Industrial Packaging Sustainability and the Future
Our Role
As an industrial wholesaler of packaging and packaging equipment, we stay in touch and informed with cutting-edge technologies across the lines we offer, and that extends to sustainability efforts.
Our industrial packaging goal is to get customers into the most efficient and effective packaging possible with three ultimate goals with sustainability in mind: consistent effectiveness, efficient use of materials, and budget-minded solutions.
Customers continuously pave the way for greater innovation so we welcome your ideas in partnership with our leading suppliers!
Consistent Effectiveness
Industrial packaging sustainability starts with less waste, more value. Eliminating damage decreases returns and we do this by delivering on consistent and reliable materials.
Efficient Use Of Materials
We stay up-to-date with all industry-related technology breakthroughs. You’ll hear us talk about down-gauging your stretch film, right-sizing your cartons, and more. This mindset decreases overall material use without decreasing protection – keeping your industrial packaging sustainably-minded.
Budget-Minded Industrial Packaging Solutions
Wholesale sustainability doesn’t break the bank. Our network of manufacturers knows that prices need to stay competitive and we do too. Whatever your budget is, sustainable options are possible.
Just-In-Time Delivery
Our in-house delivery service is routed for ultimate efficiency for fewer miles on the road and less handling by your dock. Looking to decrease deliveries? Ask us about our consignment and vendor-managed program.
Tools We Use In Industrial Packaging Sustainability
Right-Sizing Your Cartons
Utilizing cartons that fit your product eliminates excess cushioning, corrugated, and freight. For large operations, we recommend automating this process for full efficiency and industrial packaging sustainability.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Simply printing a message on the bottom of your packaging outline how to recycle your packaging can go a long way in the downstream. Many plastics and papers are recyclable when marked appropriately.
Down Gauging Stretch Film
Technology continues to evolutionize the stretch film industry. 80 gauge is the new 50 gauge for many applications – saving customers significantly on raw resin usage.
Closed Loop Solutions
Ship products on reusable pallets, bins, or containers between closed-loop warehouses to reduce waste.
Consignment Inventory
Consignment or vendor-managed inventory with maximums and minimums allows for fewer deliveries and more efficient purchasing, leading to effective industrial packaging sustainability.
Ink Vs Label Marking/Coding
Many suppliers now offer environmentally-friendly inks which can be used in line at varying sizes and colors – including the ability to print pictures on demand. This eliminates the use of adhesive, paper stock and liners.
Industrial Packaging Product Line Highlights
Geami By Ranpak
Ships flat before use and is fully recyclable with the end-user. Made with virgin and recycled materials.
Sealed Air Bubble Wrap On Demand
Decrease carbon emissions by decreasing trucking by switching to bubble on demand. Plus, free up warehouse space and decrease receiving times.
REUSAble Pallet Wraps
For closed-loop systems these reusable pallet wraps can be a great opportunity to cut down on waste, increase industrial packaging efficiency, and create branding opportunities.
Paper Cushioning By Ranpak
Ships flat before use and is fully recyclable with the end-user. Made with virgin and recycled materials.
Reusable Containers & Pallets
Made for mainly closed-loop systems or companies with wash-down requirements, our wide variety of containers, bins, and gaylords help decrease long-term waste streams.
Paragon Films
A leader in innovation, Paragon now offers partially recycled stretch film – patented and the only truly sustainable stretch film on the market
Ecorrcrates
Eliminate wooden crates which can be bulky and hard to recycle without the correct waste stream. Instead, use corrugated lumber for just as much strength and easier recyclability.
Understanding the Pitfalls to sustainable Industrial packaging
We strive to be transparent and upfront when it comes to what is and is not sustainable industrial packaging. We don’t fit the expectations into the industry, instead we present the real facts backed by science to support the expectations.
At Colony Packaging & Machine, we highlight products and claims that as packaging experts we don’t consider fully sustainable options.
