Sustainability has consistently been integral to the European continent. Therefore, differing from our usual news segment, this monthly edition provides more locally-focused updates within Europe, so that you can remain easily up to date with changes in sustainable development in the region.
European Flexible Packaging Industry Agrees on a unified Sustainability Vision
The Members of Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), which represent the European flexible packaging industry, mainly comprising problematic plastic materials, have agreed to a joint vision on sustainability. The focus will be on creating flexible packaging with minimal environmental impact, creating space for circularity, zero tolerance on litter and speed through cooperation.
Sustainability through waste reduction and rethinking Food Packaging and Plastic
With food processors and retailers striving to enhance sustainability, Stephanie Poole, business development and retail manager, North West Food Packaging, Sealed Air, urges the industry to place a focus on food security and shelf-life as an effective approach to reducing waste and improving resource usage. Food Packaging, specifically with regards to plastic, also needs to be revised as consumers increasingly expect companies to be responsible for their environmental footprint.
Maritime Sector and Shipping need support to become more sustainable
Though shipping is the most energy efficient option for transporting large quantities of cargo, there is still space to decrease its environmental impact. Adina Valean, European Commissioner for Transport, argues that as the maritime sector kept the global economy going when much of the world was locked down, this vital sector needs support.
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Fully Recyclable Plastic Packaging
Mondi, an international packaging and paper manufacturer, has partnered with Austrian meat producer Hütthaler to produce a fully recyclable thermoforming film made from a mono-material for their meat and sausage products. The film can be fully recycled and provides a barrier to protect the food and extend its shelf life.
To find out more about this collaboration, Click Here
R&D programme in Circular Bioeconomy
Fortum and Metsä Group join forces with Business Finland to create a 4-year joint R&D programme, called ExpandFibre, which aims to develop ground-breaking technologies and smart business concepts that are required to convert straw and wood pulp fibre into novel bioproducts, such as textile fibres. The R&D programme has been granted EUR 20 million from Business Finland.
