Sustainability challenges packaging manufacturers

“Rani Plast takes climate change and sustainable development very seriously. In fact, we have created sustainable solutions throughout our history, by for example optimising material efficiency,” says Mikael Ahlbäck, Group CEO of Rani Plast.

Jari points out that, in caring for the environment, the key is to find the packaging solution that best complies with customers’ needs. This can be plastic, or another packaging material. Plastic has undeniable advantages, including reduction of food waste, when compared to other material options. The eCommerce company, Amazon, has opted for plastic packaging for environmental reasons: light plastic reduces CO2 emissions during transport.

The plastic debate needs to be improved

“Expression of different viewpoints is part of an open society, but the plastic debate needs to be improved. A negative attitude towards plastics will lead to solutions that ultimately harm the environment,” Ahlbäck adds.

Use of recycled plastic and renewable raw materials are key sustainable elements in the plastics industry. All packaging films produced by Rani are recyclable. Palosaari hopes that the Finnish Parliament considers the development of plastic recycling in its handling of forthcoming amendments to the Waste Act. The development of plastic recycling in Finland will be jeopardised if clause 62 of the amendment is passed in its current form.

Carbon neutral production by 2035

Rani Plast has defined measures for achieving carbon neutral production by 2035. The company is continuously developing new responsible packaging solutions alongside customers, and helping customers to optimise the use of plastics.

“We are also making our production process more environmentally friendly. We recently introduced two new printers that are more energy-efficient than their predecessors. Printing can be made more environmentally friendly by reducing the amount of ink used, and re-using solvents. Our electricity consumption is entirely based on renewable energy sources,” says Palosaari.