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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 HOW TO SEPARATE PAPER AND CARDBOARD COLLECTION 

Most of the packaging of products we buy in shops or e-commerce involve a large quantity of paper and cardboard. 

Separate your waste in a correct way has become a priory that interests citizens as well as economy and the eco-system in which we live. 

Paper and cardboard involved in the production chain are potentially all recyclables. 

HOW TO RECYCLE PAPER AND CARDBOARD PACKAGING? 

As we known, in order to recycle paper and cardboard it is necessary to separate our waste. Paper recycle with specifics rules and boxes is one of the first initiative that has been introduced in Italy, 

So every individual must contribute with a simple gesture to improve our sustainability. 

Here are some tips that explain ho to do the correct disposal of waste: 

• Less voluminous paper and cardboard waste should be collected in paper bags that can also be recycled or made from new compostable/biodegradable plastics.

• All types of cardboard packaging, even if coloured, can be disposed of in the paper collection.

• It is important to eliminate other materials such as paper tape and plastic inserts in order to make the content visible. 

• Boxes and very big boxes must be crushed and folded in order to occupy less space. 

WHAT NEVER THROW IN PAPER RECYCLING CONTAINERS 

Source: Eco Packaging

It is forbidden to throw paper and cardboard together with the following materials: 

• Photographs and films. 

• Plastic paper cups and plates. 

• Dirty or greasy paper. 

• Oiled paper. 

• Paper kiln. 

• Dirty napkins (if they are in pure cellulose, they can be disposed of in the damp, if they are textile fibres they go in to the undifferentiated). 

• Receipts, invoices and receipts in chemical/copying paper.

• Paper and paperboard containers containing chemicals or harmful substances. 

• Clean pizza cartons (if very dirty or greasy, they should be disposed of in the undifferentiated).

Sources:

https://www.waltermarketing.it/index.php/blog/11-marketing/24-il-futuro-dei-packaging-e-degli-imballi.html

https://blog.ratioform.it/scatole-e-imballaggi-in-carta-e-cartone-sai-fare-la-differenziata/

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PACKAGING AND MARKETING

Packaging and advertising go hand in hand. In fact, as already described in several articles, the communicative function of packaging has now assumed a strategic role both for the sale of the product and for the advertising of the brand.

For this reason packaging is commonly called silent salesman (silent seller) because, if properly designed, it represents the first factor of choice, often decisive, for buyers as well as the iconic symbol of the company, like for example the bottle of Coca-Cola and that of Campari Soda. The box has therefore become a real communicating form that does not just contain and protect the product but tells it by advertising, at the same time, the brand. This communicative function has made the link between packaging and advertising indissoluble, so much so that the boxes themselves have often been the protagonists of numerous advertising campaigns.

Source: Botta Packaging

Over time, the promotional function of the packaging has extended well beyond the corporate advertising strategies to become one of the most used tools in personal branding programs of freelancers. Marketing strategies used to advertise their work and skills in an original and impact way, while maintaining customer loyalty.

However, personal branding is not the only form of professional promotion that favours the combined use of packaging and advertising. Very often, in fact, creative and professionals rely on packaging design even for private self-promotion actions that do not aim at branding. A creative solution, far from the classic business cards, that can make the difference within a highly competitive job market.

Reference

https://blog.pack.ly/it/packaging-e-pubblicita-scatola-promozionale/  

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 INNOVATIVE PACKAGING AS A MARKETING TOOL

Innovation in packaging plays a key role in the success of consumer products. The main explanation for this phenomenon is that packaging plays a fundamental role in buying choices. It is a main vehicle of choice in terms of both innovation and product differentiation. 

For the consumer, it is difficult to evaluate the innovation achieved at the level of the intrinsic dimensions of the product. Therefore, purchase choices are, to a greater extent, driven by packaging.

Product differentiation strategies in mature markets are supported by packaging. An original and innovative packaging is able to constitute a competitive advantage for the company and to give more value to the brand. Many products, of widely established brands, have achieved success in terms of quality and uniqueness of the product, also thanks to innovative packaging.

First of all, packaging has the task of protecting and preserving products for longer. The importance of this factor is fundamental, especially in the field of fresh products. It is well known by now, the growing attention of consumers to issues such as quality, sustainability, and traceability within the supply chain process.

Source: Innovative packaging

Secondly, the packaging is a strategic player in terms of marketing. Innovative and attractive packaging is fundamental to guide consumers in their purchasing choices.

In fact, the packaging is the first point of contact between product and consumer. The company through a packaging created ad hoc for its products can 'convince' customers to buy the good offered. 

The packaging is able to communicate the company's values and to give identity and uniqueness to the product offered.

The factors that must be leveraged to make an innovative packaging are related first of all to the graphics, i.e. size, colors, and type of graphics. Secondly, it is necessary to leverage on the textual part, that is the components that concern the information about the product.

Reference

http://archives.marketing-trends-congress.com/2007/Materiali/Paper/It/Cristini_Sabbadin.pdf

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MOBILITY SUSTAINABILITY

The concept of sustainability is also connected to urban mobility.

Nowadays, awareness of thinking about a new transport organization, as well as the relation between human and transport connection has increased. 

The problems that are arising are:

• the increase in goods to be transported, due to the current and future growth of population;

• the world pandemic, which is hampering the reaching of sustainable aims;

• the insistence on reaching decarbonisation aim by concrete actions;

• circularity and supply of resources. 

Therefore, mobility has suggested and is implementing such ideas in order to solve the problem. 

According to the study of Mobility Future, 49% of transfers will be green by 2030 thanks to sharing mobility. Indeed, 40% of people are inclined to use more innovative transport solutions.

