Vandana Tandan on advancing circular economy

Billions of tonnes of industrial waste are produced every year worldwide. Often accumulating in landfills and clogging water bodies, these unmanaged wastes threaten the environment and public health. This situation calls for urgent action for efficient waste management, requiring bold steps.

The increasing awareness of climate change has prompted the introduction of aseptic carton packaging solutions in the F&B packaging industry. This solution replaces traditional plastic and glass alternatives that once dominated the market. Made with responsibly sourced materials, aseptic packages are designed for material circularity, ensuring reduced intake of virgin raw materials and allowing nature to regenerate.

Contrary to the linear model of the economy, based on the principle of “take-make-waste,” the circular economy encourages recycling and reusing products to ease the burden on the environment. It is a closed-loop system, with no end and no beginning. In this system, products and materials undergo myriad processes to stay within the cycle.

Advancing circularity efforts

From glass to plastic to cartons, food and beverage packaging has undergone evolution in the past few decades to accommodate the changing needs of consumers and the market. While the necessity to preserve the nutrient content and freshness of products may have given birth to advanced aseptic packaging, it serves a much greater purpose.

Aseptic packages are multi-layered packaging with cardboard as the primary material. Other materials include aluminium and polyethylene. Aseptic packages are manufactured by layering these materials, each serving a specific purpose to ensure the packaging's sterility, strength, and barrier properties. 

Conventionally, separating these materials for recycling has been intricate, but with the advent of technology, they can now be designed to facilitate easier separation and recycling of their components, promoting material circularity. Furthermore, FSC certification and Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification, ensure that products come from responsibly managed sources that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

The concept of renewing eliminates the notion of waste and allows innovation in the design-thinking approach for the judicious use of resources. Leveraging advanced technology, aseptic packaging can be recycled and reused in several ways after the consumer is done with it. Every component of the aseptic packaging, including the straws and caps, can be recycled and reused to ensure lower wastage and reduced carbon footprint.

The initiatives taken by the companies are scrutinised to ensure fully traceable, deforestation-free, and climate-friendly supply chains, thereby issuing the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) to meet the sustainability requirements. 

Shaping consumer’s perception

Aseptic carton packages have transformed the way brands convey their vision and story to consumers, playing an influential role in shaping their perception. The packaging serves as a blank canvas, providing space to connect with consumers in a unique and creative way, forging a lasting bond. By explicitly mentioning the content of the products, shelf-life, and nutrient value, they can build trust and help consumers establish a healthy relationship with the food they consume

Laced with advanced technologies such as sensors, and QR codes, aseptic packaging can promote transparency, making consumers feel more connected to the brand. It allows them to trace the journey of the products from raw materials to finished items and beyond. Transparent communication not only helps consumers make informed decisions but also raises awareness among them, thereby influencing their purchasing behaviour.