A Sustainable Alternative for Plastic Packaging?

How do we reduce our plastic impact? A question that concerns everyone; from producer to consumer. When every player in this chain takes his responsibility, we might be able to take some important steps. People are becoming more aware the harmful effect of plastic packaging clogging landfills or even worse; polluting our oceans.

Start at The Beginning; The Production of Plastic Packaging

What are the alternatives for plastic packaging? Are these truly sustainable? Not only do we need to focus on packaging as an end product, but also on the raw materials and production methods. In this light, cardboard or paper packaging could turn out more harmful than plastic packaging. And how about its distribution? Does the packaging need to travel far, and which mode of transport is being used? When we are talking about the impact of plastic packaging, we need to start here: at the beginning.

Every Player Has His Own Responsibility

After this first step, it is up to producers and umbrella associations to take their responsibility. In the search for practical and cost-effective packaging, sustainability should play an increasingly larger role. A complete shift might be too much to ask but it is crucial to gradually come up with sustainable alternatives.

Nowadays, consumers are better informed about the alternatives. They are becoming increasingly aware of their role and responsibility regarding the plastic impact. Recycling plastic – similar to paper and glass – is encouraged in many municipalities. But there still is to be gained; which types of plastic can and cannot be recycled? And biodegradable plastic should be put on the compost heap for it be effective. When solutions are found in recycled cardboard and paper, there should be enough raw materials available. The consumer big part in this; by correctly handing in various types of waste material, an increasing amount can be recycled.

Prominent Is Working on Sustainable Solutions

Prominent is aware of the impact of plastic packaging on the environment. To come up with truly sustainable alternatives, we start at the beginning: objectively analysing raw materials. Next are production methods, the location of the production and transport. The next step is choosing the best packaging solutions per product. We want to offer our clients sustained advice that leads to long-term solutions. It would be really harmful when a certain type of packaging that was previously marked as sustainable, proves not to be sustainable at a later stage. The entire process would have to start from the beginning. We would like to protect our clients from situations like these, by thinking things through.

Curious to know more about our sustainable solutions? We are keen to tell you more. Do not hesitate to get in touch with Wim van den Berg: w.vandenberg@doorpartners.nl or +31 (0)6 5756 4346.

The sales, marketing and quality control of Prominent tomatoes are handled by Door Partners B.V. This sales subsidiary forms part of the Grower Cooperative DOOR U.A.