- Biodegradable Plastics: While biodegradable plastics have gained popularity for their potential to break down more quickly than traditional plastics, they often require specific conditions, such as industrial composting facilities to decompose fully. In the absence of these conditions, they can still persist in the environment, contributing to pollution.
- Single-Use Compostable Packaging: Similar to biodegradable plastics, compostable packaging items like plates, cups, and cutlery need specialized composting facilities to break down properly. When disposed of in regular waste streams or landfills, they may not biodegrade as intended.
- Paper Packaging with Non-Recyclable Coatings: Some paper packaging products come with non-recyclable coatings or laminates that make them difficult to recycle. These coatings can contaminate recycling streams and hinder efforts to reduce waste.
- Packaging with Excessive Greenwashing: Some manufacturers and suppliers may overstate the environmental benefits of their products through greenwashing. This can mislead consumers into thinking they are making sustainable industrial packaging choices when, in fact, the product’s overall impact on the environment remains high.
- Heavy, Bulky Packaging: Packaging materials that are unnecessarily heavy or bulky can result in higher transportation costs and increased emissions. While they may not explicitly market themselves as sustainable, their inefficiency in resource use contradicts sustainability goals.
- Products Lacking Certification or Transparency: Packaging products claiming to be eco-friendly should ideally have certifications or clear documentation to support their sustainability claims by trusted third-party sources. Lack of transparency and verifiable information can raise doubts about a product’s true environmental impact.
- Excessive Packaging: While not limited to a specific material, the practice of over-packaging products can lead to unnecessary waste and resource consumption. Companies may use excessive industrial packaging to enhance product aesthetics or safety, even if it’s not environmentally justified.
Next Steps for a Sustainable Future in industrial packaging
Goals
Share with us your main goals when looking towards industrial packaging sustainability – whether it is downstream waste, upstream efficiencies, or product deliverables – we have you covered.
Technology
Every day new products are entering the marketplace. As a top packaging distributor for many of the best manufacturers in the world, we connect that knowledge back to you when we understand your objectives
Learn
Help us learn your different department limitations as it pertains to supply chain improvements – our depth of knowledge can help connect you to the correct resources.
Transparency
We will meet you with where technology is while outlining future intentions when new discoveries hit the market.
Additional Resources – Recycling and Vendor Sustainability Information
Our trusted brand partners have helped to outline how to recycle some of the most common hard-to-recycle items on the market. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about our Sealed Air branded products, including how to recycle them.
Looking for information on a specific product you use? Contact us and we’ll get you the right information!
Product Recycling Information:
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How do I recycle BUBBLE WRAP brand original products?
BUBBLE WRAP® brand products can be recycled at local store drop-off locations nationwide that accept thin PE plastic for industrial packaging, wraps, or commercial/retail bags. Find a recycling drop-off location near you. You can also return BUBBLE WRAP® brand products to one of our Sealed Air return locations so long as the material is free of tape, labels, or any foreign materials. In countries like Germany, where laws mandate the collection and recycling of used packaging, BUBBLE WRAP® brand products fit within the established infrastructure.
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How do I recycle BUBBLE WRAP brand cushioned mailers?
BUBBLE WRAP® brand cushioned mailers with bubble padding are not recyclable and should be put in your garbage bin. Check with your local recycling program for more details.
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How do I recycle BUBBLE WRAP brand paper bubble mailers?
Paper bubble mailers with inner padding constructed of a kraft paper material that mimics BUBBLE WRAP® brand cushioning can be recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program for more details.
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How do I recycle SEALED AIR brand Instapak foam?
Instapak can be returned to one of our worldwide Instapak return locations. In parts of the world where facilities exist, the foam is recycled into new products like composite lumber. In other parts of the world, the foam is routed to waste-to-energy facilities, where it’s incinerated as a source of renewable energy. In either case, all foam returned to Sealed Air is diverted from landfills. In countries like Germany, where laws mandate the collection and recycling of used industrial packaging, Instapak fits within the established infrastructure.
