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Sustainability FAQs

Why is sustainability important?
Your sustainability strategy comprises a holistic, triple-bottom-line approach that considers the environment, society and profit in the development and implementation of business strategy. As you consider your corporate brand, think not only about your products and how they’re packaged, but also about how prospective and current employees view your organization. What type of message are you sending about your employee culture, corporate values, environmental policies and community commitments? Job applicants are considering your sustainability strategy as they consider who will be their employer of choice. Consumers and potential shareholders are increasingly considering corporate environmental policies and social responsibility as well.
What are renewable resources?
To meet the criteria for sustainability, packaging must be responsibly supplied from renewable sources. For example, to qualify as sustainable, the wood that will become paper-based packaging would be sourced from forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).  This is a non-profit organization that provides a third-party certification service to the paper industry to “promote management of the world’s forests.” It ensures that your paper is coming from sustainably harvested forests, meaning that it comes from a renewable source. In other words, trees are planted to replace those used.  According to the FSC website, “plantations must contribute to reduce the pressures on and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests.”   How does it do this?  The Forest Stewardship Council has developed a Chain of Custody process—effectively, an inventory management system that enables you to trace your paper stock back to the tree from which it was harvested, thereby ensuring it came from a a renewable resource—a sustainably managed forest.
How do companies switch from plastics to sustainable packaging?
Since packaging spans all product categories and plays a critical role in the global economy, sustainable packaging has become an urgent topic with businesses and organizations devoted to sustainable practices. PKG Packaging is a good place to start. We support our customers who are looking to reduce CO2 emissions, reduce waste and move to environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Change starts with planning, including finding responsible sources, evaluating performance and cost and exploring renewable energy.
What is sustainable packaging?
Sustainable packaging involves looking at the entire supply chain. Packaging must be sourced in a responsible way, using renewable resources and conserving energy.  The design of the package must be effective and safe. Sustainability is not just about the environment: packages must meet the market criteria for performance and cost. Finally, at the end of its lifecycle, a sustainable package must be recyclable, or biodegradable.
What is an example of a packaging solution that meets the criteria for sustainability?
PaperFoam® material is a cost-effective, attractive, and sustainable solution to traditional packaging. Made from 100 percent natural materials, including starch, water, natural fiber and premix, it requires approximately ten times less energy to manufacture than corrugated board (cardboard). PaperFoam is also lightweight, dust free and anti-static. At the end of its useful life, PaperFoam is completely biodegradable and compostable.
What factors go in to a Life Cycle Assessment?
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) strives to compare the environmental effects of a product. It involves a cradle-to-grave analysis of production systems. The “cradle” refers to the source of the product, and the “grave,” the end of life. LCA takes into account input and output factors, including energy, waste, and recyclability.
Why work with PKG Packaging?
PKG Packaging offers complete solutions for cost-effective sustainable packaging, from the initial package concept and design to manufacturing, warehousing and distribution. PKG Packaging has a history of solid and long-standing relationships with numerous strategic and innovative manufacturing partners. PKG Packaging works with suppliers and customers to meet the challenges of getting more impact for product brands with less impact on the bottom line and the environment.