Éco-conception : Fonctionnalité VS environnement

Éco Entreprises Québec (ÉEQ) vient de lancer le Code volontairepour l'optimisation des contenants, emballages et imprimés, destiné aux entreprises assujetties au régime de compensation de la collecte sélective. D’après ÉEQ, la marche à suivre : trois champs d'intervention et sept stratégies proposées:

Basé sur le cycle de vie d'un produit emballé, le Code volontaire constitue une approche cadre. Axés sur les principes de réduction à la source, d'éco-conception et de recyclabilité, ces champs d'intervention chapeautent sept stratégies pour guider les entreprises dans le déploiement de leurs démarches d'optimisation : penser cycle de vie, adopter des critères d'approvisionnement responsable, améliorer le ratio emballage/produit, concevoir pour le transport, améliorer le scénario d'usage, améliorer la recyclabilité et communiquer.

Deux commentaires :

Un pléonasme: « axés sur les principes de réduction à la source, d'éco-conception et de recyclabilité ».

L’éco-conception des emballages intègre les aspects environnementaux, économiques et sociaux à chacune des étapes de la vie du couple contenu-contenant. C’est une démarche novatrice et préventive qui vise à minimiser l’impact de ces derniers sur l’environnement tout au long de leur cycle de vie. Il s’agit essentiellement de privilégier la réduction à la source, d’encourager la réutilisation et le recyclage et de promouvoir la mise au point de matériaux renouvelables. Cette méthodologie promet une approche multicritères (examinant tous les impacts environnementaux), multi-étape (considérant toutes les phases du cycle de vie) et multi-acteur (sollicitant tous les acteurs de l’entreprise et du marché).

Une confusion : J’avoue ne pas comprendre ce qu’on veut dire par « Améliorer le scénario d'usage » et comment on peut l’améliorer?

L’éco-conception présente, certes des vertus incontestables. Cette démarche est fréquemment profitable pour l'entreprise. Elle contribue à augmenter ses profits soit par une augmentation des ventes, soit par une réduction des coûts de production. Cependant, l’éco-conception ne doit pas faire oublier les fonctionnalités et attentes de tout emballage : Conservation, protection transport et…Praticité. Par praticité, on entend la facilité d’ouverture et le confort d’utilisation.

Mineral oil migration creates new concern for packaging

Findings from a series of recent Official Food Control Authority Laboratory reports coming out of Switzerland have raised concerns over mineral oil migration occurring in packaging made with recycled content. The reports focused on technical grade oils that are largely linked to inks used in newspapers entering the recycling stream. This research builds on previous studies suggesting that technical grade mineral oils pose health concerns and are found to accummulate in the liver, lymph nodes and heart valves when ingested. There are additional concerns about aromatic mineral oils being carcinogenic, though their toxicology data remains uncertain.

Mineral oils, which are by-products of crude oil refinement, have a number of packaging applications including inks, adhesives, plasticizers and protective coatings. They may also be found in some recycled fibers used in paperboard packaging.

The Swiss reports documented instances where mineral oils leached from packaging materials made of recycled content, specifically grades containing newsprint, into food. As one example of how mineral oils can contaminate recycled fibers, mineral oils are present in petroleum-based inks as the vehicle that carries the pigments. The inks are applied to a surface such as newsprint, where the oils absorb, attach to pigments or attach to fibers. The newspaper is then purchased, read and discarded into the recycling stream. Some mineral oils will be removed in the recycling process. However, most of the oils absorbed into the fibers are likely to remain present in the reclaimed fibers. The recycled fiber may then be used in paperboard, a common material for food packaging, where migration can occur.

As advocates for increasing recycling rates and using recycled content, how do we address this issue?

First, there is still uncertainty about direct and indirect contamination sources. Direct contamination is common in baking, when mineral oils are used for applications like conditioning pans, knives and cutting boards. Agricultural practices also have direct applications for removing grain dust or fruit and vegetable coatings. Regulations are in place to ensure that these applications meet food-grade specifications, but this cannot be ruled out as a potential contamination source.

Indirect contamination occurs through mechanisms like migration. At this time, a knee-jerk reaction to limit applications or look to alternatives could do more harm than good. The uncertainties around contaminant sources and health impacts should, however, be grounds for further research.