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How do i recycle SEALED AIR brand polyethylene foam?
Our polyethylene foams are classified as #4 low-density PE (LDPE) material and can be recycled only in LDPE recycling systems. Check your local recycling program for specific regulations. PE foams can also be returned to one of these Sealed Air product return locations so long as the material is free of tape, labels, or any foreign materials. In countries like Germany, where laws mandate collection and recycling of used packaging, SEALED AIR® brand PE foam fits within the established infrastructure.
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How do I recycle Sealed Air brand Korrvu packaging?
Korrvu® packaging is manufactured primarily from corrugated fiberboard and can be easily recycled — with the plastic film attached — along with corrugated boxes through your local curbside recycling program. The plastic film used in Korrvu® will be separated from the corrugated when processed at the recycling facility. The film itself will be discarded; the corrugated will be recycled. Korrvu® packaging is RESY-approved for recycling in Germany and complies with all national and international requirements for the disposal and recycling of packaging materials.
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How do I recycle SEALED AIR brand paper packaging?
Most paper packaging can be recycled with corrugated containers or as mixed paper. Products that include a polyethylene film backing should have the plastic removed before recycling. Check your local recycling program for specific regulations. SEALED AIR® brand paper products are made of 100% recycled content, which is responsibly sourced and carries the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification. Additionally, the fiber is 100% renewable and all production scrap is reclaimed.
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How do I recycle SEALED AIR brand StealthWrap cartoning film?
StealthWrap cartoning film in the box brown color can be recycled at any one of over 18,000 retail store drop-off locations nationwide. Find a recycling drop-off location near you.
For businesses with large amounts of StealthWrap film, it can also be returned to AmeriPak, Inc., 477 South Woods Drive, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.
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How do I recycle SEALED AIR brand kraft mailers and poly mailers?
Kraft paper mailers — without bubble — are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program for more details.
SEALED AIR® brand poly mailers — without bubble — and AUTOBAG® brand FloWrap™ polybags can be recycled at any one of over 18,000 retail store drop-off locations nationwide. Find a recycling drop-off location near you.
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How do I recycle Cryovac brand case-ready food trays?
CRYOVAC® brand rigid polypropylene trays (resin identification code 5) and PET (resin identification code 1) may be recycled through most curbside recycling programs globally. Check with your local recycling program for more details. Please be aware that both the color of rigid trays and the resin type may also affect recycling.
BUBBLE WRAP® brand products can be recycled at local store drop-off locations nationwide that accept thin PE plastic for industrial packaging, wraps, or commercial/retail bags. Find a recycling drop-off location near you. You can also return BUBBLE WRAP® brand products to one of our Sealed Air return locations so long as the material is free of tape, labels, or any foreign materials. In countries like Germany, where laws mandate the collection and recycling of used packaging, BUBBLE WRAP® brand products fit within the established infrastructure.
BUBBLE WRAP® brand cushioned mailers with bubble padding are not recyclable and should be put in your garbage bin. Check with your local recycling program for more details.
Paper bubble mailers with inner padding constructed of a kraft paper material that mimics BUBBLE WRAP® brand cushioning can be recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program for more details.
Instapak can be returned to one of our worldwide Instapak return locations. In parts of the world where facilities exist, the foam is recycled into new products like composite lumber. In other parts of the world, the foam is routed to waste-to-energy facilities, where it’s incinerated as a source of renewable energy. In either case, all foam returned to Sealed Air is diverted from landfills. In countries like Germany, where laws mandate the collection and recycling of used industrial packaging, Instapak fits within the established infrastructure.
Our polyethylene foams are classified as #4 low-density PE (LDPE) material and can be recycled only in LDPE recycling systems. Check your local recycling program for specific regulations. PE foams can also be returned to one of these Sealed Air product return locations so long as the material is free of tape, labels, or any foreign materials. In countries like Germany, where laws mandate collection and recycling of used packaging, SEALED AIR® brand PE foam fits within the established infrastructure.
