Humanity is united by our shared imperative to limit our carbon emissions to achieve net-zero by 2050, but the debate needs to move from ‘sustainable packaging’ to ‘human sustainable packaging’, says Michelle Penlington, Polyoak Packaging’s national executive of marketing and sustainability.

Michelle explains the three imperatives of human sustainable packaging. ‘Firstly, it must have a low carbon footprint. Not only must it be manufactured using the most energy-efficient processes and technology, but wherever possible, electricity should be sourced from clean sources such as solar. Carbon intensity of transporting packaging is also important. This is where plastics such as PET, HDPE and PP are effective in delivering human sustainable packaging.’

Secondly, says Michelle, it must have a light water footprint when it comes to sourcing the packaging’s raw material, manufacturing and recycling process. ‘Materials made from paper are water- and land-intensive. Recycling cartonboard is also hugely water-intensive, and double the amount of land is used for forestry compared to food crops such as wheat in a country with widespread food insecurity. Hence, the term “human sustainable packaging” starts to take on a different meaning.’

Thirdly, packaging must protect food and prevent wastage. Globally, 30% of all food is wasted. ‘Populist campaigns for “plastic-free” vegetables serve to reinforce the misinformed narrative that plastic is the enemy while exposing consumers to the more invisible enemy, food waste. Adding a plastic wrapper with refrigeration can extend the shelf life of green beans from seven to 18 days. That’s human sustainable packaging at its best,’ she maintains.

Michelle explains that the carbon emissions and wasted resources (water, land use, energy to harvest, pack and transport) caused by food waste are 10 times greater than what is caused by the packaging capable of preventing food waste.

Simplicity is key

Mono-material, single-component sauce closures are a good example of human sustainable packaging.

According to WRAP, the UK climate action NGO, there is no bad material, just inappropriate application. This was the inspiration for Polyoak’s new 38mm Headstand Sauce Cap. Traditional sauce closures have a silicone seal that sucks the sauce back after use to prevent mess. While silicone is a useful material in its own right, it is problematic when incorporated into a PP closure, because silicone cannot be recycled in the PP waste stream. Polyoak’s new closure delivers the same functional ‘sucking back’ benefit but without the silicone seal. This mono-material closure creates an income earning opportunity for waste reclaimers, as it is easily recycled.

Another example is Polyoak’s PolyshieldTM barrier tub. Ambient foodstuffs have a longer shelf life and require no refrigeration, unlike fresh products. This significantly reduces its global warming potential. Traditionally, this was only possible in glass and tin, which are more energy- and heat-intensive, and heavy and inefficient to transport.

Polyoak’s Polyshield tub is made from lightweight polypropylene (PP) and nests compactly for efficient storage and transportation. The process of injection moulding the tubs is more energy and water efficient, resulting in cost savings, making it an affordable option. These mono-material tubs are widely recycled in South Africa, making them an effective circular packaging solution for ambient, long-life food products.

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