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Many of our goods arrive in packages in a variety of sizes. In Belgium, fully 750,000 tons of company packaging entered the market in 2019 - a huge impact on the environment. The good news? Reusable packaging is becoming increasingly popular. By thinking smart, you can really make a difference here.
The Green Deal Packaged Differently is showing the way. Since 2021, it has created fertile ground to avoid more new packaging and reuse existing packaging. As such, the focus is shifting from collection and recycling of disposables to innovative distribution and consumption models. A mission that requires collaboration throughout the chain, including buyers.
Circular strategies
Objective 1: reduce total quantity of materials
- Is packaging necessary? Goods obviously need to be protected, but ask yourself if you really need every layer of packaging. Laptops can be delivered in tote bags; bulk goods do not need to be individually packed.
- Reusable packaging: in your specifications, stipulate packaging that can be used again and again. This can include boxes, containers for collection, as well as packaging around the products themselves. Ideally, the supplier will take them back for reuse.
- Minimal use of materials in design: the dimensions of packaging should correspond to the contents inside. That way, you avoid unnecessary material and transporting empty space.
Objective 2: Reduce non-renewable virgin input
- More recycled: discuss with suppliers what is possible in terms of recycled material. Differentiate between material from consumers and from factories.
- More bio-based: paper, cardboard or bioplastics are often a good alternative to traditional plastic. Bear in mind that recycling is crucial, because production and transport are energy-intensive.
- Optimise logistics: set requirements for transport (vehicles, number of deliveries, routes, etc.).
Objective 3: maximise potential reuse of product (or parts)
- Standard design: Standardised packaging is practical for logistics and reuse. Just make sure the content fits inside.
- Arrange take-back: stipulate in your contract that the supplier will take back packaging for reuse.
- Reversed logistics: when your supplier collects old products, get them taken back in empty reusable packaging.
Objective 4: maximise potential reuse of material
- Take-back and recycling: request that the supplier take back packaging for recycling. You can also enter into a contract with an authorised collector yourself. Ask for guarantees of high-end recycling.
- Avoid toxic substances: toxic substances such as inks and plasticizers make recycling difficult. Beware of packaging from outside the EU: REACH does not always apply there.
- Insight into materials: choose single-material packaging or packaging with parts that are easily separable (not glued or stapled). The composition should ideally be stated on the package.
Criteria
- Flemish government: generic packaging criterion
- Federal criteria cardboard products: overview of labels and environmental management systems for cardboard and paper
- SRPP criteria tool: clearly defined requirements and award criteria
- OVAM: regulations for food contact packaging, plus legislation for beverage and food packaging for event organisers and local authorities
