Celebrating Sustainability: 2023 Achievements And Future Focus

E-Commerce mailer bags made from BillerudKorsnäs’ Xpression E-com paper have 50 percent lower fossil emissions than virgin plastic mailer bags and using this leads to the removal of biogenic carbon from the atmosphere. This is proven by a new independent study that compares the environmental impact of different types of e-commerce packaging. The global E-commerce market was already growing faster than other traditional channels prior to Covid-19, but the pandemic has boosted the move from brick and mortar stores to online purchasing. This transition is driving demand for packaging and increasing the stress on the planet from packaging waste. Retailers are currently stocking up for the Black Friday purchasing frenzy, the one-day event that has long been considered the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. E-commerce mailer bags made of Xpression E-com paper is one opportunity to meet the customer’s increasing demand for sustainability and will reduce the environmental impact of this surge in shopping. “ BillerudKorsnäs’ mission to challenge conventional packaging for a sustainable future clearly sets out why we exist how we view our role in society. Xpression E-com is a classic example of how we think outside the box when fighting climate change and reducing plastic waste”, says Malin Ljung Eiborn, Director of Sustainability at BillerudKorsnäs.

Pregis is launching Phantom Mask, a new temporary protective surface film as part of the Pregis PolyMask™ solutions portfolio, that has been engineered to eliminate costly and labor-intensive adhesive transfer problems on plastic sheets, parts and products. The product will be available from the Pregis PolyMask business unit across North America, Europe and other geographic markets. High clarity Phantom Mask protective film is ideal for appliances (hot tubs, shower enclosures), medical products (face shields, PPE), foodservice (sneeze guards, partitions), signage, construction materials, automotive, recreational products and more. Unlike traditional protective film structures, which apply the adhesive via a coating process, Phantom Mask uses a proprietary process that integrates the adhesive into the polyethylene-based coextrusion. The end result is a highly-engineered, heat-resistant material which doesn’t leave adhesive behind when it is removed. The material mitigates ghosting, making it a true workhorse in the protective film category.

During the summer, most of the leading shippers announced their annual peak season surcharges and retailers were already braced for expected increases. However, it was recently discussed in an earnings call that FedEx and UPS are additionally increasing their general delivery rates by an average 6.9 percent. New rates will go into effect December 27 for UPS, and on January 3, 2023, for FedEx. Further, USPS also announced a general rate increase which will go into effect on January 22, 2023. Heading into the new year, these news reports might give some operations teams pause; however, it is important to remember that the right packaging strategy is one of the best ways to mitigate the overall impact an increase in shipping charges may have on the bottom line. Most brands can find savings when auditing their existing packaging procedures, especially when working with a provider that is constantly innovating to create value for customers. Are you using the most effective packaging material? Could you free up space or use less material?