Packaging and eco-sustainability: conversation with Lorenza Zanardi for the Salesupply Fulfillment Guide

On the occasion of the release of the Italian version of the whitepaper dedicated to ‘Fulfillment in e-commerce‘ and the growing environmental awareness, Salesupply, a service provider for internationalisation in the field of logistics and customer service, asked Lorenza Zanardi, General Manager of Rajapack Italia, for a contribution on the role of packaging in eco-sustainability.

We resume here the interview contained in the Guide(downloadable here).

What are the emerging trends in packaging materials?

Today packaging means much more than protecting goods for shipping or storage: packaging is a precise part of a company’s production chain, which must adapt to distribution channels and strengthen the image and commercial potential of what it contains.

Packaging is an excellent vehicle for information: it tells a lot of information about the product, the company and the origin and properties of the packaging itself without the need for additional media.

Customisation, eco-friendly and adaptable packaging are among the main trends in the sector.

Packaging has diversified a lot over time and the concept of sustainability and ecology has become more and more important, precisely in order to develop products that are functional, of quality but also environmentally friendly.

Does sustainable packaging go beyond the box?

Today there are many possibilities, packaging can be created with renewable raw materials such as cardboard or even with 100% recyclable materials, or even biodegradable without compromising the quality of the final product. The contribution to sustainability in packaging is fundamental given the use that is made every day with packaging of all kinds. In the Rajapack offer, in fact, we have, in addition to different types of cardboard boxes, different types of cardboard envelopes, plastic envelopes and bubble wrap bags with 60% and 50% recycled raw material respectively. And also 100% recycled and 100% recyclable paper filling systems. We are continuously working to encourage our suppliers to search for innovative and environmentally sustainable products to be included in our offer, and to guide our customers towards more environmentally friendly solutions. In addition, since 2015, with Rajapack and the solidarity programme “Women & Environment” you can pack in an “eco-responsible” way, i.e. by purchasing an item from the “environmentally friendly” product list, 1€ per pack will be donated to the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation, which supports several solidarity projects in favour of women and the environment every year.

How do packaging machines and systems contribute to eco-sustainability?

Packaging machines and systems, thanks to their ability to adapt to needs, have the great advantage of optimising the distribution chain, improving the performance and productivity of the companies that use them. By optimising packaging processes and work spaces, filling systems, whether paper or plastic, make companies’ packaging strategy more efficient, reducing waste and using only the material needed for packaging. Each machine uses material that is 100 per cent recyclable and in the case of paper also compostable and biodegradable. In addition, it is important to consider that the consumables used in filling machinery are easily stored by companies, as they take up little space both in warehouses and in transport, and therefore have less impact on the environment.

What are the packaging options for an easy and green return?

Reducing environmental impact also means choosing packaging that is appropriate for the actual use of the object it contains and the storage and transport it will undergo. Companies are devoting more and more attention to selecting lighter and smaller packaging for products intended for sale in physical shops or for delivery, reducing the bulk of the package while guaranteeing resistance, protection and tamper-evident safety.

In recent years, the market has been asking for packaging that can be used for customer returns, such as plastic bags and boxes with a double adhesive band, which are very useful for return in case of need.

Furthermore, industry studies show that, for 80% of Italians who buy online, packaging designed with sustainable criteria helps to improve brand reputation (Comieco study 2017).

For years, the Raja Group has been committed to sustainable development by reducing its environmental impact and offering a wide choice of environmentally friendly packaging. This is why we are proud to say that more than 50 per cent of our product range is eco-friendly.

Can Rajapack Italia call itself an eco-friendly company?

We have always been very sensitive to environmental issues, we pay attention to separate waste collection both in the office and in the warehouse, where we use trolleys with lithium batteries, which are more efficient and have a lower impact on the environment; moreover, part of our company car fleet is LPG powered. We have reduced the presence of water in plastic bottles in the office by using practical water bottles and our vending machines dispense drinks in paper cups with wooden paddles. At Rajapack, every employee is sensitised and involved in environmental issues; on World Environment Day, a questionnaire was administered to hear everyone’s voice on eco-responsibility.

In this context so hot on packaging and environmental issues, eco-sustainability is a strategic focus for our Group, as we conduct our business as a packaging distributor, we are committed to finding new innovative solutions that reduce our impact on the environment.

With the development of the e-commerce channel, we have reduced the printing and shipping of paper catalogues over time, even those sent to the customer after the first order, with the aim of being increasingly eco-friendly.

In addition, we are conducting tests to replace the cellophane with which our catalogues are wrapped with biodegradable and compostable plastic.

Starting in September 2019, we will supplement our offer with new eco-responsible products and focus our communication on the themes of eco-sustainability and environmental friendliness.