As a recruitment specialist in operational roles within the food and agricultural industries, I hear every day how sustainability is shaping business decisions. Packaging plays a crucial role in this transformation, with companies striving to balance environmental responsibility, cost-effectiveness, and practicality. But when it comes to sustainability, is the debate as simple as 'cardboard good, plastic bad'?
Corporate Social Responsibility and Packaging Choices
More businesses are prioritising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), making sustainability a key part of their operations. Consumers demand greener choices, and regulatory pressures push companies to adopt more environmentally friendly packaging solutions. However, the reality of sustainable packaging is more complex than it seems.
Recent discussions in the food industry highlight that packaging is often seen as the main sustainability issue, but in reality, it is just a small part of a larger problem. For instance, in meat processing, plastic packaging contributes to less than 1% of a beef pack’s carbon footprint. This suggests that broader operational efficiencies—including energy consumption and waste reduction—play a far more significant role in achieving sustainability goals. In the UK, food retail generates substantial plastic waste, particularly from processed foods, highlighting the need for systemic change beyond packaging materials. Some retailers have launched refill stations and introduced lightweight packaging to cut down on plastic use, while others are investing in closed-loop recycling systems to improve material recovery.
The Cardboard vs. Plastic Debate
Cardboard is widely seen as the more sustainable choice, but perception doesn’t always match reality. While it is biodegradable and often made from recycled materials, it isn’t always as easily recyclable as people assume. Factors like food contamination and the need for mixed materials (such as waterproof coatings) can reduce its recyclability. Similarly, Glass has a reputation of recyclability but actually has a relatively high environmental footprint due to energy-intensive production and transportation. Interestingly, countries like Germany have higher recycling rates for cardboard and glass due to robust collection systems, offering a potential model for the UK.
On the other hand, plastic has a bad reputation due to pollution and single-use waste. However, when properly recycled, certain plastics can be reused up to nine times, making them a viable sustainable option. Innovations in biodegradable and compostable plastics also offer potential solutions to the waste crisis. Furthermore, focusing solely on reducing plastic use may overlook the more significant impact of improving the entire production line's sustainability. Learning from countries such as the Netherlands, where plastic recycling and circular economy initiatives are strong, could help the UK improve its approach. Dutch policies promoting deposit return schemes and extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs have successfully boosted recycling rates and reduced waste.
Perception vs. Reality: Finding a Balanced Approach
The key takeaway is that no single packaging material is a perfect solution. Businesses in the food and agricultural industries must weigh up factors like supply chain efficiency, cost, durability, and true recyclability when making packaging decisions. Investing in better recycling infrastructure, promoting reuse initiatives, and educating consumers on responsible disposal can make a significant impact. Moreover, addressing sustainability beyond packaging—such as reducing food waste, improving processing methods, and optimising energy use—can have a more profound effect on environmental responsibility.
As sustainability continues to drive industry trends, operational roles will be crucial in implementing practical, eco-friendly packaging solutions. Where do you stand on the packaging debate? Let’s start a conversation.
