Every year, a staggering eight million tons of plastic end up in our oceans, threatening marine life and ecosystems. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to rethink our relationship with plastic packaging, especially in supermarkets. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases, and regulatory pressure is mounting on businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.
But there’s good news! Europe has made significant strides in embracing sustainable packaging, achieving an impressive penetration rate in its supermarkets. This success story offers valuable lessons and actionable strategies for businesses worldwide. In this post, we’ll break down 3 key adaptable operation strategies that have driven this transformation in Europe, providing insights you can apply to your own organization, whether you’re a supermarket, restaurant, or any other business grappling with packaging waste.
Understanding the European Context
Before diving into the strategies, let’s understand the factors that have contributed to Europe’s success.
- Regulatory Landscape: The European Union has been a driving force behind the shift towards sustainable packaging through directives like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the Single-Use Plastics Directive. These regulations set targets for reducing packaging waste, promoting recyclability and reusability, and phasing out certain single-use plastics. These regulations incentivize supermarkets to adopt degradable and reusable options to avoid penalties and meet compliance standards.
- Consumer Attitudes: European consumers are generally highly environmentally aware and concerned about the impact of their purchasing decisions. This strong consumer demand pushes supermarkets to prioritize sustainable packaging options, as customers are more likely to choose products with eco-friendly packaging.
- Infrastructure and Partnerships: Europe boasts a relatively well-developed waste management infrastructure, including composting facilities and recycling programs, that supports the collection and processing of degradable packaging. Furthermore, collaborative efforts between supermarkets, packaging manufacturers, and waste management companies have played a crucial role in establishing efficient systems for reusable packaging.
The 3 Adaptable Operation Strategies
Here are the three key adaptable operation strategies that have contributed to Europe’s degradable packaging success:
Strategy 1: Reusable Container Programs
This strategy involves implementing a system where consumers can purchase products in durable, reusable containers, often with a deposit refund scheme. Customers pay a small deposit for the container, which they receive back when they return it to the store. Supermarkets then clean and sanitize the containers for reuse. A prime example is deposit refund programs for fresh produce and deli items.
This approach significantly reduces single-use plastic waste, leading to lower waste disposal costs. It can also improve brand image, foster customer loyalty, and even create new revenue streams through the deposit system.
However, initial investment in containers and cleaning infrastructure can be significant. There’s also the challenge of changing consumer behavior, collecting and cleaning containers, and ensuring sanitization.
Collaboration with cleaning service providers can streamline the cleaning and sanitization process. Offering incentives for consumer participation, such as discounts or loyalty points, can encourage returns. Standardized container designs across different products and brands can simplify logistics and reduce costs.
Several supermarkets across Europe have successfully implemented deposit refund schemes for reusable containers. For example, in Germany, many supermarkets offer reusable containers for deli meats and cheeses with a small deposit, significantly reducing the amount of plastic film used. Retailers in France are piloting similar programs, partnering with companies like Loop to offer a range of products in reusable containers.
Strategy 2: Optimized Packaging Design for Reusability & Degradability
This strategy focuses on redesigning packaging to maximize its reusability and degradability. This involves selecting materials that are durable enough for multiple uses, easy to clean, and readily compostable or recyclable at the end of their life.
Extends the lifespan of packaging and facilitates easier processing through recycling or composting infrastructure. It can also improve the overall sustainability profile of products and reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste.
Requires significant investment in research and development to identify suitable materials and designs. Balancing durability with degradability can be challenging. Consumer acceptance of new packaging materials and designs can also be a hurdle.
Collaborate with packaging manufacturers and material scientists to develop innovative and sustainable packaging solutions. Conduct thorough testing to ensure the durability, safety, and compostability/recyclability of new packaging materials. Educate consumers about the benefits of new packaging designs and materials to encourage acceptance and adoption.
Several companies have developed bio-based plastics from renewable resources that are compostable and can be used for food packaging. (For example, ShinHigh Bio offers Certified Compostable packages. These packages are crafted from PLA, PBAT, starch, and paper.) Supermarkets in Scandinavia are increasingly using paper-based packaging for dry goods and produce, which can be easily recycled or composted.
Strategy 3: Radical Reduction & Elimination (“Less is More”)
Prevent waste at the source by fundamentally rethinking packaging necessity and design. Packaging designs should minimize material usage and optimize for efficient transport and storage.
Reduces material costs regardless of type, lowers carbon footprint, and future-proofs against stricter reduction targets.
Applying these Strategies to Other Industries
The reusable operation strategies outlined above are not limited to supermarkets. They can be adapted and applied to various industries facing packaging waste challenges.
Transferable Lessons: Restaurants can implement reusable container programs for takeout orders, offering discounts to customers who bring their own containers. E-commerce businesses can use reusable delivery containers. Manufacturers can redesign their packaging to be more durable and reusable, offering incentives for customers to return packaging for refilling or recycling.
Reusable coffee cups and PLA coffee cups are now a common sight in many coffee shops. Some restaurants are partnering with companies to offer reusable delivery containers that customers can return after use. Beverage companies are exploring deposit refund schemes for glass and aluminum bottles.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Degradable/Reusable Packaging
The future of degradable and reusable packaging is bright, with ongoing innovation in materials science, packaging design, and waste management technologies. Emerging technologies like bio-based plastics and smart packaging have the potential to revolutionize the way we package and consume products.
We encourage you to take action! Whether you’re a business owner, a consumer, or a policymaker, you can play a role in driving the transition towards a more sustainable packaging system. Implement these strategies in your own business, support sustainable packaging initiatives, and advocate for policy changes that promote reusability and degradability.
With continued investment in research and development, supportive policies, and increasing consumer awareness, we can unlock the full potential of degradable and reusable packaging and create a more circular economy.
Conclusion
In this post, we’ve explored the success of Europe’s adoption of degradable packaging, highlighting three key adaptable operation strategies: reusable container programs, packaging design for reusability & degradability, and minimizing package usage. These strategies offer a pathway towards reducing plastic waste and creating a more sustainable future for our planet.
The future of packaging is in our hands. What will you do to make a difference?
