Plastic packaging is often the most environmentally friendly alternative

Many companies are nowadays evaluating how to pack their products in the most environmentally friendly way. Amazon’s decision to replace cardboard with plastic was made because plastic is lighter and require less space. In turn the use of plastic reduces transport costs and carbon emissions.

Coca Cola on the other hand came up with a contradictory result – the company recently announced that it will switch from stretch film to cardboard packaging in Europe, because the company believes recycling processes don’t function well across all markets.

“Although the recycling system needs to be developed, it is a misunderstanding that plastic can not be recycled,” says Rani Plast’s product development director Mats Albäck.

“The plastic packaging films we produce at Rani Plast are recyclable and raw materials used in the production process are recycled. The same applies for most of the plastic packaging. It has been encouraging to see an increase in the recycling of plastic packaging. We actively identify new product development solutions that support film recycling (Design for Recycling) and develop raw materials in close cooperation with recycling companies.”

Plastic packaging is often a resource efficient alternative compared to other materials, mainly due to its light weight. Packaging film reduces food waste and improves the quality of the feed in the agricultural industry.

“Plastic is the most environmentally friendly packaging alternative provided the recycling chain is used properly. Plastic only becomes a problem when it is discarded and left to pollute the environment,” adds Albäck.