Nowadays, ecology is often combined with economy. What is good for the environment often turns out to be good from a financial point of view. Currently, the "eco" trend is popular all over the world, and its dynamics is not slowing down: not only individuals, but also companies, enterprises and even governments decide to adopt further ecological solutions. And it is not surprising: the level of pollution of our planet is not optimistic, and the amount of garbage and waste produced annually can simply be terrifying. That is why we should turn to new solutions. One of them is reusable packaging. As it turns out, they are used not only in retail, but may soon become the real future of logistics.
The idea of "zero waste"
The idea of "zero waste" was initiated by Bea Johnson, who published a book called "Zero Waste Home". And although initially the message was addressed to individuals and households, the idea quickly gained much wider publicity and many supporters. This resulted from the belief that the unrestrained consumerist lifestyle must eventually come to an end, and the resources of our planet itself are limited. The Zero Waste International Alliance defines the concept of "zero waste" as follows:
“Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, effective and visionary to lead people to change their lifestyles and practices that mimic natural renewal cycles, where any material that is disposed of is designed to be a resource to be used by other. Zero Waste means the design and management of products and processes to systematically eliminate the harmfulness of waste and materials and reduce their volume, recycle and recover all resources, not incinerate or bury them. Zero Waste will eliminate the release of harmful substances into the ground, water or air, which are a threat to the health of humans, animals, plants and the entire planet.
One of the alternative solutions that fit into the "zero waste" philosophy that is currently implemented on the market is reusable packaging. What is it? These are packaging whose material and construction allow for their repeated use without fear of losing their properties. Manufacturers of this type of packaging make great efforts not only to ensure maximum durability and functionality of the packaging, but also to use the right elements for its production. This allows you to combine the strength of such packaging with their safety. Currently, there are even reusable packaging on the market that do not emit harmful substances and are intended for direct contact with food.
Many reusable packaging can be washed under running water or subjected to effective disinfection before their next use. Such a solution seems to be extremely beneficial for the environment at the moment and may lead to a reduction in the consumption of natural resources, a reduction in the amount of waste, and a reduction in the production of greenhouse gases. The implementation of reusable packaging may also prove to be an economical and financially beneficial solution - both for individual users and entrepreneurs!
Reusable packaging for everyday use
We can already meet reusable packaging in our everyday life. And it's very happy! One popular type of reusable packaging is plastic boxes. Although plastic is not directly associated with care for the environment, it may turn out to be a good solution: it is a durable and safe material. Disposable plastic packaging is harmful. However, in the case of reusable packaging, the idea of "zero waste" can be implemented. And not only for food, but also for other products such as cosmetics, bedding, cosmetics and tools.
Another example of reusable packaging, which can often be found in trade, are paper and fabric bags. Although paper bags are not the most durable packaging, it is possible to use them several times, and then practically completely recycle them. Some of the paper bags, however, have a reinforced structure and resistance to moisture, which makes them an extremely ecological and at the same time durable solution. The most popular form of paper bags are, of course, shopping bags (we encourage all traders to introduce them to their stores), but also decorative bags and gift packaging. There are also special bags for transporting and packaging food, used on an industrial scale in the catering industry.
Another ecological product are the aforementioned fabric bags, most often used by consumers as shopping bags. They are usually made of cotton or other durable fabrics, which gives them a lot of durability. Such a bag can be used for many years, it can also be washed - even in the washing machine! This idea has even been picked up by the fashion industry - today it is not difficult to find designer shopping bags that please not only the environment, but also the eye of their owners!
Another popular reusable material is glass. And here you can combine the interests of producers with the interests of consumers. An increasing number of entrepreneurs distributing water, juices or other liquid food products allow consumers to return empty bottles and collect the deposit. Everyone benefits from such a solution - including the environment!
Reusable packaging in trade and logistics
Reusable packaging in trade and logistics is also becoming an increasingly used solution - both in the food industry and in other branches of trade. Reusable transport containers are a modern solution that not only seems to be beneficial for the environment, but also solves many existing logistics problems. It also reduces the costs associated with the production, purchase and disposal of traditional packaging. In the case of the food industry, we most often deal with packaging made of plastic.
The use of reusable packaging is possible as part of the process of the so-called reverse logistics. Then the packaging with the product travels all the way to the target buyer, and then returns to the manufacturer or wholesaler, who, after appropriate cleaning and disinfection, can reuse it. Such packaging is not only appropriately adapted to the type of product (which is especially important in the case of food), but also has enhanced strength and resistance to external factors.
New legal regulations of the European Union
It can be suspected that the use of reusable packaging, both by individual consumers and entrepreneurs as part of reverse logistics, will become dominant on the market in the "natural order of things". Nevertheless, the latest EU regulations can significantly accelerate this process of transition to "zero waste" solutions.
On November 30, 2022, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe presented a proposal to revise the regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The proposed changes would lead to a 15% reduction in packaging waste per person in each EU Member State by 2040. The new regulations would also introduce, by 2030, the obligation for final distributors of producers to offer a certain percentage of their products in reusable packaging. In addition, by 2040, 80% of cold and hot drinks will have to be sold in multiple packs, and it will also be possible to fill a container brought by the customer with a given drink. Importantly, this will also apply to alcoholic beverages (including beer).
Are we facing a revolution?
Will the proposed solutions introduce a revolution on the food market and force changes that will be important for producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers? It is quite possible. However, we have no doubt that properly introduced "zero waste" changes can be good for all of us.