What Is Packaging Sustainability?

By Jean Lloyd, Keypoint Intelligence – Sustainability is the big watchword right now, and one of the most significant pushes comes from the packaging sector. The entire world has finally grasped the importance and ubiquitous nature of packaging. Whether the product is sourced online or in person, purchased from a chain store or boutique outlet, or is a fashion item, car, or something from the greengrocer, it will come in some form of packaging.

Sustainability is top of everyone’s mind when it comes to packaging. Even so, it’s important to take a closer look at sustainability—and here I must state that this is an opinion piece. As the title of my article suggests, we first need to understand what sustainability in packaging actually is. Every country has its fair share of sustainability gurus; most businesses have their own sustainability officers, evangelists, or proponents. Governments have entire committees dedicated to exploring sustainability, oftentimes from the standpoint of seeking to penalize non-compliant parties. But none of these experts have actually come up with a global definition of sustainability in packaging. Indeed, sustainability at its heart is about environmental and public health. If we look at it from that vantage point, does the focus shift?