By As plastic pollution continues to impact our oceans, landfills, and the air we breathe, it becomes imperative to explore ways to reduce our consumption. A key starting point is addressing the source, particularly in the realm of product manufacturing, specifically focusing on packaging. Plastic waste management in packaging manufacturing is undergoing reforms, but there is always room for improvement to mitigate the extensive presence of plastic on our planet.
A large portion of this issue comes from the surge in shipping and packaging products, which while designed to protect items during transit, is unsustainable considering the amount of packages shipped annually. This issue is only further exacerbated by factors like online shopping and food distribution.
As the global population grows, waste from food distribution is also expected to increase, especially given the industry’s reliance on hard-to-recycle soft plastic packaging. This type of packaging, known as film or “flexible packaging,” is just as unsustainable as other plastic packaging alternatives.
Addressing this issue requires proactive measures from manufacturers. Implementing strict waste control programs based on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle is one approach. Additionally, adopting sustainable practices and using environmentally friendly materials can contribute to waste reduction.
While materials like glass, paper, and cardboard may be less cost-effective, they offer easier recyclability. Innovative techniques, such as ultrasonic sealing as an alternative to heat sealing, can also contribute to more sustainable packaging, particularly when combined with paper products.
Although the challenge of plastic waste pollution is complex and requires global efforts, modernizing packaging at its source and incorporating cutting-edge manufacturing techniques can make a positive impact today. While there is no simple solution, focusing on proactive measures can contribute to the ongoing fight against plastic pollution. Continue reading on to the infographic highlighted alongside this post for more information surrounding the plastic problem the world is facing today.
The Problem With Plastic Packaging, provided by Herrmann Ultrasonics, a company offering a suite of ultrasonic metal welding machines
