Sustainability

Circular Packaging

A circular economy aims to use the planet's finite resources over and over again in a continuous cycle. For us, this means using recycled plastics as often as possible and using intelligent design to ensure that our packaging returns to the material flow and is recycled.

As a member of the Circular Plastic Alliance, we support the European target of increasing the use of recyclates to 10 million t/a by 2025.

Our ambitious goal: by 2025, we will only process recycled and/or recyclable plastics.

Reduction of CO2 footprint

As a manufacturer of plastic packaging, this topic concerns us to a particular extent. At the same time, we are convinced that the unbeatable protective and barrier functions of this very lightweight and highly flexibly mouldable material in many areas can make a significant contribution to achieving the CO2 reduction targets.

When developing our packaging solutions, we compare the different types using our CO2 calculator (developed by Carbotech) and thus help our customers when it comes to choosing materials and optimising their packaging portfolio. For example, the use of 1 kg of rPET reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by 80 % compared to 1 kg of virgin material and at the same time conserves fossil-based resources.

Design for Recycling

In addition to our international commitment, we are actively involved in the various Swiss industry organisations. As part of the Allianz for D4R, new guidelines based on international standards have been developed in close cooperation with the various industry representatives. These guidelines are intended to make sure that the end-of-life scenario is already taken into account during the development of new solutions and that reuse/recycling is ensured.

Reuse – Reduce – Recycle

Plastic is an excellent material and therefore much too good to be used only once before being disposed of. Multiple use is thus always the first priority. Reusable pallets are being used more and more frequently for internal company transport.
In particular, the professional horticultural companies use our transport trays several times before the PS trays are sent for recycling.

If multiple use is not possible, we work according to the following principles:

Raw material reduction
By downsizing the material thicknesses and perfecting the design, the optimal packaging is developed.

Increase in the proportion of recycled material
Every Swiss person produces an average of 710 kg of waste per year. Of these, 346 kg are recycled. Depending on the application, we produce our thermoformed parts using films with a recyclate content of up to 100 %.

Renewable/degradable plastics

The degradable bio-films used today consist mainly of natural fibres, sugar and starch of plant origin and are therefore not without controversy. The fact that this type of packaging may not normally be put into composting also goes against the widespread use of these bioplastics. On the other hand, we see a sensible use of the films in the horticultural sector, with the aim of composting the packaging together with the plant/roots after use.

Newer developments, the non-degradable but renewable bio-polymers such as bio-PP or bio-PE, nevertheless conserve fossil-based resources and reduce the CO2 footprint.

Energy efficiency

Our company is committed to sustainable climate protection out of conviction. By voluntarily participating in the Swiss Energy Agency for Industry program, we are committed to actively reducing CO2 emissions and optimising energy efficiency. The target agreement is recognised by the federal government, the cantons and partners in the business community.