Article published by Daniel Brunton at Brunton Business Publications Ltd.

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is set to be one of the most far-reaching and influential of these regulations, while a host of similar regional and global initiatives aimed at curbing environmental waste and promoting sustainable practices are also set to come into force. This includes the UK’s phased rollout of extended producer responsibility (EPR) reforms and the French government’s ban on single-use plastic packaging for many fresh produce products.

For packaging manufacturers and brands, the challenge lies in adapting to these changes while maintaining product quality and consumer experience. And, as press manufacturers, our role at Edale is to support printers and converters with the technology they need to meet these evolving demands from their brand owner customers.

The Regulatory Push to Reduce Plastic Use
The ultimate aim of these regulations is to drastically reduce the amount of plastic packaging waste produced by all industries by 2030. In many cases, as with PPWR, the regulations look to phase in even tighter targets in the years following 2030.

Governments around the world are calling for businesses to either ‘design out’ unnecessary packaging with a minimalist approach to design, or to adopt more recyclable materials such as fibre-based alternatives, to meet these stringent environmental targets. For many businesses, this means rethinking their packaging strategies and making significant operational adjustments to comply with these new mandates.

However, moving away from plastic is not without its challenges. Plastic has long been the go-to material for many industries due to its durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Many plastics offer high barrier and food safety attributes, which means produce packers and growers are particularly reliant on them. As a result, many businesses are grappling with how to replace it while maintaining the same levels of product protection, brand presentation, and operational efficiency.

At Edale, we are not just witnessing this transformation; we are enabling and helping to facilitate it with innovations like the FL5 Single-Pass Carton Production Line. Our advanced printing technologies and expertise are designed to help printers and converters navigate this evolving landscape through the seamless integration of technology. In particular, our solutions focus on facilitating the efficient production of fibre-based packaging alternatives that brands are increasingly demanding.

Transitioning to Fibre-Based Packaging with Edale’s Support
Recognising the importance of a smooth transition, our team is dedicated to supporting printers and converters as they help their brand customers make the shift from plastic to fibre-based packaging. We understand that this journey involves more than just swapping materials; it requires adapting to new production processes, rethinking packaging designs, and ensuring that the sustainability goals of brands align with regulatory requirements.

Our experts provide comprehensive support to printers and converters, focusing on process optimisation and enabling them to turn their customers’ packaging innovations into production realities. With our deep understanding of both packaging technology and regulatory demands, we help manufacturers future-proof their operations in a way that remains cost-effective and efficient.

At the heart of Edale’s support for sustainable packaging production is our FL5 Carton Press solution, which offers an innovative and efficient system for printers and converters looking to produce fibre-based packaging quickly, effectively, and with agility. This advanced press system is designed to handle a variety of substrates, including recyclable and compostable materials, giving printers and converters flexibility in meeting brands’ circular economy goals.

This versatility helps make the shift to fibre-based packaging production seamless by combining high-quality printing, exceptional flexibility, and reduced waste. Its ability to deliver consistent high-definition print on paper and carton board ensures that brands can maintain their visual appeal and marketability, even as they adopt more sustainable packaging. The single-pass carton production process enables more complex or highly embellished packaging to be produced efficiently, supporting businesses in their sustainability goals while reducing operational costs.

Of course, sustainability is about more than just switching to more sustainable materials—it’s also about reducing waste throughout the packaging production process. The FL5 Single-Pass Carton Production Line is equipped with smart features that automate printing, reduce setup times, and minimise material waste. These capabilities are critical as printers and converters strive to meet brand and regulatory demands for reducing excess and non-essential packaging.

By optimising production processes and eliminating unnecessary waste, printers and converters can not only help brands comply with regulations but also reduce costs associated with materials and production inefficiencies. In this way, Edale technology enables the efficient production of more complex fibre-based packaging, supporting profitability while advancing sustainability goals.

Balancing Sustainability with Consumer Expectations
With the FL5 Single-Pass Carton Production Line, printers and converters can create packaging that not only meets environmental standards but also maintains the high-quality graphics and designs that consumers expect. While the shift to fibre-based packaging is essential for regulatory compliance, it’s also critical to consider these consumer expectations. Today’s sustainability-conscious consumers might increasingly demand sustainable packaging, but they still expect it to be visually appealing, functional, and convenient. Fibre-based packaging solutions, especially those printed with advanced flexographic technology, can deliver on these expectations, particularly when combined with a wide range of eye-catching luxe embellishments such as foiling and tactile effects.

The press’s capability to print on both large and small-scale runs ensures that packaging remains both cost-effective and aligned with brand aesthetics.

These are the kind of challenges printers and converters will be expected to overcome on the road to 2030, and doing so will require close collaboration across the entire packaging value chain. Edale is committed to fostering partnerships throughout the supply chain, whether that’s our printing customers, their material suppliers, or otherwise. By working together, we can ensure that our customers are well-equipped to meet future regulatory changes while continuing to innovate in terms of design, material use, and production efficiency.

Our ongoing investment in research and development ensures that our customers always have access to the latest advancements in packaging technology. This enables printers and converters to future-proof their operations and stay ahead of the competition in an increasingly sustainability-driven marketplace.

The packaging industry is at a crossroads. As we sit midway through the 2020s, 2030 is looming large as a significant deadline for reducing plastic use and adopting sustainable packaging solutions. We recognise that many of our customers have built successful businesses around plastic packaging production and will continue to; and that wherever our print customers journey to, we’ll be there to support them. The FL5 Carton Press Technology, combined with our expert consultative support, offers a clear pathway for printers and converters that are transitioning away from plastic to meet these new market demands without sacrificing quality, efficiency, or profitability.

By enabling this shift from plastic to fibre-based packaging production, we can help our customers position themselves to meet evolving brand and regulatory requirements.

The road ahead may be complex, but through collaboration, we can support more efficient and sustainable packaging production. At Edale, we are committed to providing our customers with the technology and support needed to navigate this changing landscape with confidence.

To explore further details on Edale’s portfolio of machinery solutions, visit www.edale.com.