As far as immediate actions to mitigate mineral oil exposure, current steps to reduce exposure include using functional bags or barriers made of PP, PET or aluminum layers. Additionally, some manufacturers are reducing the amount of recycled content they are using or shifting toward higher-grade recycled fiber. Petroleum-based ink alternatives are also being considered, though all of these options could add costs that cut into profit margins.

On a broader level, this brings up the issue of transparency. There is an underlying need for greater transparency about the use of chemicals throughout all stages of production. This is not something specific to mineral oils or packaging, but it is applicable across all industry sectors and supply chains.

There is a need for better communication of product inputs and the impacts of these intended applications. Such information could lead to proactive solutions in the future and avoid recalls while reducing a company's exposure to risk and supply chains. Policy development should also be included in this discussion. Europe appears to be at the forefront of regulation and policy development while the rest of us continue to play catch up. Furthermore, universal policies could help to mitigate frustration and confusion among industry members and help ensure product safety.

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Yogurt Packaging: Yo'play Blox

Via Creative Inspiration

Yo'play Blox is a simple (yogurt) packaging that doubles as a modular construction toy. Children are educated to 'collect and reuse' instead of 'waste'. The pots fit together in different ways to create hollow, light weight, 3D shapes and figures. Various labels allow for a wide variety of play themes and educational games.

A Global Language for Packaging and Sustainability

New global guidelines on packaging sustainability will help companies reduce their carbon footprint while boosting efficiency and spur more effective communication between players throughout the supply chain, said Unilever’s Nigel Bagley.

The director of industry relations for the multinational giant delivered his assessment as the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) released its Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability (GPPS).

The guide was designed by a broad group of retailers and brand owners, in conjunction with packaging suppliers and manufacturers. The steering group included representatives from industry leaders such as Nestle, Unilever, Walmart, Tesco, Kraft and Proctor & Gamble.

Common language

The comprehensive document, targeted at the packaging and consumer goods industries, aims to provide a “common language” to help them cut the environmental footprint of their packing, said the CGF, a global industry alliance made up of over 650 leading companies from the packaging, retail and consumer good sectors.

The body added that the agreed definitions and metrics set out in the protocol would make it easier for businesses to tackle a range of commercial questions about packaging sustainability - either in-house or between their partners in the value chain.

The 74-page guide sets out a framework to outline and assess the relative sustainability of packaging, said the CGF.

It outlines a choice of indicators to take into account for making business decisions. These include life-cycle phases, the level at which an indicator could be used and at what part in the business. The report also examines the use of life-cycle assessments in product development, availability of data, types of packaging, as well as economic, social and environmental metrics.

Benefits to industry

Unilever’s Bagley said the protocol introduced harmony and simplicity to a hugely complicated issue that would allow companies to focus more keenly on improving operational efficiencies.

“This is a really significant project because a common language means it’s easier to communicate with our trading partners,” he added. “And less time spent having to agree definitions and filling in such things as sustainability scorecards, means we can focus on bringing benefits to the value chain.”

The standardised terminology and metrics also made it easy to operate in multiple languages and avoid duplication of effort, said the industry relations chief.

“The common language avoids duplication of effort in trying to make sure the definitions with use with French retailers are identical to those with German ones,” said Bagley giving just one example. “We avoid repetition and increase simplification and harmonisation. This improves efficiency and allows us to focus on other things.”

While the CGF is developing a number of other projects on sustainability, packaging was seen as the vital starting point, he said.

“Packaging is spearheading the movement towards a number of other carbon strategies,” Bagley added. “Packaging is something we could put our arms around and now we are working on other partnership projects.”

The European Organization for Packaging and the Environment (Europen) welcomed the publication of the protocol.

"As the European organization representing the major players in the packaging value chain on packaging and environment issues, Europen welcomes the releaseof the Protocol and will encourage all our members to embrace it and use it in their efforts to achieve their business sustainability goals," said the industry body's managing director Julian Carroll. "Optimal packaging solutions, developed with the aid of the Protocol, can make a substantial contribution to more sustainable consumer products."

To read a full copy of the Global Protocol on Packaging Sustainability click Here

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Comment améliorer les propriétés barrières du papier?

