Packaging Industry Stories in Europe 2023
Packaging Industry Stories in Europe 2023
The year 2024 promises to bring new opportunities to the global packaging industry. Looking back at 2023, packaging production trends are changing positively when sustainable development, waste reduction, and recycling are prioritized.
Those positive changes will be reflected in packaging stories in Europe in 2023.
In 2023, through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the European Union has set a target to reduce unnecessary packaging waste, ban PFAs in food packaging, and Increase the use of recycled materials in packaging production.
It can be said that this is how the European Union proposes a “common approach” that aims to:
The Sustainability Awards 2023 – a global competition for sustainable packaging innovation – was announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam.
It can be said that the award is an opportunity and a way to motivate global businesses to contribute ideas for improved packaging production, solutions to minimize the negative impact of packaging on the environment and move towards the production of packaging. The packaging is highly recyclable and reusable.
Summary of typical packaging winners include:
Last October, ALPLA became a significant shareholder of Paboco and invested in expanding its recyclable paper bottle production capacity by the end of 2024.
Specifically, since 2021, Paboco has cooperated with The Absolut Company, Carlsberg Group, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, and P&G to test the first packaging products made from FSC-certified fibers.
After a successful testing phase, mass production of the next generation of fully bio-based and recyclable paper bottles will begin at the end of 2024.
>>> 6 Popular types of paper packaging
Since 2007, L’Oréal has been committed to sustainable and responsible packaging design. To achieve this goal, the Group applies the ‘3R’ rule with the following criteria:
In July, Pringles launched new packaging that is fully recyclable. Specifically, the plastic packaging on the lid and bottom is replaced with paper. This does not change the ability to protect the potatoes inside but also reduces plastic in food packaging.
This step by Pringles is a positive move in gradually eliminating plastic and increasing packaging recyclability.
Those positive changes will be reflected in packaging stories in Europe in 2023.
European Parliament revised the PPWR
In 2023, through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the European Union has set a target to reduce unnecessary packaging waste, ban PFAs in food packaging, and Increase the use of recycled materials in packaging production.It can be said that this is how the European Union proposes a “common approach” that aims to:
- Reduce the amount of waste and pollutants from plastic packaging
- Promote the pursuit of a sustainable, circular economy
- Increase the use and production of recycled and reusable packaging
Sustainability Awards 2023
The Sustainability Awards 2023 – a global competition for sustainable packaging innovation – was announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam.It can be said that the award is an opportunity and a way to motivate global businesses to contribute ideas for improved packaging production, solutions to minimize the negative impact of packaging on the environment and move towards the production of packaging. The packaging is highly recyclable and reusable.
Summary of typical packaging winners include:
- Pepsi in China: Won the “Best Practice” award by recycling and cutting carbon emissions by eliminating plastic labels and stopping printing on bottle caps.
- SIG: The Group won the award in the “Climate” category with the SIG Terra Alu-Free Full Barrier product when eliminating the aluminum layer. This component emits the most carbon, helping to improve packaging recyclability.
- Flöter Verpackungs-Service GmbH and AirWave Packaging: Won the “E-commerce” award when reducing the amount of cushioning material inside the box by 40% and reducing packaging time by 50-70%.
- Kraft Heinz: Brand excellent won the “Recyclable Packaging” award thanks to its packaging design that ensures the recyclability of the entire bottle. This replaces approximately 300 million non-recyclable silicone valves annually.
- Procter & Gamble: Won the “Renewable Materials” award with ECOLIC boxes with 70% recyclability and safety and completely replacing plastic packaging.
ALPLA invests in the production of recyclable paper bottles by 2024
Last October, ALPLA became a significant shareholder of Paboco and invested in expanding its recyclable paper bottle production capacity by the end of 2024.Specifically, since 2021, Paboco has cooperated with The Absolut Company, Carlsberg Group, Coca-Cola, L’Oréal, and P&G to test the first packaging products made from FSC-certified fibers.
After a successful testing phase, mass production of the next generation of fully bio-based and recyclable paper bottles will begin at the end of 2024.
>>> 6 Popular types of paper packaging
L’Oréal’s approach to packaging sustainability
Since 2007, L’Oréal has been committed to sustainable and responsible packaging design. To achieve this goal, the Group applies the ‘3R’ rule with the following criteria:
- Respect the environment
- Reduce unnecessary resources
- Replace traditional materials
- Prioritize recycled, biodegradable material options
Pringles claims the new packaging is “100%” recyclable
In July, Pringles launched new packaging that is fully recyclable. Specifically, the plastic packaging on the lid and bottom is replaced with paper. This does not change the ability to protect the potatoes inside but also reduces plastic in food packaging.
This step by Pringles is a positive move in gradually eliminating plastic and increasing packaging recyclability.