How to reduce packaging waste in manufacturing

Most contemporary trends point towards a greater awareness of the environment among consumers. Manufacturers have traditionally created huge quantities of waste, and much of that comes from the packaging used for products. While it is in many cases essential, there are ways to reduce the amount of packaging waste in manufacturing. For this article, we asked our experts to explain the best ways to do so in order to help your business become greener and more conscious of the environment. WHAT IS PACKAGING USED FOR IN MANUFACTURING? Packaging has a wide variety of uses in manufacturing, and it’s an integral part of the distribution and supply chain in many industries. When a product is complete and rolled off the production line, it’s usually packaged up for subsequent shipping. Packaging provides security for a product that’s in transit, protecting it from bumps or falls, particularly if it’s a delicate item. Packaging also provides a way for substances to be safely transported, and for certain products – such as liquids, drinks and cleaning products – some form of packaging is essential to keep the product together. But packaging is also used by manufacturers to brand their products. They can advertise the product’s name and features or the company’s brand, as well as provide necessary safety or product information, something particularly important for food products. WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH PACKAGING WASTE? While packaging is essential for many products, it can also cause great harm to the environment. Plastic is one of the most popular packaging methods, and it can take years to degrade while clogging up waterways and oceans. High quantities of packaging create unnecessary waste because it either needs to be recycled, destroyed, or placed in landfill. All of these things take up more valuable resources that could arguably be better used elsewhere. The primary problems with packaging waste are environmental. As we live an increasingly competitive and under-resourced world, these problems look set to be exacerbated in the coming decades if solutions aren’t found. HOW DOES USING LESS PACKAGING WASTE HELP THE ENVIRONMENT? Simply put, if there is less packaging waste from manufacturing, there is less waste that can make its way into the environment. Less waste reduces the need for landfill sites. It means there’s less waste that needs to be burned or buried in the ground and, therefore, fewer potential pollutants will be released into the environment. If we reduce our packaging waste, there will be less waste finding its way into waterways, rivers, streams, or into the ocean. Wildlife is less likely to suffer by accidentally consuming waste products or being trapped in them, as frequently happens in oceans especially. ITP provides high-quality products designed to do the job they should, every time. That means you can cut costs and reduce waste – thereby helping the environment – by choosing from our range of industrial packaging. Contact ITP Packaging to place your next order.

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