RECYCLABILITY

Recyclability is the first requirement for sustainable packaging.

A packaging is recyclable when it can be processed effectively and efficiently to allow the reuse of its cellulosic fibres through the most widely used paper production technologies.

The recyclability of a predominantly cellulosic packaging is not a foregone conclusion, for example, it must be tested, even in single-material solutions, that the glues and inks used are not an obstacle to the recycling process. In the same way, and all the more so, recyclability must be tested in the case of packaging which combines with other materials.

The growing interest of the consumer for the issues of sustainability of packaging pushes companies to a deepening on the recyclability of materials that therefore must be measured analytically through laboratory tests. Assessing the composition of packaging and its components and constituents is fundamental to designing and creating a packaging that is truly eco-sustainable and circular.

Source: Botta Packaging

The paper industry has identified methods of analysis for the determination of recyclability, the result of which allows producers and users of predominantly cellulosic materials or products to communicate to their customers the level of recyclability of materials or products, enhancing the characteristics of eco-sustainability.

The Aticelca 501/19 system is a voluntary evaluation method, carried out by Aticelca with the contribution of Assocarta, Assografici and Comieco and the technical support of Innovhub and Lucense, able to determine the level of recyclability of predominantly cellulosic materials and products (paper and cardboard), based on a laboratory analysis developed since 2011 and became standard UNI 11743:2019 in April 2019.

Reference

https://www.comieco.org/innovazione/  

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Green Housing

Green Housing is a kind of housing that has been intended to be sustainable and ecologically friendly, strives to utilize energy, water, and construction materials in an effective manner

It is a housing constructed to save energy or water, while also providing a better interior environment, less trash, and more eco-friendly materials. This protects the environment and employees from the impact of raw materials. There are now environmentally friendly and resource-efficient structures in the manufacturing sector that are expected to be an essential component of the industry in the future.

 

Sustainable elements, such as energy and water efficiency, are included in green construction to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and nonrenewable resources. The creation of less trash while providing a better living environment for the environment is possible with green raw materials. 

 

The advantages of environmentally-friendly buildings;

 

Researchers have shown that improved building and indoor air quality result in lower rates of respiratory illnesses.Environment-friendly - Uses resources like electricity and water, which are very scarce, for packaging goods. It also conserves natural resources, such as renewable resources. Waste efficiency, reuse, and recycling are all forms of reducing waste and conserving natural resources.

 

Increased revenue - This benefitted both end-user and developer customers. The cost of LEED certification ranges between two and five percent of the overall cost of a project.

Source:  Life cycle assessment from Botta Packaging

 

Social Benefits: Improve the quality of life for occupants by increasing their health and comfort while using low-carbon-footprint technologies. 

 

Environmental advantages —Reduces environmental waste quantity. It also contributes to natural resources conservation and thus improves the preservation of biodiversity and the quality of ecosystems.

 

These kinds of buildings are the new ways that contribute to the sustainability of the environment. Let’s welcome them with open arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sources

External links

https://www.usgbc.org/leed

https://www.frbsf.org/community-development/files/frasercook.pdf

Picture link

https://unsplash.com/photos/0NJ9urGXrIg

 

 

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PAPER PACKAGING IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

Food packaging enables the safe and sanitary storage of food and drinks. When heated, some types of packaging, such as plastics and styrofoam, may emit chemicals that are hazardous to the consumer. The food business has since sorted through packaging options to identify the most suitable and least damaging. Paper is one of the most appropriate packaging materials for use in the food business, as determined through research and innovation. Paper bags, sacks, corrugated boxes, paperboard cartons, and wrapping paper are all composed of paper and are used in the food packaging business. However, they come in a variety of grades. Paper that comes into direct touch with food must be treated, coated, and filled with waxes and resins. This field of research and development has resulted in the creation of many distinct kinds of paper utilized in this sector.

Parchment Paperis a cellulose-based composite that has been treated to provide non-stick, grease resistance, and resistance to the humid state characteristics. They are often used in baking and are therefore referred to as baking paper. These papers are extensively used in the food sector and many homes.

Corrugated boxesare constructed from two layers of kraft paper and corrugated fluting paper. They are extremely recyclable, biodegradable, and constructed from renewable materials. They are used to transport bulk food goods such as fruits and vegetables, as well as case packing retail food products.

Paper board cartons:These are used to transport food products such as cereal and crackers. They are often slender and light in weight. Additionally, they are recyclable and biodegradable.

Paper bags and sacksare likewise composed of several layers of kraft paper and are used to package groceries and powdered foods such as sugar and flour. Additionally, they are 100% recyclable and biodegradable.

