How Do We Solve Sustainability Problems of Multi-Material Flexible Packaging?
Multi-material flexible packaging is a sustainability conundrum. Hailed for its light weight and convenience they are popular with consumers, and brands like them for their low cost, material efficiency, and carbon footprint, but all bemoan their lack of recyclability. Finding the solution to divert these packages from the landfill would significantly advance their sustainability story. There has been a number of initiatives in recent years to explore solutions, and advancements are slowly being made. Earlier this month the Sustainable Packaging Coalition released a new website (www.multi-materialflexiblerecovery.squarespace.com) cataloging global efforts toward recovery for this popular and growing packaging format. Designed to serve as a clearinghouse on all things related to the recovery of multi-material flexible packaging, this is the first compilation of global data and resources. I spoke with Associate Director Adam Gendell to discuss the initiative:
How did the idea to create this resource come about?