it deals with a specific theme related to sustainability. All literary reports will enrich a real green library.

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/la-biblioteca-green-di-comieco/  

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FOOD PACKAGING DESIGN

The design phase of a packaging does not simply concern the creative dimension but responds to a series of rules, the knowledge of which is essential to be able to create a package that can not only contain but to tell and communicate with the consumer.

It is in this sense that we talk about the structure of packaging because we want to break down packaging into its fundamental parts and assign to each its role, so as to give you the right tools to design effectively.

According to the Italian Packaging Institute "A well-designed packaging has the ability to stimulate the feelings of the consumer by leading it or towards new desires, which the product will promise to satisfy, or towards the search for reassurances, that brand recognition will provide. To guide the user towards the purchase the package must be original but recognizable, but above all it must know how to communicate in a simple and clear.

Source: Eco-sleeve

The areas that make up the structure of the packaging are 3, the front, the back and finally the sides:

The front: performs very important functions such as attracting the consumer, and facilitate the recognition of the brand. It must attract the attention of the consumer.

The back of the packaging: is used to insert information related to legal obligations such as the nutritional table for food. This area might seem less interesting from a design point of view as it is less creative. Instead, especially in recent years the back of the packages is increasingly taking an important role.

Part on the sides: probably the least observed part by consumers, at least when collecting information for the purchase. You can use this part of the packaging to provide advice on the use of the product, suggestions to consume food creatively or to insert other information that helps to build the relationship between the consumer and the company.

Reference

https://istitutoimballaggio.org/     

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HANDBOOK 2021: SOSTAINABLE LOGISTICS AND PACKAGING FOR E-COMMERCE

 Handbook 2021: sustainable logistics and packaging for e-commerce.

                                                                                                                                          

On 11 May 2021, it was presented at the Netcomm Forum 2021, the Handbook 2021.

It is a practical guide for companies that want to develop their own logistic project for ecommerce and new retail. A written guide with the contribution of over fifteen experts and members of the Netcomm Consortium. Comieco also participated in the drafting, with other members.

The main topics addressed concern: order and warehouse management; delivery, return and last mile; packaging; customer care; digital export logistics; multi-channel logistics; marketplace logistics; payment and logistics.

There are sections dedicated to advice for companies and examples of business cases. 

Some of the company examples in the guide are: the Fratelli Carli case; the Easycoop case; the Ebay network etc.

The reason for this guide is linked to the fact that e-commerce is a growing phenomenon.

In fact, e-commerce represents over 12% of the retail market in the world and digital channels influence and guide over 50% of purchasing choices.

Source:  Life cycle assessment from Botta Packaging

Metropolitan areas contribute to growth, with e-commerce penetration rates double the average of the country, but e-commerce has now penetrated all Italian homes.

In this context, logistics and packaging play a primary role. They are the engine of e-commerce, for customers are among the main critical factors in choosing the sites from which to buy. The logistics for the e-commerce is also a true revolution in the revolution of the e-commerce: they change the flows of the goods that are separated from the flows of the orders and also from the mobility of the customers.

Packaging is the key element in customer service, but with the increase in online purchases, Packaging is also increasing and there is an increasing need to find sustainable solutions capable of reducing the impacts of production and optimising recycling and recovery.

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/handbook-2021-logistica-packaging-sostenibili-per-le-commerce-e-il-new-retail/

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PERSONALIZED AND ECOLOGICAL PACKAGING

 PERSONALIZED AND ECOLOGICAL PACKAGING

Packaging can be at the same time personalized, ecological, and also luxury.

As of nowadays, these features are increasingly in demand in the b2b market to packaging companies.

During the custom packaging production process, large volumes allow for greater customization at a lower cost per unit. Quite simply, the larger the order, the more customizable the packaging is.

Customized packaging means that a company can choose the most suitable packaging for its products. You can choose how to customize packaging through colors, shapes, lettering, and specific materials. The cardboard is the material that best meets the needs of consumers, as it can represent a perfect combination of customization and ecology. 

The use of completely recyclable materials, such as paper and cardboard, represents a way for companies to enhance the value of their products. In fact, ecological and personalized packaging is a way not to associate the products with commercial ones and to convey a sense of uniqueness and quality of the good offered.

Source: EcoPackaging

Offering products with a nice and reusable packaging, moreover, has a great impact on customers especially for those with high purchasing power.

A personalized and ecological packaging should pay attention, first of all, to these elements: the use of recycled, recyclable, or compostable material and prints with non-toxic materials.

Botta Packaging is committed to satisfy the most varied requests of consumers, regarding packaging and customization. 

With a quality entirely Made in Italy, the company, for over 70 years, produces corrugated cardboard packaging fully customizable.

Botta packaging represents the perfect combination of tradition and innovation. Through the use of technology, more and more advanced is able to meet the most sophisticated needs of customers, with efficiency and in the shortest possible time.

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