BOTTA Packaging manufactures these types of food packaging. We suggest that you visit the company's website at https://www.botta.it/.

 

Source: Eco-paper inner packaging from Botta packaging

Sources

https://pgpaper.com/types-of-paper-used-for-packaging/

https://www.ppec-paper.com/packaging-types/

https://www.metsatissue.com/en/brands-products/baking-cooking-papers/paper-differencies/Pages/default.aspx

 

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Why is Fast Fashion a Problem?

 

Fast fashion is about fashionable, inexpensive clothing that can be produced quickly. Because of its pricing and coolness, the brand appeals to the public. They are popular for a short period, then go out of style. A lot of manufacturing is done in this sector to keep up with the rising numbers of attractive new designs and demand. At a price that is quite inexpensive, the item does not have a high level of quality and is discarded soon. Without proper disposal management, they wind up in landfills, making the problem worse for the environment. The strong demand for these kinds of clothing encourages the production of more products which adds to the problem.

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/OYYE4g-I5ZQ

In a business context, it is a very high-profit margin industry, but from an ethical viewpoint, it is not appropriate. The ill-effects of rapid fashion on the environment are responsible for this. It has a massive environmental effect on both the manufacturing and disposal processes. Fabric dyes, hazardous chemicals, and a significant amount of energy and resources are required to produce the garments. Typically, polyester fabrics that are utilized in this sector emit microfiber plastic whenever they are cleaned. Non-biodegradable microplastic may potentially be found in our waterways, and as a result, it could harm the lives of aquatic life and the lives of humans as well.

They are also a source of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon emissions are emitted when transporting products from manufacturers to retail locations. Subsequently, these incidents take place once again in the hands of the customer.  Because of the large amount of this kind of clothes being required, the rate of transportation for this type of clothing is also increasing.

Fast fashion is all the trend, but it is also accelerating environmental damage. To protect our planet, let's search for alternatives to this.

Sources

External links

https://healthyhumanlife.com/blogs/news/what-is-fast-fashion

https://www.treehugger.com/fast-fashion-environmental-ethical-issues-4869800#citation-3

 

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ADVANTAGES OF REUSABLE PACKAGES

Reusable packaging is made of sturdy materials and is specially intended to be used for many journeys and to last for an extended period. Throughout the packaging's lifetime, it is frequently reused, examined, and repaired to be reintroduced into the supply chain. The use of reusable packaging has several advantages for your business.

For starters, reusable packaging may help you save money on waste disposal. Because they are not single-use and may be reused many times, they help to minimize and save the money, time, and energy that would have been spent on the disposal of their waste if they were single-use. It also contributes to a reduction in the quantity of waste produced by them.

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/TE_fvX7fhD8

More significantly, it saves the energy and materials that would have been used to manufacture new ones. As a result, they contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Because they are reusable, businesses would not need to request the production of more packets, which would aid in the reduction of their carbon impact.

As a bonus, reusable packaging removes the requirement for your company to expand its storage capacity by buying additional packaging. By using reusable packaging, you may avoid dedicating a significant amount of space in your warehouses to the storage of packing materials. Additionally, it will help you in reducing your expenditures.

Furthermore, it serves as a fantastic marketing tool for your company's operations. As a result, it will increase customer interest in your goods while also making your business more appealing to them. Those that are concerned about their environmental effect prefer to conduct business with businesses that are concerned about their environmental impact.

Due to these advantages, companies should move their businesses towards this direction to be more sustainable.

Reference

https://www.globaltranz.com/reusable-packaging/

https://www.cosmofilms.com/blog/benefits-of-reusable-packaging/

https://boxaroundtheworld.com/benefits-of-reusable-packaging/

 

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A NEW VISION

Circular economy refers to a type of economy designed to be able to regenerate itself. This economy is in contrast to the linear economy, and its "take, make, dispose" model. Circular economy is based on the principle that the waste of a company becomes a resource for someone else, with sustainability as the main focus. 

Linear V. Circular economy

In a linear economy system, this does not happen: once consumption ends, so does the life cycle of the product, which becomes waste and must therefore be managed, consuming additional resources for disposal. 

Circular economy is an economic system designed to be self-regenerating, in which materials of biological origin are intended to be reintegrated into the biosphere, and technical materials must be designed to be revalued without entering the biosphere. Circular economy promotes a better use of resources based on the use of products rather than consumption and is characterized by the extension of the life cycle of products that leads to a valorization of waste.

What can a company do?