Europan Community has proposed electric car in order to reduce polluting emissions by 40% by 2030. Indeed, a calculating tool of Transport&Environment has shown that the CO2 emissions of the electric car in Europe are three times less than petrol or diesel-powered car. 

In the meanwhile, Mercedes and BMW are proposing alternative forms of propulsion based on hydrogen and cobalt. Such materials can be recycled once they have become unserviceable.

Besides, less polluting and recycled materials are favoured for vehicle interiors or components. For example, the car manufacturer BMW offers seat covers made from chrome-free olive leaves, while Mercedes uses fabric made from recycled PET bottles. Also, tyres are made from sustainable natural rubber and car mats from econyl or recycled plastic. 

Source:  Life cycle assessment from Botta Packaging

Thanks to technological advances, projects for autonomous driving, connectivity and smart cities are gaining ground. 5G connectivity will enable cars to 'talk' to each other and urban infrastructures (street lighting, vertical signs, asphalt with chips), thanks to sensors capable of sending data, which will be useful for their coordination. 

Health & safety areas will also be enhanced and play an increasingly important role in ensuring the safety of passengers in vehicles. 

In conclusion, the importance of mobility sustainability is fundamental in order to protect humans. 

Reference

https://summit.movinonconnect.com/combats/transport-efficiency/

https://specialistudio.corriere.it/vodafone-business-lab/trend-mobilita/

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Packaging for flowers and plants

In the spring of 2021, characterized by new restrictions, unlike last spring, it is allowed retail sale of flowers and plants so you can shop directly at shops and nurseries. This allows you to personally choose the floral gift to give or give yourself, and once at home we can independently organize the shipment.

Many companies have developed and implemented, during the lockdown months, the online sale of flowers and plants and have chosen paper and cardboard packages for deliveries throughout Italy and Europe, to guarantee the protection of cut flowers and potted plants.

To ensure that the fresh flowers and plants arrive at their destination in perfect condition, whether it is a shipment, but also in case of transport for a trip or move, you should know that the cardboard can be of great help.

Practical advice:

• Come with cardboard box, you can also use your own packaging if these are solid with intact edges;

• lock the flowers inside the box: use corrugated cardboard clamps and dividers to lock the product;

• better to add directional arrows externally on the packaging indicating the direction to be respected;

• to prevent ground loss from the pot, cover it with cardboard discs;

• do not water the soil, the water may leak and cause damage to the product and packaging;

• verify that the weight and size of the package meet the size limits of the shipping service used;

• always carry the label on the package.

Although the horticulture industry has lived and is experiencing very difficult months, the market has not stopped and has found new channels compared to traditional sales in shops and nurseries, innovative method so much appreciated by the consumer who recorded a surge in online sales started during the quarantine and continued in the following months.

Source: Botta Packaging

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/fiori-e-piante-boom-degli-acquisti-online/

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PACKAGING FOR STARTUP

Packaging is one of the most important communication tools to reach the target audience effectively, increase sales and present themselves to the best of customers, distributors or potential investors.

It is important to design the packaging from the early stages of a project because it is an integral part of the product. It represents an investment within the reach of small and large companies and is not an additional cost.

However, it is not always easy and it is not always cheap to order small quantities or a realistic and high quality prototype of paper packaging. Relying on Botta means having the possibility to customize your packaging, according to your requests.

A printing service without minimum order offers several advantages:

- Validating the product. Launching a new product is a bet for any company, big or small. Before investing time and resources in a project it is good to validate the idea by collecting the first impressions of potential customers

- Testing different designs or shapes.

- Presenting yourself in a professional manner. The first impression is the one that counts: presented with a box of professional quality, because your customer will evaluate the product starting from the package in which he receives it.

- Adapt to communication needs. Good packaging must be able to adapt to market developments and marketing and communication needs, which sometimes necessitate a temporary change in the characteristics of the text and the graphics of the box.

Source: Botta Packaging

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SUSTAINABLE FOOD DELIVERY

Food delivery in Italy is constantly increasing: thanks to the pandemic, more and more citizens have resorted to take-away food. This makes the need to use packaging that is easy to recycle more pressing. A need that involves the entire chain: merchants that through the adoption of recyclable packs can be carriers of values such as sustainability and recyclability.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Glovo, multi-category home delivery platform, in partnership with Corepla (National Consortium for the Collection, Recycling and Recovery of Plastic Packaging), Comieco (National Consortium for the Recovery and Recycling of Cellulosic Packaging), Coreve (National Consortium for the collection, recycling and recovery of glass packaging waste) and CIAL (National Consortium for Aluminium Packaging) announces the launch of the Environmental Protocol for Recycling, with the aim of raising awareness of all the actors involved in the supply chain of delivery - from commercial operators to the final customer - on the proper disposal of the materials that make up an order.

Source: Botta Packaging

With the separate collection made by millions of Italian citizens and the daily work that the National Consortia carry out with the municipalities and companies delegated to the management of urban waste, in the last year in Italy was started to recycle 71% of the packaging used. A result that places our country among the best in Europe.

The Protocol provides for the creation of a dedicated web page within the Glovo Store, a virtual store made available to the commercial partners of the platform, where it can be purchased the packaging necessary for delivery and take-away services. Within the web page, will be provided useful advice and good practices for the proper disposal of packaging processed by the Consortia in reference to the different materials.At a later stage will apply a QR code on the bags Glovo, that will allow customers to easily and quickly access the web page and related information.

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/food-delivery-sostenibile-i-consorzi-di-filiera-e-glovo-danno-vita-ad-un-protocollo-ambientale-per-il-riciclo-degli-imballaggi/

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