Packaging requirements and technologies are continually changing while packaging mandates and fees are increasing. Packaging 2.0 considers Design for Environment (DFE) attributes early in the package design process. Incorporating positive environmental attributes at the front end of a project can result in reduced materials use and waste, improved designs, reduced future liabilities and other efficiencies. Thermoformed packages widely used in retail and transportation packaging applications can be designed to comply with these requirements.

Materials used can be standardized to feed recycling in both open and closed loop recycling streams and to take advantage of the growing pool of recycled HDPE and PET from plastic bottles.

As products move through the supply chain, packaging is an expense. Costs associated with packaging creation, storage, shipment and recycling can be mitigated through good design.

Packaging professionals and engineers designing rigid plastic packaging that will be marketed for more than one year should be sure that they address the following requirements:

• Contain 25% post consumer material
• Be reusable or refillable
• Be recycled at a rate of 25-45%
• Be reduced in size by 10% over the last 5 years

They should also work through a check list when specifying materials to find a solution that is right for the product and distribution system as more challenging recycling targets will increase packaging fees, especially for plastic. More emphasis on packaging prevention requires that every bit of packaging is justified. Due diligence is required to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain.

Packaging 2.0 has assembled a team of packaging experts to provide an innovative suite of next generation packaging products and services to meet these challenges.