Ci-dessous l’article qui vient d’être publié dans le magazine "Québec imprimerie" (Numéro 26, Septembre-Octobre 2009).

Le papier est un matériau d’emballage qui jouit d’une excellente image : il est renouvelable, biodégradable et recyclable. Il offre des solutions d’emballage polyvalentes et responsables. Améliorer les propriétés barrières du papier (eau, humidité, graisses et huiles…) reste le plus grand défi pour assurer sa viabilité comme matériau d’emballage. Cascades propose diverses solutions pour compenser les défaillances du papier et faire de l’emballage papier une véritable alternative viable et durable.

La cire comme barrière

Depuis longtemps, la cire a été abondamment utilisée pour compenser les faibles propriétés barrières du papier. Toutefois, l’usage de la cire est de plus en plus contesté et soulève des problèmes au niveau de la durabilité et de la renouvelabilité. Plusieurs facteurs poussent les détaillants et producteurs à envisager des alternatives à la cire: les emballages cirés ne sont pas recyclables, la cire est un sous-produit du pétrole, une source non renouvelable de plus en plus chère. Plusieurs géants de la distribution exigent de leurs fournisseurs des alternatives éco-responsables aux  emballages cirés. Par ailleurs, New York et plusieurs métropoles envisagent de bannir les emballages cirées.

Couchage par extrusion/Lamination : résines conventionnelles

Il s’agit d’extruder une fine couche de plastique sur la surface du papier. Le Polyéthylène (LDPE) est la résine la plus utilisée en raison de la facilité de manipulation, de bonnes propriétés barrières,  de ses excellentes aptitudes de scélabilité, sans oublier son prix.

La deuxième technique consiste à combiner le papier à plusieurs autres substrats comme des films plastiques, films métallisés, aluminium…l’adhésion du couple papier/film peut être réalisée soit en utilisant un adhésif ou encore en extrudant du LDPE.

Couchage par extrusion : Bioplastiques

Le Polyéthylène est un pétro-plastique qui n’est ni durable ni viable à long terme. Depuis plusieurs mois, l’industrie fait face à des pénuries et surtout à une augmentation faramineuse du prix de la résine. Les bioplastiques se présentent comme des alternatives éco-responsables. Toutefois, les défis restent de taille, la résine doit être compostable ou bio-sourcée, elle doit bien adhérer au papier et offrir des propriétés barrières comparables au polyéthylène. Le plus grand frein reste le prix élevé de ces résines.

Couchage à base d’eau

L’intérêt croissant pour les produits recyclables conjugué à la recherche constante de solutions durables, a suscité un véritable engouement pour les couchages à base d’eau. L’emballage combine les meilleurs aspects de deux matériaux: le papier et une barrière fonctionnelle à base d’eau. La sauce de couchage peut être adaptée aux besoins et spécifications requises par le produit à emballer, ce qui leur donne un réel avantage comparé aux autres techniques de couchage qui sont souvent surdimensionnées. Un papier enduit d’un couchage à base d’eau offre un emballage entièrement recyclable et repulpable.

En résumé, l’ajout d’une barrière fonctionnelle au papier lui confère les propriétés barrières du plastique sans en avoir les inconvénients. La technologie de couchage à base d’eau semble a le vent en poupe. En plus d’offrir une solution sur mesure aux besoins des clients et aux exigences de l’emballage, il offre des solutions d’emballage polyvalentes et éco-responsables.

La prévention du gaspillage et des pertes des produits de grande consommation: le rôle clé de l'emballage

Cette nouvelle publication du CNE a pour objectif d’analyser les causes du gaspillage et des pertes de produits de grande consommation et d’en connaître les acteurs. Elle développe plus particulièrement des pistes de réflexion ainsi que des bonnes pratiques permettant à l’emballage de contribuer à la réduction de ces pertes et gaspillages.

Télécharger la publication ici

Zero Packaging Can Do More Harm than Good

Why should we continue to package?

• To protect the integrity of products so they don’t degrade and lose nutritional value quickly.
• To prevent food spoilage.
• To prevent handling of raw products and the transference of bacteria and viruses.
• To ensure safety by not allowing for the transference of germs in the atmosphere and from other     customers.
• To prevent merchandise from getting “shop worn” and less saleable.
• To ensure freshness.
• To prevent possible contamination from containers consumers think are clean and put foodstuffs into to take home.
• To prevent tampering.
• To ensure traceability and transparency: retailers and consumers alike should know which brand of product they are purchasing and where it came from.
• Consumers need the assurance of quality and recourse if a tainted food issue occurs.

