This article was sponsored by Tetra Pak.
Finding renewable materials is an important – and often overlooked – way to reduce the carbon footprint and climate impact of your products. If you can remove the fossil-based substrate and replace it with something renewable, something that grows again and is responsibly sourced, you will always reduce the carbon footprint and overall environmental impact of your product. Usually without any noticeable effect on the quality of the product itself.
Companies tend to have a high level of focus on end-of-life maintenance of their products – and rightly so. But the origin and sourcing of materials, including how they are grown, harvested or extracted, and whether that material is renewable and responsibly sourced, can have a significant impact on the overall sustainability of your products and carbon footprint.
According to Stora Enso, a global provider of renewable packaging solutions, biomaterials, wood constructions and paper, its product lifecycle analysis shows how renewable materials reduce the carbon footprints. In 2019, their products saved an estimated 20 million tons of carbon dioxide by replacing fossil-based materials.
Renewable materials and SDGs
Since the adoption of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, socially responsible and conscious businesses around the world have identified how they can align with them.
My colleagues and I at Tetra Pak have identified 11 SDGs that we are actively working on. As a provider of food and beverage processing and packaging solutions, we are committed to making food safe and available, everywhere, against hunger (SDG 2). In terms of climate action (SDG 13) and responsible production (SDG 12), we aim to launch a fully renewable shelf-stable package by 2023.
In addition to a more sustainable future, there are business benefits to aligning with the SDGs. According to a survey by Morning Consult, “Companies that make a public commitment to the SDGs are seen as caring for customers and the community, but the intent must be genuine, because there is doubt.” Fortunately, there are ways businesses can ensure that their renewable material sources are reliable – and verifiable.
The transition to materials from renewable sources that are sustainable and responsibly managed can specifically play a role in meeting SDGs 12 and 15.
Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
This goal recognizes that unsustainable patterns of consumption and production are the root causes of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Finding renewable materials that are managed responsibly can support biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions, thereby reducing the impact on the climate.
A measurable target (12.2) is to “achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources” by 2030. Renewable resources play an important role in this goal in relation to the material footsteps. And businesses can do their part.
Remember that consumption means different things for different products, and it happens at many stages of the value chain. There are raw materials that manufacturers use to make other materials. Those materials can be clothing, food or other products. And then there is final consumer consumption.
Goal 15: Life on earth
This goal focuses on protecting, restoring and promoting the sustainable use of our land. Twenty-five million hectares of forest are destroyed each year, with almost 90 percent of the global destruction due to agricultural expansion. Renewable resources such as sustainably managed forests can support biodiversity and provide important habitat for animals.
Business considerations for renewable materials
For businesses looking to meet SDGs 12 and 15 and interested in sourcing more renewable materials, keep two important considerations in mind.
1. Certification and traceability are key
Renewable resources are renewable only if they are managed sustainably and responsibly. Depending on the material, there are different third-party certifications that verify the authenticity and sustainability of the resources and track them throughout the value chain. For example, Tetra Pak uses paperboard from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified forests and other controlled sources to ensure sustainability and traceability.
Many other third-party certifications are available, depending on the material. From sugarcane for plant-based polymers to wool in clothing, these certifications offer traceability and authentication to ensure that the collection of material does not harm the environment and is truly sustainable.
2. Quality, safety and convenience are non-negotiable
It almost goes without saying, but when switching to renewable materials you should not compromise on quality.
In my world, we focus on packaging that protects the quality of the food or drink inside. We introduced the world’s first fully renewable package in 2015, and this year, we tested the industry’s first fiber-based barrier to replace the non-renewable aluminum barrier in cartons. shelf stable.
While we continue to innovate in many ways to ensure we are creating the most sustainable packaging we can, we must not compromise food safety or the consumer experience with our packaging.
The innovation must still meet the needs of consumers as well as or better than their expectations. Because if a product does not meet the needs of consumers, or it is not comfortable, or they do not like it, they will choose another product.
Businesses that seek to reduce their impact on the climate and comply with the SDGs have a responsibility to look not only at the end of the life of their products, but the entire life cycle, including the materials that go into their products. product from the beginning and throughout. Renewable materials offer an opportunity to create products that meet consumer needs in a low-carbon, low-impact way.
