Ecological food packaging refers to all those packaging solutions designed to reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainable management of natural resources. In view of the large impact that the packaging industry has on the environment, especially with the massive use of plastic; cellulose-based packaging is proposed as a responsible alternative. The aim of these solutions is to reduce, or even eliminate, the use of non-biodegradable and hard to recycle materials such as traditional plastic, and replace them with more eco-friendly materials such as paper, board, bioplastics and compostable materials.
A fundamental characteristic of ecological packaging is its design oriented towards sustainability in all phases of the product life cycle: from the production of materials to their use, until their end of life. This implies conscious and responsible use of resources, reducing waste and encouraging recycling and compostability. For example, environmentally friendly food packaging can be made from materials derived from renewable sources that are easily recyclable and/or compostable.
Eco-friendly packaging is not limited to the use of sustainable materials but also extends to a design that favors the reduction of packaging volume, optimizing the amount of material needed for packaging and its logistics management.
Another important aspect is the transparency and traceability of the materials used. Companies that produce eco-friendly packaging are increasingly called upon to certify the origin of materials and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. Certifications, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) for paper and board are examples of labels that help consumers make informed choices.
It should not be forgotten that ecological packaging is not only about the material with which the packaging is made, but also the impact that the production of these materials has on the planet. Companies that adopt green packaging practices also tend to optimize production processes, reducing energy and water use, minimizing CO2 emissions and, in general, reducing their impact on the environment.
When packaging is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, it means that the material from which it is made comes from a responsibly managed forest. The FSC is an international certification that guarantees that wood, paper and other forest products come from sources that meet very high environmental, social and economic standards. FSC certification ensures that forest management does not contribute to illegal deforestation, loss of biodiversity, violation of the rights of indigenous peoples or child labour.
The FSC system has three types of certifications: one for forests (FSC Forest Management), one for products containing wood or paper from certified forests (FSC Chain of Custody) and one for retailers selling FSC-certified products (FSC Product Certification).
When a package is labeled with the FSC logo, this indicates that the product has been made from wood or paper from forests that meet sustainable ecological and social criteria.
FSC certification helps consumers make informed choices and encourages companies to operate responsibly. It also helps to promote the sustainable management of forest resources by reducing the impact of the paper and forestry industry on the environment.
Recycled paper is a widely used material in packaging because of its versatility and its ability to reduce the environmental impact. The production process of recycled paper starts with the collection of used paper and board, which is then separated from contaminants and processed to be reused in the production of new packaging.
Recycled paper can be used in a wide range of packaging, from dry food containers such as boxes and bags to labels… The use of recycled paper in packaging helps to reduce the demand for virgin wood, reducing the need for new natural resources.
The paper recycling process involves a series of steps, including cleaning and whitening, to remove inks and other impurities. The recycled materials are then combined with new fibres, and the result is quality paper suitable for use in packaging.
Recycled paper offers the opportunity to close the material cycle through continuous recycling, reducing the amount of waste produced and contributing to a more efficient management of resources.
In this context, the concept of “circular economy” plays an important role. The materials used for ecological packaging are intended to be reused, recycled or composted, preventing them from ending up in landfills, where they contribute to polluting the environment.
Biodegradable packaging and compostable packaging are two types of packaging that degrade naturally, but there are important differences between the two. The term “biodegradable” refers to any material that can be broken down or decomposed by micro-organisms over time, such as bacteria and fungi. Biodegradation can occur in any natural environment, but the process may take a very variable time depending on the material and environmental conditions. In some cases, biodegradable materials can take years to completely decompose.
Compostable packaging, instead, is a specific type of biodegradable material that degrades rapidly under controlled composting conditions, generally in about 90 days. Compostable materials are designed to turn into compost, a nutrient-rich organic substance that can be used to improve the soil. Compostability is a process that takes place in industrial composting plants, where the conditions of temperature and humidity are optimal to promote decomposition.
The main difference, therefore, lies in the time and conditions required for degradation. While biodegradable material may decompose in natural environments but with long and variable times, compostable material is designed for rapid decay in a specific composting environment.
In summary, all compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable. The choice between biodegradable and compostable depends on the use to be made of the material and whether it can be disposed of properly.
Corrugated board and stretch board are both widely used in packaging, but they have different characteristics that make them suitable for different contexts. Corrugated board consists of several layers of paper, with a corrugated middle layer providing superior protection. Stretch board, instead, is a material consisting of one or two layers of compact paper.
One of the main advantages of corrugated board over stretch board is its strength. The corrugated structure gives the material greater rigidity and resistance to impact and compression, making it ideal for transport and packaging of fragile or heavy products. This property makes it particularly suitable for packaging large volume goods or items that need protection during transport, such as bottles, appliances, or delicate food products.
In addition, corrugated board offers greater protection against changes in temperature and humidity thanks to its structure that traps air and creates an insulating barrier. This makes it an excellent choice for packaging products that need some environmental protection, such as packaged foods, electronics, or fragile products.
