Mono material packaging is an effective response to the current environmental issues on the planet. High levels of pollution have forced communities and national governments to make certain decisions that have crystallized in the creation of the 2030 Agenda which establishes sustainability as a main objective to be achieved at all levels. In this sense, the packaging sector, far from being left out, is called to play a relevant role.
Development of solutions for certain areas
The sphere of use of packaging is very wide. Fields such as food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics can highly benefit from the inclusion of new materials in the composition of packages. At this point, the mono packaging material can take centre stage.
These sectors work with especially sensitive products or elements. These are articles for consumption or direct application on the individual, whether through intake, epidermal or capillary administration, etc. Its specific casuistry forces to provide the maximum guarantees in the packaging since they are elements that can be altered by humidity, light or other circumstances of the environment. Keeping strict quality standards is essential. That is why in the last two decades, the legal systems have begun a progressive escalation of demand in order to take extreme care of the welfare of the consumer, as well as move towards a policy appropriate to the protection of the environment.
Innovation at the service of caring for the planet
Mono material packaging emerges in this new scenario as a novelty brought about by the present circumstances which include climate change, the greenhouse effect, pollution of ocean areas, etc. It is a packaging made of a single material, which makes it a more sustainable and ecological option. This uniqueness in its formulation implies a lower cost of raw material (and the entire chain involved in obtaining, treating, and distributing it) in addition to facilitating and improving its recycling.
In the international showcase, eco-friendly alternatives based on flexible packaging characterized by the absence of aluminium and 100% recyclable begin to take its first steps. The containment capacity of the structure of this type of parcel is reinforced thanks to the application of water-based varnish. This varnishing forms a protective film that even prevents the walls of the container from perforating or the content from leaking. These characteristics make mono material packaging a highly effective and reliable option.
The inclusion of natural materials is another growing trend. It is about using elements present in nature to achieve a green and resistant type of packaging. Nanomaterials made up of clays, resins, celluloses and natural monomers are candidates that are already being tested. To all this, we must add experimentation with procedures based on materials such as bioplastics or biodegradable packaging.
The relevance of the circular economy in all this process should not be neglected. Taking advantage of materials for a new use is a way to reduce the exploitation of resources, minimising waste.
The importance of packaging can be understood from a double perspective: as a container for a product and as a part of the product itself. In both cases, it demonstrates its ability to preserve and protect the goods or facilitate their transportation and to become a green hallmark of a product or company, taking care of and personalising the design.
Mono material packaging can be the perfect option for companies and customers increasingly concerned about the environment
Betting on innovation in the field of packaging and the discovery of new alternatives such as mono material packaging means a step towards sustainability and great support for global ecology.