With this in mind, BOTTA Packaging is committed to the struggle towards a circular economy because cardboard is circular by nature: made from renewable sources, recyclable and biodegradable. We try not only to create recyclable products but also to raise awareness on reuse and recover properly after use. By doing so, a mechanism whereby you increase recycled content and post-consumer waste is created. Reducing the need for raw materials, emissions, and pollution are important for us. 

This virtuous circle created thanks to a circular economy has been completely absorbed by BOTTA Packaging, which is committed to improving on a daily basis in order to offer consumers products that are increasingly in line with this new vision. BOTTA Packaging is committed in paying greater attention to sustainability at all stages and widespread its vision.

Recycle is the key!

Among the company's products, Corrugated Cardboard represents the emblem of circular economy. It is 100% recyclable, biodegradable, and produced from renewable sources.  Corrugated cardboard lends itself to being recycled and reused in different ways. Recycled fibers make up 88% of the raw material with which new packaging is made. 

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CRADLE TO CRADLE

 

What is cradle to cradle?

The Cradle to Cradle model refers to the idea of the circular economy, which involves a way of producing and consuming that is based on principles of sustainability. The circular economy requires products to be as durable and efficient as possible. As a result, the goal is to drastically reduce the production of waste. Even products that have lost their original function and would appear to be no longer usable are actually made of materials that can be reused.

From this perspective, we move from a linear model that ends in the dustbin, with products from cradle to grave, to a circular system, which presents goods from cradle to cradle. Compared to the linear model, the Cradle to Cradle model, after the phases of choice of raw materials, design, production, distribution, and consumption, provides two more steps: collection and recycling, which are missing in the cradle to grave model.

A new approach!

More specifically, the Cradle to Cradle model, also defined as "regenerative design" is an innovative and sustainable approach to product creation. Cradle to cradle models, therefore, aim to create a sustainable system that is respectful of life and future generations, as the name suggests, from the birth, or "cradle" of one generation to the next.

What can we do?

The concept of Cradle to Cradle, suggests that it is possible to return to a model of the design of some materials providing for their reintegration into nature once their use is over. This new model also proposes that it is possible to transform the sale of some products into a donation of services, a sort of ecological leasing able on the one hand to use better materials (because more reasoned and durable) and on the other to minimize costs.

BOTTA Packaging is very sensitive to the theme of Circular Economy and the Cradle to Cradle model. For this reason, the products are all aimed at recycling, to give paper and cardboard a new life, and to continue the path not towards the grave but new reuse.

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ITALY ON TOP

 In Italy, we are adopting different strategies and regulations to become a greener country.   There’s still so much to be done to become 100% sustainable. We are making significant progress, but we have to hurry and continue to move forward to solve this urgent environmental problem.  

Italy on top for recycling

However, our country has been recognized as the best among European countries for recycling. 

On March 17th, was celebrated world recycling day, an event born to promote recycling and raise awareness among citizens about our planet’s prevention. 

Recycling champions around Europe

On this day, GreenItaly report by Symbola foundation came out, reporting, in percentages, which among European countries are most committed to recycling; and surprisingly, Italy won first place!

As a European champion, we recycle 79.3% of waste, ahead of France (55.8%) and United Kingdom (50.5%), and our score is above the European average of 39.2%. 

If we speak about quantity, Italy ranks second after Germany, recycling 56.4 million tons of waste compared to 72.4 million tons of waste recycled in Germany (but still on the podium): 26 million of waste, the majority, are recycled plastic, glass, wood, and textiles; 14 million is mixed waste; 6 million is organic and green waste and 1.7 million are chemicals. Yet, another achievement to be proud of.

SDGs

Having achieved these results, Italy has already reached and overcome the goals imposed by the European Union set for 2030: recycling 65% of waste by 2025 and reach 70% by 2030. 

The effort of raising awareness, both to citizens and companies, is slowly beginning to bear its fruit. During the last five years, more than 400,000 Italian companies have focused and changed their production on green products, technologies, and packaging, about 1 in 3, and this helps to achieve the sustainable development goals set in the 2030 Agenda. 

What's next?

Although there’s still a long way to go, we are on the right track, and now all we need to do is get involved and engage ourselves, even more. 

 Choose to adopt packaging made out of papers such as cardboard boxes and other eco-packaging solutions could be one way to safeguard or planet and increase recycling rates; thus cardboard is circular by nature: from renewable resources, recyclable and biodegradable. 👉To know more click here

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Diminuzione impatto ambientale: il problema della plastica in mare

Una delle sfide più grandi da affrontare è la diminuzione impatto ambientale, lo smaltimento scorretto della plastica porta a delle conseguenze nel nostro Pianeta.

Secondo uno studio di Science Advances la produzione della plastica nel Mondo è aumentata dai 2 milioni ai 380 milioni di tonnellate dal 1950 al 2015.

