Making packaging more sustainable is the new trend these days. Sonia Pelacheva, a Sales Manager for Vela at Seaman Paper, shared her insights on this at the recent Connected Packaging Summit. She covered a bunch of stuff – from switching to paper-based options to digital tools and even the potential of reusing packaging.
Seaman Paper’s Green Game Plan
Sonia chatted about Seaman Paper’s plan to tackle plastic pollution by offering sustainable paper alternatives. The company has been around for more than 75 years and is a major player in paper and packaging solutions, mostly for the garment and fashion industry. They have launched “See the Difference Initiative” campaign, which is powered by sales from their product, Devolpx. . The goal? To replace single-use plastics with paper packaging.
Paper vs. Plastic
Sonia really pushed the benefits of paper over single-use plastic. She pointed out that paper comes from responsibly sourced, renewable materials and, unlike plastic, it can break down naturally. Plus, it’s one of the most recycled products globally, making it a more sustainable choice.
Digital Tools for Sustainable Packaging
She also mentioned that digital tools like QR codes can help producers and brands learn more about their customers and let them know about the sustainability of their packaging. It’s a neat way for brands to share information about their green initiatives without cramming too much onto the actual packaging.
Helping Oceans and Using Gamification
Seaman Paper has been doing its part to save the oceans, too. Sonia talked about the company’s ocean conservation campaigns with Modo and the One Ocean Foundation. Every time you buy something packaged in Seaman Paper’s materials, you’re helping out with these initiatives. Plus, Sonia stressed the role of digital tools in improving communication between brands and customers, and using gamification to get people engaged.
Seaweed and Rain-Proof Paper Bags
Sonia acknowledged seaweed as a potential material for sustainable packaging. But, she noted some downsides – it’s more expensive and could become scarce due to shrinking ocean sizes. On the flip side, their 100% paper bags are water-resistant. Thanks to a special glossy paper and pressure technology, these bags can handle shipping in high humidity conditions.
Fake News and Fashion
Sonia’s worried about all the misinformation out there about sustainability, carbon footprints, recycling, and upcycling. That’s why Seaman Paper is committed to providing clear and accurate info about the environmental impact of their packaging. Sonia also emphasised the need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry, which is a notorious polluter.
The Sales Manager’s Role and Recommendations
In her role as sales manager, Sonia’s job is to spread the word about Seaman Paper’s sustainable packaging solutions. She uses brand recommendations to help increase awareness of their products.
Costs and Recyclability
Sure, paper can be pricier than plastic. But, Sonia thinks that as plastic becomes more expensive due to taxes and bans, alternative packaging options will become more affordable. Plus, their paper bags, which don’t have any non-recyclable coatings or barriers, are 100% recyclable. Lab studies back this up.
Reusing Paper Bags and Experimenting with Glue
Unlike single-use bags, Seaman Paper designs their bags for multiple uses, especially for non-food items like clothes. Sonia mentioned that the bags are sealed with two types of recyclable glue: male pull and water-based glue. The company is also testing a cornstarch-based glue for better sustainability. Even with a small non-recyclable percentage due to the glue, the overall recyclability of their bags is at 98.7%. This makes them easy to recycle in most paper processing facilities.
All in all, Sonia Pelacheva’s talk at the Connected Packaging Summit was a goldmine of information on how we can make packaging more sustainable. She touched on everything from the switch to paper-based solutions to the benefits of digital tech. Her takeaways highlight the journey towards a greener future. With a focus on sustainability and innovative solutions, manufacturers can play a big role in shaping a sustainable packaging environment.
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