Sustainability is now an unavoidable topic in the packaging industry. More and more companies are touting „green” solutions, but in practice, it’s often unclear what that actually means. Sustainable packaging isn’t just a matter of a single decision or material. Rather, it’s a comprehensive approach that takes the entire life cycle into account, from manufacturing all the way through to use and recycling. In our next article, we’ll explore this topic in more detail.
Not everything that looks „green” actually is
One of the most common misconceptions is that sustainability is solely about raw materials. Many people automatically lean toward „paper instead of plastic,” but that alone does not necessarily make for a more sustainable solution. In reality, the environmental impact of packaging is determined by a combination of factors: the raw material, the manufacturing process, transportation, and how it is used.
The production and transportation of multi-layer paper-based packaging—used, for example, to provide extra rigidity or a premium feel—can, in some cases, have a greater environmental impact than a thin, optimized plastic solution.
Another common situation in the FMCG sector is when packaging is oversized for „visual appeal.” A larger box requires more raw materials and also unnecessarily increases the volume of goods shipped.
Less is often more
One of the fundamental principles of sustainable packaging is minimization. Less material, fewer unnecessary layers, less waste.
This is not only beneficial from an environmental standpoint, but also from an economic one. The optimized design and use of materials reduce both costs and transportation needs.
Even a reduction of just a few millimeters in the thickness or size of packaging can result in significant savings when dealing with large quantities. More products can fit on a pallet, fewer shipments are needed, and this reduces both costs and the environmental impact.
Well-designed packaging is therefore not only „greener,” but also more efficient.
Manufacturing plays a key role
Sustainability doesn't stop at the choice of materials. Manufacturing technology also plays a key role.
Energy-efficient processes, modern printing technologies, and solutions such as low-migration inks and responsible ink usage all contribute to reducing the environmental impact.
Low-migration inks, which are increasingly used in food packaging, are not only safer but can also lead to more precise production and fewer defects. This indirectly reduces the amount of waste.
A well-optimized manufacturing process is therefore not only a matter of quality but also of sustainability.
Logistics is also part of the equation
Packaging is truly sustainable only if it is efficient not only during production but also during transportation and storage.
Well-optimized sizing, proper load capacity, and thoughtful inventory management can all reduce transportation needs and environmental impact.
If, due to a box’s design, pallet utilization is only 70–80%, more trips are required to transport the same amount of product. With an optimized design, however, utilization can be improved by as much as 10–20%, which translates to direct reductions in costs and emissions.
This is the point where packaging transcends its own purpose and becomes part of the entire supply chain.
What does this mean in practice?
Sustainable packaging is not a „one-step” solution. Rather, it is an ongoing process of optimization, where the goal is for packaging to function with the least possible environmental impact.
This often involves compromises, but well-considered decisions pay off in the long run, both from an environmental and a business perspective.
The question, then, is not whether a solution is „green,” but rather whether how effective it is in that particular system.
Sustainable packaging is not a trend, but a new approach to packaging design and manufacturing.
What matters is not whether a solution „appears to be green,” but how effectively it works within the entire system.
The best results are always achieved by companies that optimize not just a single factor, but the entire process.
If you'd like to explore how to make your packaging both sustainable and cost-effective, it's worth having an expert take a look at your options.
How do we do it?
For Kartonpack, sustainability is not just a goal, but a core value that permeates everything we do and every decision we make. Together with our partners, we are committed to environmental and social responsibility, which has shaped our path forward from the very beginning.
Our company is the proud holder of the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) certificates, which guarantee that, in our production processes, we are only using wood derivatives from sustainable sources. In this way, we actively protect the natural forests and the biodiversity, which is a treasure we all share.
Our ISO 14001 certification and EcoVadis certification are further proof that our environmental, ethical, and labor practices meet high standards. With our BRC certification, we guarantee that our products meet the strictest food safety standards, ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our partners and end users.
Our sustainability efforts include the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar parks, as well as the increase of energy efficiency and the conscious, waste-free use of the resources. We are optimizing our production processes through automation and digitalization to leave as small an ecological footprint as possible.
We also place great emphasis on the social responsibility: we create a safe, inspiring and supportive work environment for our colleagues, where their professional development and well-being are a high priority. We believe that long-term success can only be achieved with a satisfied and motivated team.
Kartonpack is not only an environmentally conscious company but also a reliable partner that creates value for its customers, employees, and society alike through its long-term, sustainable business model. By working with us, our partners not only achieve business success but also play a part in a responsible and value-creating future.
Please contact the With the Kartonpack team, and we'll help you develop a packaging solution that works in the long term.