Driving the Shift Towards Circular Economy & Sustainability in Packaging

In a recent interaction with Industry Outlook, Thimmaiah NP, CEO & MD, Manjushree Technopack, shared his views on how companies are tackling the challenges of developing fully circular packaging systems that minimize waste and enhance recycling, the role of bioplastics in circular packaging, and more.

How are companies tackling the challenges of developing fully circular packaging systems that minimize waste and enhance recycling, what role do bioplastics play in circular packaging, and how do they contribute to the circular economy and sustainability?

Plastic has long been lauded for its versatility in its packaging. However, its environmental impact specifically owing to single-use products has tarnished the reputation of the industry significantly. It is crucial for educating the public on distinguishing environmentally friendly practices from harmful products. Our company specializes in the rigid plastic packaging landscape exclusively and these are 100 per cent recyclable. We want to ensure that such type of packaging is recycled efficiently, which will help in minimizing its environmental footprint.

In this sector, we are dedicated to advancing the circular economy. Furthermore, government regulations on plastic waste management will be crucial to foster this circular model. Our aim is to collect the rigid plastic packaging that we manufacture and distribute and ensure that it is returned by the end consumers and recycled. We process post-consumer waste through several processes which include sorting, washing, grinding, granulating as well as repurposing it into new packaging and these processes are carried out in our own recycling facility. Our packaging material is recycled and reused within the same cycle and this practice exemplifies circularity.  

Also, we collaborate with Ganesha Ecosphere which is one of India’s largest PET manufacturers. The company handles various processes which include collection, cleaning, as well as the processing of post-consumer PET bottles and these are being incorporated into our rigid plastic packaging.  Adoption rates are still lagging despite these efforts and our organization is equipped fully to make use of recycled materials in our products, which in turn helps in promoting circularity.

With over 80-85 per cent of PET being recycled & 40-50 per cent of other substrates, India is leading in the recycling of rigid plastic. However, it is still imperative for all the stakeholders such as regulators, brands, manufacturers as well as the entire supply chain to prevent promoting non-recyclable plastics & materials.

Could you provide insights into government policies that promote the circular economy, and explain how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) guidelines enhance sustainable packaging?

Unfortunately, the shift towards environmentally friendly products is often slow and one of the main reasons is that humans are generally resistant to change and this is true when better alternatives come at a higher cost. Governments & regulatory authorities play a major role in environmental protection by setting up mandates. As responsible manufacturers we should follow these mandates including the collection of 100 per cent of the materials we manufacture.

New plastic waste management regulations will need the utilization of recycled materials and the government has started taking significant and effective steps in this direction. Although single-use plastics are banned in some of the places, these products are still manufactured, used and discarded in some other places. Hence, such practices should be stopped and governments should enforce these regulations for preventing the ongoing environment pollution.

Can you share your insights on where you envision the industry heading in the next five years?

We utilize a wide range of materials including paper as well as various forms of plastic in the packaging industry. The plastic segment comprises rigid plastic packaging, glass packaging, metal containers as well as single-use plastic and more.

Our extensive studies & analyses have showed that rigid plastic packaging stands out as one of the most versatile & recyclable raw materials. Its adaptability allows it to be utilized in several applications, making it easier to manufacture & transport.

Rigid plastic packaging provides significant merits over materials owing to its versatility & high recyclability and this makes it an excellent substrate for numerous packaging requirements. Our focus on the recycling process is important to its sustainability. Other than the primary materials, no other new substrates are emerging which indicate the growing demand for plastic packaging.

Also, owing to the convenience many are moving from metal as well as glass to plastic. Large-scale adoption will need extensive tree & pulp resources, which would result in excessive water consumption & environmental strain, although some believe that compostable plastics are beneficial.

Hence, we should develop sustainable substrate materials which consider the broader environmental impact. We have a responsibility for ensuring that 100 per cent of the plastic we manufacture is recyclable, while the sector is poised for significant growth.