Call to ‘rightweight’ and not ‘lightweight’ packaging
The European packaging industry must ‘rightweight’ and must not compromise on quality design for lighter packaging, according to Linpac Packaging
Speaking ahead of a conference on multilayer films in Germany next month, Linpac Packaging business manager Erwan Cadoret said that while intense retailing competition, changing social demographics and the environmental agenda are key drivers for the industry, they must not stifle innovation nor lead to the development of products which fail on functionality and are not fit-for-purpose.
He added: “In today’s market, packaging manufacturers and suppliers are under extreme pressure to produce products which tick all the boxes in terms of cost, weight, quality, efficiency and performance.
“It is essential that we respond to our customers and adapt the way we operate to meet those demands, yet it is fundamental that we do not compromise on efficiency and quality in doing so as the consequences of that are more far reaching.”
He argued that lightweighting was happening across the industry. And that the phrase ‘rightweighting’ – doing more with less material – should replace lightweighting as a phrase.
Cadoret added: “At Linpac Packaging, through significant investment, creative design and advanced engineering skills, we are now manufacturing fit-for-purpose products which are significantly lighter than previous designs.
“Innovation has enabled us to reduce the overall weight of our trays and gauge of films, in turn minimising their carbon footprint, while maintaining all the performance and functionality – i.e. that they effectively protect, preserve and present food well – of heavier, virgin materials.”
Cadoret will speak at the Multilayer Packaging Films 2012 conference in Cologne, Germany, next month.