La plastica viene utilizzata quotidianamente da ogni individuo, ed è ancora impensabile riuscire a eliminarla completamente per favorire la diminuzione impatto ambientale.

In questi anni solo il 20% della plastica prodotta è stata riciclata correttamente o incenerita e il rimanente 80% è presente sul suolo terreste o nei mari. La maggior parte dei rifiuti che è presente nel mare proviene dagli scarichi urbani e dai fiumi o viene portata dal vento, il resto è prodotto dalla navi che attraversano i mari, come imbarcazioni turistiche o navi mercantili o anche pescherecci.

La grande presenza di bottiglie, reti da pesca, sacchetti in plastica nel mare non permette diminuzione impatto ambientale e provoca danni anche per gli animali che abitano negli Oceani e nei mari. La plastica viene scambiata per cibo per gli animali e a causa di questo ci sono molte specie a rischio; il 52% delle tartarughe marine scambia accidentalmente la plastica, ormai di piccole dimensioni, in plancton e questo porta a delle conseguenze per questi animali.

La plastica è un materiale che se non viene smaltito correttamente o riciclato può essere molto dannoso per il nostro Pianeta. Ogni individuo per poter combattere contro l’uso di questo materiale può migliorare le proprie abitudini, seguendo la regola delle 4R:

 

–        - Ridurre: utilizzare prodotti alternativi alla plastica.

–        - Riusare: riutilizzare prodotti invece che buttarli.

–        - Riciclare: fare la raccolta differenziata in modo corretto.

–        - Recuperare: inventare un nuovo utilizzo per i prodotti.

 

Avere un comportamento più consapevole sul corretto smaltimento della plastica o sulla riduzione del suo utilizzo e di usare Eco-Prodotti che mantengono invariate le performance porta a una diminuzione impatto ambientale. Questo è importante soprattutto per favorire la diminuzione dell’inquinamento della plastica nei mari e aiutare gli animali che ci vivono.

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UTILIZZARE IL PACKAGING ECOSOSTENIBILE: CARATTERISTICHE E BENEFICI

Negli ultimi anni si è sentito parlare molto dei problemi riguardanti l’inquinamento e dell’importanza di ridurre l’impatto ambientale per salvaguardare il nostro Pianeta. Una soluzione per poter ridurre l’impatto ambientale per le aziende che utilizzano imballaggi per le loro attività è quella di utilizzare un Packaging ecosostenibile. Ma quali sono le caratteristiche? Quali sono i benefici ambientali derivanti dal suo utilizzo?

Per prima cosa il packaging di un prodotto deve preservare la sua sicurezza e la sua integrità durante il trasporto, fino ad arrivare al consumatore finale. Le funzioni principali del packaging sono la protezione del prodotto e la possibilità di dare un grande valore aggiunto all’azienda grazie  al materiale di composizione e al design. Per questo motivo utilizzare un packaging ecosostenibile permette di avere le stesse caratteristiche e funzionalità, rispetto a un altro tipo di packaging e di avere un miglior livello reputazionale agli occhi dei clienti, e cosa più importante porta enormi benefici per l’ambiente.

Il Packaging ecosostenibile deve avere alcune caratteristiche che possono essere riassunte in questo modo:

-        - Deve avere prestazioni efficienti e un costo non elevato;

-        - Deve ottimizzare l’uso di materiali rinnovabili o riciclabili;

-     - Deve portare benefici, come sicurezza, benessere e comodità a chi lo utilizza durante il ciclo di vita del prodotto;;

-        - Deve essere fatto con materiali sostenibili durante tutto il suo ciclo di vita;

-        - Deve essere poi riutilizzato per la produzione di nuovi prodotti;

-     - Deve essere creato per ottimizzare i materiali che lo costituiscono per diminuire il consumo di energia durante la produzione..

In questi termini il CONAI, Consorzio Nazionale Imballaggi ha sottolineato sette leve di prevenzione che bisognerebbe seguire per ridurre gli impatti ambientali degli imballaggi: possibilità di riutilizzare il prodotto, risparmio di materia prima utilizzata, utilizzo del materiale recuperato e/o riciclato, rendere più facile le attività di riciclo, ottimizzare la logistica, semplificazione del sistema di imballo e ottimizzazione dei sistemi produttivi.

Utilizzando quindi un Packaging ecosostenibile si può diminuire l’impatto ambientale mantenendo invariate le funzionalità e l’efficienza, si può diminuire lo spreco di materia prima utilizzata e si può diminuire l’inquinamento producendo meno rifiuti riutilizzando così i materiali.

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