Sustainable packaging is here.

Throughout the world, sustainability is an issue of concern to governments, business and the community at large as we come to terms with how our actions can impact our lives and those of future generations to come. Today, with the explosive growth in e-commerce, sustainable packaging is top of mind for many companies and consumers as products ship around the globe. Utilising environmentally friendly packaging and processes in industry play a pivotal role in the quest to minimise the amount of pollution that ends up in our landfills and oceans.

The global sustainable packaging market size is expected to reach around US$ 255 Bn by 2026 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 7% in terms of revenue during the forecasting period 2019 to 2026. While Europe and North America currently use the most green packaging, it is the demand from our Asia Pacific region that is projected to grow at the fastest pace in the next 5 years.

The following trends are leading to increased need for sustainable packaging:

In simple terms, sustainable packaging is one that performs its primary purpose of protecting its contents from damage as it sits on a shelf or when in transit, but also has minimal environmental consequences in comparison to current or traditional materials. One that is recyclable, safe for people, eco-friendly and does not further contribute to the reduction of the earth’s natural resources.

Sustainable packaging targets.

In Australia, the introduction of the 2025 National Packaging Targets was announced in September of 2018 to set a sustainable path for Australia’s recyclable waste.

There are a wide variety of options and decisions that need consideration when undertaking packaging redesign to meet the 2025 sustainability targets. To help organisations meet these goals the Australian federal government has tasked the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) to ensure that these sustainability objectives are achieved. APCO is a co-regulatory, not for profit organisation that partners with government and industry to reduce the harmful impact of packaging on the Australian environment. APCO promotes sustainable design and recycling initiatives, waste to landfill reduction activities and circular economy projects. APCO members submit a comprehensive action plan with the steps they will take to fulfill their responsibilities, a public commitment to advancing their packaging sustainability outcomes.

The science of sustainability.

At 3M sustainability is a core underlying value in all that we do. Every new product that enters 3M’s new product commercialisation process includes a Sustainability Value Commitment, demonstrating how it delivers value for the greater good. The impact is global in scale as 3M launches approximately 1,000 new products each year. We look at sustainability in terms of shared global needs. Our 2025 sustainability goals reflect a heightened commitment to thinking holistically about how our operations and products can drive change for a sustainable future. We use our passion and science approach to tackle challenges where we can make the most impact, as outlined below.

View 3M Corporate
Sustainability Report

3M your sustainable packaging partner.

For nearly half a century, the formula for success with Scotch™ brand adhesive tapes have involved more than their ability to stick. It’s based on green chemistry that has helped 3M move away from the solvents often associated with adhesives to rethink packaging solutions and reduce their environmental impact. No matter the size of your operation, our carton sealing tapes offer dependable, secure containment and easy application that are made from recycled, renewable, natural or organic materials or support the use of recycled materials. Sustainability is embedded into every roll of 3M tape to help you meet your environmental sustainability goals, make a difference and help you to meet your national packaging targets. Below is a selection from our sustainable packaging solutions range.

References:

IbisWorld, IHS reports.