By PakTech, a manufacturer 100% recycled, recyclable packaging
Today, thanks to evolutions in manufacturing processes and technologies, PakTech utilises an rHDPE plastic that is more recycled and recyclable, and less harmful for the environment, than ever. It’s time to re-think plastics.
For generations, vehicles relied on fossil fuels that emitted harmful greenhouse gases that fuelled climate concerns. Today, though, adoption of both hybrid and electric vehicles is surging, changing the way we think about fuel consumption and sustainability.
There’s a very similar evolution happening in the world of plastics. Currently, many see plastic as a single-use resource that is harmful to the environment. That’s no longer the case. Just as people now understand that contemporary cars are far more advanced and environmentally-friendly, so too is plastic.
Today, rHDPE plastics, like those utilised by PakTech, are 100% recycled and recyclable, and more environmentally-friendly than the virgin content, wet strength additives or linings present in most paper packaging.
Based on a detailed Lifetime Cycle Analysis for PakTech’s rHDPE plastic handles, conducted in the US, it has many benefits over paperboard. The LCA considered the full life cycle of a PakTech beverage multipack packaging product, from cradle-to-grave. This includes recycled HDPE pellet procurement, plastic handle production, forestry management and logging, paperboard production and conversion into finished beverage packaging, distribution packaging, filling, end of life, and transport at all stages in the life cycle.
Compared to rHDPE, a cardboard carton box emits 4-5 times (4-5x) more CO2 eq. into the atmosphere and contributes up to 10-11 times (10-11x) more impact on human health PM2.5 eq. It also uses up to 213% more water, 475% more mineral and fossil resources, and 500% more energy demand.
Brewers should ask: What recycled content is in the packaging I use? Is the packaging fully recyclable or does it feature additives or linings that impact recyclability? Is it locally sourced or imported? Through rHDPE plastics, we can reuse what is already in the market rather than further deforestation and burdening the planet with water and energy use required to produce incremental paper-based products.
Today’s rHDPE plastics are not part of the problem, but part of the solution. rHDPE plastics – like those utilised at PakTech – are a key component of the circular economy; proving that the material, when responsibly produced and recycled, can play a critical role in the future of sustainable packaging.
Get in touch with PakTech via https://paktech-opi.com/geo-ip-aus/
