Above all, packaging today is essential to protect, transport and deliver all products in optimal condition. So this is undeniable. In short, the growth of certain activities, including e-commerce, has contributed to an exponential increase in the packaging we use. However, our challenge now is to find more sustainable alternatives to our usual packaging.

We all recognise the usefulness of packaging

For example, it is clear that packaging plays an essential role in protecting and transporting products. And, by the same token, we all keep a close eye on the receipt of our parcels and the condition in which their contents reach us.

Did you know that 73% of consumers do not want to buy from the same shop again if their order arrives damaged? (1)

Or that 66% of consumers consider that the packaging reflects the importance that the retailer gives to its customers and their orders? (2)

The current challenge is to package in a more Eco Responsible way

In short: consumers are increasingly focused on environmental challenges. They reject excess packaging and more and more people are recycling. So packaging has to be looked at in a different way: reducing the consumption of raw materials, making use of renewable or recycled materials, and being recyclable.

51% of Spanish consumers questioned buy Eco-Responsible Packaging (3)

Five principles for packaging in a more sustainable way

The time of the circular economy which consisted of – extract, manufacture, consume and dispose – is over! So we find ourselves engaging in a circular model that aims to reduce our impact on the environment. Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Renew and Recycle. It’s the 5-R’s of packaging!

► 1- Reduce packaging consumption

Above all, it is possible to reduce the necessary amount of packaging weight and volume to protect the products without excessive use.

But how can this be achieved in practice? For example: the variable height box is very practical. It has pre-cuts to adapt the box to the height of your products, up to 11 heights in some formats. Likewise, these boxes are especially useful if you are shipping products of slightly different sizes. The result? In short, more compact boxes with less filling material and less tape.

2- Reuse

At RAJA we propose, whenever possible, packaging that can be reused.

Some have been developed to satisfy your customers and others, above all, to withstand many changes without spoiling.

The “come and go”packaging, for example, was developed from its origin to be reused, the Jiffy Green paper padded envelopes, the recyclable plastic containers or the 100% recycled nestable plastic pallets follow this logic of reuse and greater durability.

► 3- Replace

To preserve our planet, we must replace packaging with a high environmental impact or non-recyclable packaging with more Eco-Responsible alternatives.

We work closely with our suppliers to offer you a range of Eco-Responsible packaging with the same quality protection and meeting all your needs.

For example, instead of using polystyrene corners, try 100% recycled cardboard corners as they are environmentally friendly, practical, strong and protect against any bumps.

Food packaging. No more plastics!

At RAJA, we replace all plastic food packaging with cardboard or wood packaging. Some examples:

Need plastic bags? Let them be recycled!

A more Eco-Responsible solution than plastic bags are the 100% recycled plastic bags.

► 4- Renew

The use of bio-based packaging, i.e. made from renewable raw materials, helps to reduce environmental impact.

Cellulose, the raw material and the main material of our cardboard and paper packaging, is produced from 70% wood. This wood therefore comes from the extraction of sanitation, necessary for the maintenance of forests, the remaining 30% comes from wood that falls and is recovered. (source: Ecofolio).

Whenever possible, we use recycled raw materials.

At RAJA, 1,465 products are made from renewable materials and, even better, 1,000 products contain recycled materials.

5- Recycle

To move towards a circular economy, we need to develop a recycling process that offers a second life to our packaging. It is therefore essential:

• Multiply recyclable packaging;
• Encourage selective collection so that products are actually recycled;
• Reuse raw materials.

Cardboard is an Eco-Responsible material, 100% renewable, 100% recyclable, 92% recycled and 100% biodegradable.

But we still have a long way to go when it comes to plastic recycling. 20% of plastic products were recycled in 2013 (4). The target is 80% by 2030 (5). Today, some plastics are recyclable by everyone, others only after selective collection in companies.

More information about recycling at: rajapack.co.uk/compromisso-meio-environment

Packaging and the environment are two strategic challenges for the RAJA Group. We take care of distribution, as well as the role packaging plays in protecting and transporting your products. We join together in an active and sustainable way to reduce our impact on the environment.

Discover our Eco-Responsible packaging range in our catalogue. You will find alternative solutions in cardboard or recycled plastic packaging, made from renewable or reusable materials.