Manufacturers and consumers should pause and ask themselves: “Is no packaging for all food products the right way to go?” It’s easy to passionately embrace an idea that centers on a cultural hot button. But it’s important to stand back and look at things rationally. With the cost of consumer products today: is it prudent to waste food or take a chance on more tainted food in lieu of having some packaging waste?

Rather than zero packaging, wouldn’t it make more sense to be prudent and keep working on cutting extraneous packaging; recycling as much packaging as possible; cutting down dramatically on the manufacture and use of virgin materials; designing packaging that can be repurposed or reused; and continuing to find new biodegradable materials from renewable sources.

It seems to me that doing these things will give us the best of both worlds. Highly functional packaging that ensures viable, safe, fresh products. And measurably less packaging material in landfills as time goes on.

 

Read full article: Brand Packaging

Packaging of the week: Boxerchips, An innovative Crisp Packaging

An innovative crisp packaging format can fit twice as much product per box, ideal for airlines where space is critical, claims the product’s manufacturer, Boxerchips.

The new packaging format delivers the same volume of product as a standard 40g bag of crisps, but the compact arrangement allows for an overall reduction in size by as much as 50% and dramatically crunches the amount of packaging materials used by 35%.

The 40 grams product is currently available on 17 European airlines, with 4 million boxes being sold last year, Richard Glennan a spokesperson for Boxerchips told this publication.

Tecta paperboard: Eco-friendly alternative to plastics and plastic-laminated board

Tecta is water based, dispersion coated barrier board designed to meet the high quality packaging requirements of the food industry. Tecta paperboard is based on renewable wood fiber base which together with an optimal barrier coating and protection is an environmentally-friendly alternative to plastics and plastic laminated carton boards. Tecta is fully recyclable, and it can be composted or burned for energy recovery. As a monomaterial it can be recycled without separating the coating.

  
Packaging made of Tecta paperboard offers a good resistance against water, water vapour and grease. Tecta coatings are suitable for direct food contact and can be glued with waterbased or hot melt glues. The coating is also heatsealable. Tecta paperboard is suitable material for frozen food, chilled food as well as microwave ovenable or ovenable packaging. 

Tecta opens up new opportunities for developing packaging that can replace plastic in many applications, one example being recyclable and compostable sandwich packaging. Tecta paperboard is used together with compostable film in the see-through window. This solution is ideal for premium sandwiches as compared to rigid plastic packaging it looks better in the shelf and takes less space in the bin, weather it is then for recycled or composted waste. 

Tecta coated virgin fibre folding boxboard is available in substances from 230g/m² to 365 g/m². The off-machine coater allows the use of paper and paperboard from other paper mills.

Product specification

Incineration to help divert flexible packaging from landfill

Incineration is one solution to stop flexible packaging being landfilled in the UK each year, according to an industry expert.

Envicura, an environmental consultancy from PCI Films Consulting,  has released a new report entitled Flexible packaging in the UK municipal waste stream 2011.  In the study, flexible packaging materials are defined as polymer films, compostable films, packaging papers and foils and any laminate combination of the latter materials.

The report stated that packaging makes up 20% of municipal waste and flexible packaging makes up 3% of it but 80% of that is landfilled [680,000 tonnes].

Speaking to PN about the report, author Steve Hillam said: “One of the options of dealing with flexible packaging waste and to stop it from going to landfill is incineration or recovery, at the moment.

“Despite the small proportion of the municipal waste stream accounted for by flexible packaging, so much of it is landfilled that it demonstrates a real need for new materials and new waste management methods.”

The research stated that a majority of flexible packaging, such as crisp packets are unsuitable for recycling due to food contamination. Inks from crisp and biscuit packets can be difficult to remove.

The study also reveals that the key driver behind the UK’s improved recycling rates is export, with 37% of packaging waste volume now being sent to countries such as India and China. Plastic bags account for around 90% of flexible waste recycling, with 95% [1.6m tonnes] of that going abroad.

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