Recycling plastic bottles made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the ones used for bottled water and soft drinks, is considered an industry success story. According to a major distributor, the industry claims a 30.8% recycling rate, which is only exceeded by aluminum and cardboard. According to the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR), the use of recycled PET—called RPET—is increasing due to an industry that is trying to go green. It indicates a commitment to a circular economy by brand owners.
"This continued increase of postconsumer RPET usage in bottles and jars is encouraging, and points to a commitment toward a circular economy by brand owners,” said Tom Busard, chairman of NAPCOR. And there are indeed promises to use more PRET: We have reported previously that Coca-Cola is promising to use 50% recycled material in its packaging by 2030.
However, as awareness grows, it is becoming evident that emphasizing recycling alone is insufficient to address plastic pollution and environmental concerns. A more comprehensive approach involves exploring alternative packaging materials, one of which is molded pulp packaging. The environmentally friendly packaging option has garnered increasing attention.
Molded pulp packaging utilizes a biodegradable material composed of pulp and water. The production process of this packaging is relatively low-carbon, with minimal environmental impact. In comparison to traditional plastic packaging, molded pulp packaging significantly contributes to reducing the burden of plastic waste. Moreover, due to its natural origin, this packaging can more easily degrade at the end of its lifecycle, minimizing adverse environmental effects.
Notably, an increasing number of brands and companies are recognizing the potential advantages of molded pulp packaging and are adopting this eco-friendly alternative in their product packaging. Furthermore, leading companies are continuously researching and innovating to enhance the sustainability and practicality of molded pulp packaging, driving its widespread adoption in the market.
By embracing molded pulp packaging, businesses can actively contribute to developing a circular economy and alleviate the environmental impact of plastic. Therefore, the path to an eco-friendly future lies not only in increasing recycling rates but also in seeking and adopting more sustainable packaging solutions, such as molded pulp packaging. This shift aligns with the principles of sustainable development and helps propel the entire industry toward a more environmentally conscious direction.
Follow OtaraPack to get more sustainable molded pulp packaging solution：
https://www.instagram.com/otarapack
https://www.facebook.com/otarapack
https://www.pinterest.com/OtaraPack
