Packaging: a global challenge for the environment?

Cardboard, plastic and paper are often described as “bad for the environment”, but do we really understand why? By analyzing the stages of manufacture, use and recycling, we can better understand their environmental impact and look for more sustainable alternatives.

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What does packaging mean?

在進一步了解之前，我們必須先定義"包裝」。它是指用於包裝和包裹產品的 所有技術。
它的作用是多方面的：首先，它可以保護產品，告知消費者，其次，通過吸引消費者的注意力和傳達品牌形象來發揮營銷作用。

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How is the carbon footprint of a packaging calculated?

To calculate the carbon footprint of a packaging, several factors are analyzed:

• Raw materials used : Extracting and processing natural resources consumes a great deal of energy.‍
• The manufacturing process: Production plants generate greenhouse gas emissions.‍
• 運輸： 將包裝運送至消費者手中也會產生溫室氣體排放。
• The life cycle: This encompasses the length of use, the possibility of reuse and the recycling process.

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Alarming figures on packaging use

Studies reveal the extent of the environmental impact of packaging, particularly cardboard.

According to Planetoscope., 2,550 kg of cardboard packaging is used every second worldwide. This equates to billions of cartons every year, to which other materials are often added to protect the products inside, amplifying the environmental impact.

In 2022 alone, 414 million tonnes of paper and cardboard will be consumed worldwide.

Plastic, although easy to produce, is one of the most polluting materials. 1 kg of plastic emits 3.5 kg of CO2, a figure that illustrates the challenges posed by its massive use.

Cardboard is often seen as a greener alternative to plastic, but its durability remains limited. On average, cardboard can be reused around ten times. After that, it is generally thrown away or recycled, processes which also require energy and resources.

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Rethinking packaging: a necessity in the face of ecological challenges

生產、回收和重新啟動已經變得越來越明顯。曾經必要的包裝現在已經成為地球的代價。面對這種意識，我們必須重新思考我們的包裝做法，並採用適合所有人（從個人消費者到企業）的更環保解決方案。

Reusable packaging represents a promising alternative for reducing our environmental footprint. These alternatives offer numerous advantages: reduced waste, economies of scale and, above all, reduced environmental impact. Adopting these solutions represents a step towards a more sustainable and responsible future.