We provide sustainability in the packaging chain

Each packaging contributes to sustainability in principle. After all, packaging ensures a longer shelf life of (fresh) products and that they are better protected during transport. The question however is how we can produce packaging with the least possible impact on the environment. Our vision on the choices and materials that contribute to this is very clear. In this article we will elaborate on our basic principles: recycling, renewing, reducing and greening. 

Materials that are recycled the most in Europe are paper and cardboard. Estimations are that 87 percent of all the paper and cardboard is collected for recycling. The majority of our solid cardboard packaging (97%) consists of recycled paper and cardboard. Together with the other organizations of our parent company, VPK Packaging Group, we recycle 1,500,000 tons of paper each year. In this way we convert the waste materials of today into the raw materials of tomorrow and steer towards a circular packaging economy.
 

In addition to the major part of recycled raw materials, a small part of our packaging (3 percent) consists of new raw materials. These raw materials are of a 100% organic origin, which is why they are also referred to as renewable raw materials. These raw materials are FSC certified and thus originate from sustainably managed forests. For each cut tree 3 to 4 new trees are planted which more than compensates for the impact of the resource extraction.

Packaging is also considered sustainable if it is light and/or compact. Our made-to-measure packaging will adapt to the shape of the content as best as possible thereby ensuring a lower packaging volume. It requires less materials and the number that can be transported is much greater which reduces CO2 emissions. Definitely so if use is made of our slip sheets; solid cardboard sheets instead of pallets that enable the loading of up to five times more packaging per transport.

In addition to producing an environmentally friendly product, we also consider the question as to how we can produce that product in an as environmentally-friendly way as possible, with the least possible CO2 emissions. Our production area in Oudegem fully provides for its own energy requirements keeping CO2 emissions to an absolute minimum. The plant runs on energy generated by cogeneration installations which is substantially cleaner than energy produced by fossil fuels.

Are you looking for a sustainable packaging solution for your fresh and/or frozen products? Feel free to contact one of our specialists and start contributing to a circular packaging economy as well.