Another advantage of corrugated board is its lightness compared to stretch board, despite its greater strength. The combination of lightness and resistance makes corrugated board a very effective material for reducing transport costs, while helping to reduce environmental impact through reduced CO2 emissions related to transport.
Corrugated board also has a high recyclability value. Many types of corrugated board are produced with a good percentage of recycled materials and can be efficiently recycled once it has completed its life cycle. In addition, corrugated board is very versatile and can be easily adapted to different shapes and sizes, making it ideal for a wide range of applications in packaging, both food and non-food.
The “Plastic Free” seal can be an anti-burglary system designed to make packaging safe that does not contain plastic. These systems have become an important marketing tool for companies wishing to demonstrate their commitment to the fight against plastic pollution. Consumers, increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of single-use plastics, are attracted to products with the “Plastic Free” seal, as they perceive these articles as more sustainable and in line with their ecological concerns.
One of the main advantages of the “Plastic Free” seal is the reduction in the environmental impact associated with the use of plastic. Traditional plastic is a material that takes hundreds of years to decompose and contributes significantly to the formation of plastic islands in seas and oceans. The “Plastic Free” seal ensures that the product does not contribute to this type of pollution, promoting the adoption of alternative materials such as paper, bioplastics, metals, or other biodegradable and compostable materials.
The “Plastic Free” seal helps companies stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Companies that adopt green practices in their packaging can attract eco-conscious consumers, who are willing to spend more on products that respect their environmental values. This creates a competitive advantage for companies, which can increase their market share through clear communication and commitment to sustainability.
The “Plastic Free” seal also supports the circular economy, as it encourages the use of materials that can be easily recycled or composted, Reducing the amount of plastic waste and encouraging the creation of more environmentally friendly and sustainable packaging solutions.
Corrugated board is not inherently moisture resistant, but it has some features that make it versatile enough for use in damp or condensate-exposed environments. The wave structure of the board provides some protection against moisture, as the air trapped between the layers helps to reduce the absorption of external moisture. However, the moisture resistance of corrugated board depends very much on the type of board and the treatments to which it has been subjected.
To improve moisture resistance, corrugated board can be treated with protective coatings or specific additives that make it waterproof or moisture resistant. These treatments are particularly important for food packaging, where moisture can compromise product quality and material stability. In some cases, corrugated board can be combined with biopolymers from renewable sources to achieve effective waterproofing without compromising the recyclability and compostability of the material.
In general, corrugated board is ideal for applications that do not require direct exposure to very humid conditions, such as dry product packaging. However, with the right eco-friendly treatments, it can also be used for products that could be exposed to higher levels of humidity, such as fresh or chilled foods.
Digital and traditional (analog) printing are two printing techniques used to apply text and images on a material, but they differ greatly in processes and applications.
Digital printing works directly through digital files, without the need to create print plates or other physical elements. Images are transferred directly to the material by liquid or powder inks, as in inkjet or laser printing. This type of printing is particularly advantageous for personalization. Another great advantage of digital printing is the speed, as there is no need to prepare plates or make changes to the machine set-up. In addition, digital printing allows a wide range of materials and surfaces to be used, including board, plastics and tissues.
Traditional printing, instead, involves the use of physical plates or dies which are used to transfer inks or paints onto a surface. Techniques such as typography, screen printing, rotogravure and lithography are examples of traditional printing. Although these techniques are slower and more expensive than digital printing, they are ideal for mass production as they offer higher print quality and longer life. Traditional printing, especially screen printing and lithography, is very popular when it comes to high-quality work on large volumes.
The main difference between the two methods lies in cost, speed of execution, quality and applications. Digital printing is cheaper and faster for small runs, while traditional printing is more suitable for large volumes and to achieve outstanding quality on paper or other materials.
Grass paper is a type of paper made from a mixture of wood fibres and grass. These grass fibres can come from different plants, such as grass, straw or other non-woody plant material. Grass paper is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paper because they use less energy and water in the production of grass fibres than cellulose fibres.
Grass paper is mainly used in food and non-food packaging as a sustainable material. Thanks to its natural structure and light weight, it is particularly suitable for creating biodegradable packaging that can be recycled or composted without damaging the environment. It is often used for packaging fresh food products, fashion packaging and luxury goods, as it gives a rustic and natural look that is highly appreciated by environmentally conscious consumers.
Grass paper has properties that make it suitable to withstand the stresses of transport and to be easily customized by printing. Due to its plant origin, it has a higher quality perception for the environmentally sensitive consumer.
The BRCGS Packaging materials (British Retail Consortium Global Standards) certification is one of the world’s most recognized certifications for food packaging safety and quality. It certifies that a company operating in the packaging sector has complied with specific international standards concerning the quality, safety and legality of its products, with particular emphasis on consumer protection and the adoption of responsible practices in the management of the supply chain.
The BRCGS for food packaging is a program that provides a complete framework for managing the safety and quality of food packaging. The BRCGS certification covers various aspects of the production process, from material sourcing to manufacturing, distribution and processing of finished products. The BRCGS standards focus on ensuring that food packaging is safe, hygienic and free of contaminants that could compromise food safety.
