Materials that are recyclable or made with renewable energy are considered environmentally friendly. However, materials that use fewer resources and less energy to produce aren’t necessarily recyclable together.
Recyclable and renewable plastic, paper, and biomaterials are considered environmental materials. Plastics made from petroleum are not renewable or degradable but can be ‘infinitely’ recycled. Therefore, it is essential to use the correct type and combination of plastic on both your packaging and the label. If not, your packaging might not be recyclable at all.
Develop a plan for your packaging and labels to be reused and recycled
Developing eco-friendly packaging and labelling begins with an audit of your current efforts.
Starting your sustainable packaging audit, consider the following six questions:
- Can we reduce the amount of packaging we are currently using?
- What percentage of our packaging is recyclable? Remember, the Plastic Action Plan by the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) aims to reach a national recycling target of 70% by 2030.
- Is the label compatible with the packaging in terms of recyclability?
- Should we switch to mono-materials?
- Can we substitute any materials with more eco-friendly, reusable, or recyclable materials?
- Do our supply chain partners have sustainable road maps and programs?
Read more: Balancing material and energy consumption in sustainable manufacturing
Once such an audit is completed, it’s time to develop a road map for more eco-friendly packaging and labelling to set your company up for success. Be sure to set clear and measurable goals and initiatives.
This can be a daunting and complex process – involving considerable research, testing, design, and engineering. But it’s not a process you should have to do alone. Your local packaging and label manufacturer should be able to take a big part of the load and guide you on the right path.
As a labelling manufacturer, it is our responsibility here at Skanem Africa to help ensure that your labels meet your sustainability needs and are best suited for both your business and your products.
The Skanem Sustainable Labels Program includes:
- Customized sustainable labelling solutions tailored specifically to your products’ requirements.
- A practical and realistic action plan to make your packaging more sustainable today and for the future.
- Guidance by a dedicated sustainability expert at every step.
- Label design optimization by labelling design experts.
- Professional help with material match.
- Waste management support.
- Logistics and warehouse facilities to reduce transport-related fuel usage.
To learn more about the Skanem Sustainable Labels Program or if you need support regarding sustainable packaging and labelling, you are always welcome to contact us.
