More and companies across all sectors are downgauging their plastic packaging . There are several reasons why they are making the move to thinner plastic, including cost savings, competitiveness and, of course, sustainability.
At SPG we have already downgauged several of our packaging materials, most notably in our SOL range, which has some exceptional properties.
We are going to look at some of the benefits of using thinner plastic for packaging.
THE BENEFITS OF DOWNGAUGING: PRODUCTIVITY
The first reason why people are choosing to use thinner plastic is directly related to production. As less material is required, production is quicker, which reduces delivery times as the product simply reaches its destination faster.
And using thinner plastic in packaging doesn’t have to mean a reduction in the capacity of the packaging. This translates into bigger savings without increased costs for the end customer.
THE BENEFITS OF DOWNGAUGING: SUSTAINABILITY
Using thinner plastic in packaging is also directly linked to sustainability, especially with regard to waste management and circularity.
Clearly the best way to proceed in terms of waste is to generate as little as possible, so reducing the amount of plastic in packaging is always a positive move.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t just mean less waste is going to be generated, it also means the less material is needed in the first place, and less energy is required to create the final product.
All together, this results in much more sustainable packaging and a greatly reduced carbon footprint.
At SPG we use different types of recyclable plastic, fostering circularity to ensure we have a smaller impact on the environment.
THE BENEFITS OF DOWNGAUGING: COST SAVINGS
Producing and selling packaging with thinner plastic also saves on costs.
First and foremost, savings are made on logistics, as more packaging can be transported for the same weight and the same price as before, which represents huge savings.
In today’s market it is essential to be able to transport more products. This is particularly true now that online purchases of food products are on the rise.
However, it is also important to look at the current economic situation. The market demands resulting from general inflation is spurring companies to seek cost-cutting solutions that avoid price increases for end customers.
These savings can be made by downgauging packaging material, which means lower material costs, lower production costs and lower energy consumption.
At SPG, we have several lines of packaging material that use thinner plastic. Read on to learn more.
SPG PACKAGING DESIGNED WITH THINNER PLASTIC
The SPG SOL range is a great example of packaging made from considerably thinner plastic. It has many benefits, including increased sustainability.
SOL
SOL packaging consists of a multilayer high-barrier film that has been significantly downgauged.
It offers high protection and welds to polyethylene or polypropylene.
One of the additional benefits of this thinner plastic is that it requires a lower weld temperature. This means less energy is used in the production of the packaging, which translates into attractive cost savings.
It also has great properties. For example, it has high aroma and oxygen barriers; it is watertight, very tough, and ideal for use with modified atmospheres; and it is compatible with heat treatments, such as pasteurisation.
SOL EFFICIENT
SOL EFFICIENT is a flexible film that can be welded directly onto rPET trays.
This material is extra sustainable because any film welded to trays that ends up as waste during the manufacturing process can be sorted, recycled and reused.
It stands out for its properties, such as its high oxygen and water-vapour barriers. It is also watertight, suitable for modified atmospheres, and is exceptionally smooth and tough.
It comes in transparent or white to suit the needs of each product or company.
VSOL
Within the SOL range we also have VSOL, a new, improved material designed for use in Vertical Form Fill and Seal (VFFS) machines.
It has good hot-tack performance and the weld temperature is lower, meaning it uses less energy.
As with the other materials in this range, it boasts high aroma and oxygen barriers and is watertight. Improvements have also been made to ensure the weld remains fully leakproof, and the packaging is also suitable for pasteurisation processes.
FSOL
Like VSOL, this flexible film has good hot-tack performance and a low weld temperature. In addition, FSOL has high barrier properties and is suitable for use in pasteurisation and hot-fill processes. It is perfect for making flow-pack bags for cured sausages on string.
These are all highly sustainable packaging solutions that use thinner plastic while maintaining the properties needed for different types of packaging.
Every product has its own specific requirements. Contact us for a personal assessment and advice on the best packaging for your market.