This certification is particularly important because, with the increase in demand for food safety and corporate social responsibility, international standards have become stricter. Consumers are increasingly aware of the quality and safety of the products they buy, and the adoption of certifications such as BRCGS allows companies to gain consumer confidence and stand out in the competitive market. In addition, the BRCGS facilitates compliance with international regulations by reducing food safety and non-compliance risks.
The BRCGS certification process involves a series of internal and external audits, where companies are assessed on criteria such as quality control, risk management, hygiene in production, and sustainable sourcing of materials. Companies that obtain BRCGS certification must demonstrate that they follow rigorous practices that reduce the risk of contamination and pollution of food packaging.
When it comes to food packaging, it is crucial to choose materials that are safe for direct contact with food. These materials must meet stringent safety standards, so that they do not contaminate food and ensure that they do not release hazardous chemicals. Some of the most common and safe materials for direct food contact include:
- Paper and board: When treated properly, paper and board are safe materials for contact with dry food or fresh products. Virgin fibre paper and grass paper are environmentally friendly alternatives that can be used to pack food. These materials are generally treated with natural coatings to improve their moisture resistance and to prevent food oils or fats from penetrating the material.
- Bioplastics: Bioplastics are sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic and are produced from renewable sources such as corn starch or sugar cane. There are bioplastics specifically designed for direct contact with food.
Choosing eco-friendly containers for food packaging has many advantages, both for companies and for the environment. These containers are generally made of biobased, recyclable, biodegradable or compostable materials, thus reducing the environmental impact of packaging.
An important advantage is that paper and board food containers help to reduce the pollution caused by single-use plastic, which is a major cause of pollution in the seas and oceans. By using alternative materials such as paper, bioplastics or board, companies can reduce the amount of plastic waste and promote responsible material management.
Paper and board containers are able to meet the demands of increasingly sustainable consumers. Many consumers prefer to buy products made from eco-friendly materials, as they perceive these choices as a commitment by companies towards reducing their environmental impact and social responsibility.
The adoption of eco-friendly containers allows companies to improve their reputation on the market, increase customer loyalty and respond to increasingly stringent environmental regulations that require the adoption of sustainable practices.
Digital printing on corrugated board is an advanced printing process that uses digital technologies to apply images, text and graphics on corrugated board surfaces without the use of traditional printing plates or cylinders. Digital printing, unlike traditional printing, allows direct and flexible production, increasing the speed of production, making it ideal for customizing packaging and displays.
Corrugated board is a very popular material in the packaging industry due to its strength and versatility. It is used for a wide range of applications, from transport boxes to food packaging to displays and promotional packaging. Digital printing on corrugated board is particularly advantageous for companies that want to produce customized or printed packaging quickly and efficiently.
Digital printing on corrugated board works in a similar way to printing on other digital media, such as paper or tissues. In this process, images and texts are created and digitally edited using graphic design software and then sent to a digital printer. These digital printers come with print heads that spray ink on board surface, creating the desired design. The inks used in corrugated digital printers are usually based on liquid or gel pigments, which dry quickly to avoid smudging or design alterations.
Unlike offset printing, which requires separate plate preparation and inking processes, digital printing does not require complex equipment. This significantly reduces setup times and allows for fast production. The digital process allows the graphic file to be printed directly on the board surface without having to go through complex pre-production steps.
One of the main advantages of digital printing is the ability to customize every single piece of packaging without compromising speed or efficiency. Companies may change the designs, colors, messages or labels for each product unit. This is particularly useful for seasonal productions, limited editions or promotional campaigns. The ability to change design and content quickly and easily allows companies to react quickly to market demands, without having to prepare new printing tools or face high costs for changing production lines.
Modern digital printers are able to reproduce vivid colors, detailed images and clear text with high resolution. This makes digital printing ideal for applications where the visual aspect is crucial, such as luxury packaging, organic food products, and promotional items. The high quality of digital printing enables companies to create eye-catching packaging that stands out on the shelves and attracts consumer attention.
Digital printing is also more sustainable than traditional printing methods. Since there is no need for extra plates or ink, packaging production is more efficient in terms of materials and resources. In addition, many digital printers use eco-friendly water-based inks that reduce the environmental impact compared to traditional inks. In addition, digital printing on corrugated board reduces material wastage as the quantities of ink used can be controlled more precisely, reducing waste. With digital printing, lead times are significantly shorter. Since the production process does not require such long steps as the preparation of printing plates, companies can get their packaging in much faster time, this is essential in a world where speed and timeliness are crucial to meeting market needs.
Digital printing also allows on-demand production, that is the ability to produce packaging lots only when needed. This means that companies can avoid overproduction and minimize waste, both in terms of material and costs associated with excess production. This is particularly useful for short-lived products, such as seasonal or limited editions, which do not require large production batches.
Ideal for modern packaging needs, especially in the food, e-commerce and retail sectors.