EPR is a critical step towards promoting a circular economy, often implemented through a fee structure. However, the EPR fee alone does not differentiate between brands using sustainable versus conventional design solutions. For example, a brand using virgin plastic to make their containers will pay the same fee as another that uses recycled plastic. This underscores the need to introduce the concept of ecodesign into EPR frameworks to incentivise brands to adopt more sustainable packaging designs. Ecodesign thus becomes instrumental in encouraging innovative practices that consider the entire lifecycle of materials within the circular economy chain.
Key impacts include:
Material Innovation: EPR policies encourage the use of sustainable materials such as recycled content, biodegradable and bio content plastics that reduce environmental impact. Producers are incentivized to develop packaging that minimizes waste and is easier to recycle.
Design for Recyclability: Packaging EPR mandates often include requirements for design that facilitates recycling. This means designing packaging that can be easily separated into recyclable components, reducing the complexity and cost of recycling processes.
- Reduction of Over-Packaging: EPR encourages producers to eliminate unnecessary packaging, leading to more efficient use of materials and reduced waste generation. This not only benefits the environment but also can reduce costs for producers.
A critical aspect of packaging design is selecting the right pressure sensitive labels (PSLs) according to packaging type. Even though PSLs contribute a small percentage of the total packaging weight, they significantly impact the overall sustainability value of the packaging. Here's how brand owners can utilize ecodesign when selecting the right PSL solutions.
1. Using PSL with lower carbon footprint through reduced and recycled content
Designing PSLs to use less material without compromising on performance is an effective strategy to reduce packaging carbon footprint. Thinner labels reduce the amount of material needed, which in turn decreases the energy and resources required for production.
Furthermore, using PSLs made from recycled materials can significantly reduce the demand for virgin resources. Labels made from post-industrial recycled (PIR) and post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials help close the loop in the recycling process, promoting a circular economy. This practice not only lowers the carbon footprint associated with the extraction and processing of raw materials but also reduces waste generation.
Learn about Avery Dennison thinner labels and recycled content labels
2. Design for recyclability - Simplifying label separation from primary containers
PSLs should be designed for easy separation from packaging during recycling, such as labels with wash-off adhesive that detach easily without leaving residue.