Korrvu® packaging is manufactured primarily from corrugated fiberboard and can be easily recycled — with the plastic film attached — along with corrugated boxes through your local curbside recycling program. The plastic film used in Korrvu® will be separated from the corrugated when processed at the recycling facility. The film itself will be discarded; the corrugated will be recycled. Korrvu® packaging is RESY-approved for recycling in Germany and complies with all national and international requirements for the disposal and recycling of packaging materials.
Most paper packaging can be recycled with corrugated containers or as mixed paper. Products that include a polyethylene film backing should have the plastic removed before recycling. Check your local recycling program for specific regulations. SEALED AIR® brand paper products are made of 100% recycled content, which is responsibly sourced and carries the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification. Additionally, the fiber is 100% renewable and all production scrap is reclaimed.
StealthWrap cartoning film in the box brown color can be recycled at any one of over 18,000 retail store drop-off locations nationwide. Find a recycling drop-off location near you.
For businesses with large amounts of StealthWrap film, it can also be returned to AmeriPak, Inc., 477 South Woods Drive, Fountain Inn, SC 29644.
Kraft paper mailers — without bubble — are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program for more details.
SEALED AIR® brand poly mailers — without bubble — and AUTOBAG® brand FloWrap™ polybags can be recycled at any one of over 18,000 retail store drop-off locations nationwide. Find a recycling drop-off location near you.
CRYOVAC® brand rigid polypropylene trays (resin identification code 5) and PET (resin identification code 1) may be recycled through most curbside recycling programs globally. Check with your local recycling program for more details. Please be aware that both the color of rigid trays and the resin type may also affect recycling.
Vendor Sustainability Information:
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Store Drop-Off Options
Plastic bags, wraps, and films can’t be recycled in your curbside recycling bins. But, you can take some of these items to local retail stores where they collect plastic grocery bags for recycling. Any package that you see with the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label can be recycled this way.
You can learn more here
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Paragon Films
Paragon participates in CDP reporting and is committed to developing a PCR stretch film.
Read more here.
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Berry Plastics
Berry, which includes the former AEP stretch film brand and Laddawn participates in ESG reporting.
Read more here.
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Ranpak
Ranpak has extensive ESG reports which also highlight its Ecovadis rating and impact on industrial packaging sustainability.
Read more here.
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Matthews Marking
Matthews highlights how their product directly impacts sustainability goals
Read more here.
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Sealed Air
Sealed Air provides an extensive sustainability report to the public and shareholders in addition to their extensive resources for recycling products.
Read more here.
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3M
3M’s global presence makes it a leader in ESG and sustainability reporting.
Read more here.
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BestPack
BestPack is ISO certified and focused on sustainable initiatives.
Read more here.
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Signode
Signode encompasses several of our leading brands and has completely the Crown Sustainability initiatives.
Read more here.
Plastic bags, wraps, and films can’t be recycled in your curbside recycling bins. But, you can take some of these items to local retail stores where they collect plastic grocery bags for recycling. Any package that you see with the How2Recycle Store Drop-off label can be recycled this way.
You can learn more here
Paragon participates in CDP reporting and is committed to developing a PCR stretch film.
Read more here.
Berry, which includes the former AEP stretch film brand and Laddawn participates in ESG reporting.
Read more here.
Ranpak has extensive ESG reports which also highlight its Ecovadis rating and impact on industrial packaging sustainability.
Read more here.
Matthews highlights how their product directly impacts sustainability goals
Read more here.
Sealed Air provides an extensive sustainability report to the public and shareholders in addition to their extensive resources for recycling products.
Read more here.
3M’s global presence makes it a leader in ESG and sustainability reporting.
Read more here.
BestPack is ISO certified and focused on sustainable initiatives.
Read more here.
Signode encompasses several of our leading brands and has completely the Crown Sustainability initiatives.
Read more here.
