International Dialogue on Sustainable Packaging

In order to tackle the growing problem of packaging waste, governments and regulators across the world are taking major steps towards packaging sustainability. Regulations to improve waste management and mitigate harm have been adopted across the globe.¹¹

Industry coalitions and alliances have endeavored to collectively respond to and address issues related to packaging sustainability.

Sustainable Packaging Alliance (SPA)

The alliance was founded in Australia in 2002 at the Packaging and Polymer research unit, Victoria University of Technology and RMIT to encourage and assist the packaging industry towards sustainability. Its research based on stakeholder engagement and consultation is geared towards developing long term sustainable packaging strategies.¹²

Spa's Principles / Definition	KPIs
Effective The packaging system adds real value to society by effectively containing and protecting products as they move through the supply chain and by supporting informed and responsible consumption.	Reduces product waste; Improves functionality; Reduces business costs; Achieves satisfactory ROI.
Efficient The packaging system is designed to use materials and energy as efficiently as possible throughout the product life cycle. This should include material and energy efficiency in interactions with associated support systems such as storage, transport and handling.	Improves product / packaging ratio; Improves efficiency of logistics; Improves energy efficiency (embodied energy); Improves materials efficiency (total material used); Increases recycled content; Reduces waste to landfill.
Cyclic Packaging materials used in the system are cycled continuously through natural or industrial systems, minimizing material degradation.	Returnable (closed loop); Reusable (alternative use); Recyclable (technically recyclable and recovery system in place); Biodegradable (technically biodegradable and recovery system in place).
Clean Packaging components used in the system, including materials, finishes, inks, pigments and other additives do not pose any risks to humans or ecosystems. When in doubt the precautionary principle applies.	Reduces generation of airborne emissions; Reduces generation of waterborne emissions; Reduces toxicity; Reduces litter impacts.

Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC)

The coalition¹³ envisions "a world where all packaging is sourced responsibly, designed to be effective and safe throughout its life cycle, meets market criteria for performance and cost, is made entirely using renewable energy, and once used, is recycled efficiently to provide a valuable resource for subsequent generations."

According to the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC), packaging is sustainable when it -

Is beneficial, safe & healthy for individuals and communities throughout its lifecycle.
Meets market criteria for performance and cost.
Is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy.
Optimizes the use of renewable or recycled source materials.
Is manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices.
Is made from materials that remain healthy throughout the life cycle.
Is physically designed to optimize materials and energy.
Is effectively recovered and utilized in biological and/or industrial closed-loop cycles.

In addition to many smaller companies, its members include major corporations such as McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Coca Cola, Unilever and Kraft Foods.