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What is sustainable packaging?
It often feels like the plastics industry has taken the brunt of criticism when it comes to waste and pollution. While plastics have played a role in environmental challenges, the picture is far more complex. At National Flexible, we acknowledge our responsibility and are committed to driving innovation that reduces environmental impact.
Plastic: Part of the Problem or Part of the Solution?
Plastic has been vilified, but when used correctly, it can often deliver a lower carbon footprint than alternatives like paper, glass, or metal. Why? Because these materials typically require more energy, water, and resources to produce and transport.
As Keith Vyse, UK Government Packaging Advisor, wisely said:
“Switch to paper, card, metal or glass and all the time you are adding carbon. The question is: what problem are you trying to solve?”
The Bigger Picture
Recent studies show that food waste contributes more to climate change than packaging ever could. According to the UN, around 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted annually, and packaging—especially plastic—helps extend shelf life and reduce this waste.
Lifecycle analyses confirm that replacing plastic with alternative materials would increase carbon emissions by up to 30%, even if none of the plastic was recycled. So, the challenge isn’t plastic itself—it’s how we manage it.
Current Challenges
Single-use plastics and poor recycling infrastructure have led to overflowing landfills and ocean pollution. However, it’s important to note that plastic doesn’t pollute oceans—people do. Nearly 46% of ocean plastic waste comes from abandoned fishing gear, not food packaging.
The UK has responded with initiatives like the Plastic Packaging Tax (April 2022), which applies to packaging that doesn’t contain at least 30% recycled content. This drives demand for recycled materials and supports a circular economy.
Solutions for Sustainable Packaging
At National Flexible, we’re investing in technologies and materials that make packaging more sustainable:
Recyclable Films
- OPP (Polypropylene) and PE (Polyethylene) films are now widely accepted at supermarket collection points.
- These films are lightweight, strong, and help reduce carbon emissions compared to heavier alternatives.
Compostable Films
- Conform to EN13432 for industrial composting.
- Break down into CO₂, water, and organic matter within six months.
- Available in single-web or laminate form with high oxygen and moisture barriers.
Advanced Recycling
- Mechanical recycling: Converts plastic waste into secondary raw material.
- Chemical recycling: Breaks plastics down to molecular building blocks for reuse, even recovering aluminium layers from complex packaging.
Innovation in Printing
We introduced a UK-first printing plant powered entirely by hydroelectric energy, using water-based inks—eliminating solvent emissions and saving customers tonnes of CO₂ annually.
The Sustainability Workshop
Education is key to solving packaging challenges. That’s why we created the Sustainability Workshop—a free program designed to help businesses understand the facts and make informed decisions.
What’s included:
- Plastic reduction strategies.
- Insights into recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable solutions.
- Environmental packaging audits.
- Circular economy principles.
We’ve worked with leading brands like Morrisons, Hovis, Twinings, and Weetabix, and 100% of attendees recommend the workshop.
Join the Movement
The technology exists. The solutions are here. What matters now is education and collaboration—not finger-pointing. Together, we can create packaging that protects products, reduces waste, and safeguards the planet.
📢 Book your FREE Sustainability Workshop today. Places fill fast!