The ABCs to Sustainability
A – Analytics: Colony will help you make better decisions with data-driven insights for optimizing industrial packaging processes as they apply to labor savings, decreased material usage, increased material effectiveness, overall safety, and sustainability concerns.
B – Biodegradable: Colony can help distinguish industrial packaging materials that decompose naturally versus smoke and mirrored marketing so you get exactly what you think you are getting.
C – Circular Economy: A system aimed at eliminating waste through the continual use of resources.
D – Durability: Colony focuses on the ability of packaging to withstand the rigors of transport and storage to decrease or eliminate damage or returns. This process is naturally focused in sustainability, but with an added bonus of recognizing materials that are also physically sustainable can increase this effort two-fold.
E – Eco-friendly: Colony can work with you to recognize the best industrial packaging that does the least harm to the environment from raw material sourcing, labor considerations to the manufacturing process to the ability for the end user to recycle the material successfully curbside.
F – Footprint Reduction: Whether it be increased packaging equipment efficiencies for power savings or trategies to minimize environmental impact through decreased material usage, Colony has multiple avenues to explore an overall footprint reduction.
G – Green Certification: Colony can provide documentation regarding standards that verify sustainable practices in packaging from manufacturers when available.
H – Hazardous Materials Compliance: SDS/Tech data is always available from Colony’s vendor partners to ensure packaging meets safety regulations for hazardous substances.
I – Innovation: Colony is very focused on new technologies and materials for sustainable industrial packaging solutions and bringing those solutions to our customers for consideration.
J – JIT (Just-in-Time) Delivery: We reduce deliveries from our manufacturing partners and to our customers by offering a large stocking program and dedicated, scheduled runs to best decrease unnecessary fuel usage.
K – Kraft Paper: A key sustainable choice that has quite a lot of possibility through Ranpak’s extensive line of kraft paper converting equipment. Kraft paper is a great resource for blocking, bracing, cushioning, and void fill.
L – Lifecycle Assessment: Work with Colony to evaluate the environmental impact of packaging from creation to disposal. This includes raw material sourcing, the manufacturing process, deliverability, curb-side recyclability, and more.
M – Minimalism: Colony promotes using the least amount of materials necessary to achieve functionality while decreasing damage rates. Continued innovation within packaging materials makes this possible.
N – Natural Materials: Colony can help distinguish fact from fiction when it comes to sourcing packaging from organic, renewable resources.
O – Optimized Design: Colony offers a large knowledge base across industries to streamline packaging to reduce materials and waste.
P – Post-consumer Recycled Content: Utilizing materials that have been recycled after consumer use is a great way to get one-time-use materials out of the landfill and back into the supply chain – Paragon offers a patented PCR stretch film that meets these qualifications.
Q – Quality Assurance: Ensuring sustainable packaging meets high standards without compromising safety can be done through third-party evaluations, but the best route is through direct conversations with us at Colony and our specific vendor partners supplying your material – the information will be more accurate, complete and goal-oriented.
R – Reusable Industrial Packaging: Colony can connect you with designs that allow for multiple uses before disposal and also reusable closed-chain packaging containment solutions like pallet wraps, containers, and more.
S – Sourcing: Work with us to outline your ideal responsible procurement methods from sustainable sources, and we at Colony can help present options which get you there.
T – Transparency: Our team at Colony wants to work alongside you to reach clear communication about materials and processes used/required in your packaging.
U – Upcycling: We love a good repurposing of packaging materials for new uses and so do your customers.
V – Value Chain Optimization: Improving the efficiency of packaging processes throughout the supply chain.
W – Waste Reduction: Colony works with our customers on strategies aimed at minimizing packaging waste – in turn this should lead to decreased damage and faster outputs.
X – X-factor Sustainability: This can include unique sustainable features that differentiate products in the market – to help share that information with your customer base consider adding an interactive QR code to help elevate your message.
Y – Yield Improvement: A key factor Colony is focused on is enhancing the efficiency of material use in your industrial packaging.
Z – Zero Waste: A commitment to eliminating waste in packaging production and disposal.