Sustainability is emerging as a defining factor in industries and the packaging sector is no exception. Huhtamaki, a global player in the flexible packaging industry, has taken a proactive stance toward sustainability by fully integrating it into its daily operations and strategic planning. The shift toward sustainability is largely driven by the increasing number of brand owners and customers who have pledged to make their packaging 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.
During the Bobst annual press conference held on 27 June at the Mex Competence Center, a round table was held with industry experts from different sectors focusing on a range of topics, including sustainability. Jonas Lindh, the head of global marketing and strategic business development flexible packaging at Huhtamaki, emphasized that sustainability is no longer just an option or an ethical consideration but has become a “license to operate.”
In other words, companies in the packaging industry must align their practices with sustainable principles to remain competitive and meet their customers’ expectations. This transition to sustainability may present challenges, but it also offers ample opportunities for innovation and growth for all stakeholders in the packaging industry.
Huhtamaki’s approach to sustainability revolves around the “power of three” elements that are essential for any sustainable packaging solution. First, the packaging must maintain the same level of protection for the contents, particularly when it comes to preserving the quality and safety of food products. Sustainable packaging solutions should not compromise on their primary purpose, which is to safeguard the products they contain.
Second, these sustainable packaging materials must be designed for easy and efficient recyclability within existing waste management systems. The goal is to minimize waste and ensure that packaging materials can be effectively recycled and reused, contributing to a circular economy model.
Lastly, Huhtamaki recognizes that sustainable solutions must be economically viable on a global scale. Affordability is critical to ensure widespread adoption by both businesses and consumers. By making sustainable options accessible and cost-effective, Huhtamaki aims to drive positive change across the industry and foster a more sustainable future.
Huhtamaki’s partnership with Bobst
Huhtamaki’s partnership with Bobst has been instrumental in advancing their sustainable solutions. Collaborating with Bobst’s research and development facilities has allowed Huhtamaki to expedite the development process. Early-stage prototyping and large-scale testing conducted at Bobst’s competence centers have enabled faster product development and successful market launches.
In addition to sustainability, Jonas touched upon the importance of digitization in the packaging industry. Huhtamaki embraces digital technologies to gather and analyze data throughout the entire value chain, from raw material suppliers to end consumers and recyclers.
This data-driven approach helps them assess the performance of their products and identify areas for improvement. By staying ahead of market trends and leveraging data insights, Huhtamaki can continuously innovate and develop future sustainable solutions that align with evolving customer demands and environmental considerations.
Overall, Huhtamaki’s dedication to sustainability and its collaboration with Bobst exemplify a proactive and responsible approach to addressing the urgent environmental challenges faced by the packaging industry. By placing sustainability at the core of its operations and embracing digitization, Huhtamaki demonstrates its commitment to delivering innovative, eco-friendly solutions that resonate with customers and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for the entire packaging ecosystem.
