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CO₂ emissions

CO₂ emissions

CO₂, also called carbon dioxide, is a gas that occurs naturally in our atmosphere. It is released when fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal are burned. This burning happens every day, in factories, in transport and even in some packaging production processes. The more CO₂ we emit, the stronger the greenhouse effect and the warmer the planet becomes. Cutting CO₂ emissions is therefore key in the fight against global warming.

Reducing CO₂ emissions packaging with lightweight mono-materials

What is the impact of plastics and packaging?

Your choice of material can have a big effect on emissions. Choosing a mono-material instead of a traditional plastic can improve recyclability, which makes the product more sustainable for the planet. The right material choice can help reduce emissions across the whole chain. Lorries need to drive less, so emissions go down. Factories need to produce less plastic, so emissions fall. Consumers can choose more sustainable packs. In this way, you and your company can help move towards a world with lower CO₂ emissions.

Sustainable packaging lowering CO₂ emissions and transport costs

Smart packaging choices minimize CO₂ emissions packaging impact

How can we reduce emissions together?

We kunnen samen veel doen. Producenten kunnen kiezen voor efficiëntere productieprocessen, lichtere materialen en slimme ontwerpen die minder grondstoffen vergen. Consumenten kunnen bewuster kiezen: bijvoorbeeld door verpakkingen te selecteren die recyclebaar zijn of die zijn gemaakt van hernieuwbare bronnen.

Ook het hergebruik van verpakkingen speelt een rol. Denk aan hersluitbare zakken die langer meegaan of aan verpakkingen die geschikt zijn voor compostering onder de juiste omstandigheden. Elke stap richting een duurzamere verpakking telt mee.

What does this mean for your choice?

Your choice of packaging material directly influences your product’s CO₂ emissions. By choosing a lighter, recyclable or reusable pack, you help cut emissions without sacrificing quality or functionality. More and more brands are taking action here, because it not only benefits the environment, it also meets growing customer expectations.

In short, a conscious packaging choice is a powerful step towards a more sustainable future. For your brand, your customers and the planet.

Looking for a quick answer? Check out these FAQs!

CO₂ emissions

How does the material choice of your stand up pouch affect the CO2 footprint?

Lightweight mono materials like mono PE or mono PP can lower your CO2 footprint. You use less raw material per pouch, need less energy in production, and you can transport more pouches per box or pallet. Package to fit your product with thinner films, this reduces grams per unit and emissions per shipment. Where possible, choose mono material and a smaller size. That saves across the whole chain, from raw material to end of life.

Is a lighter stand up pouch always better for the environment?

Usually yes, as long as product protection and shelf life stay strong so you prevent waste. Do not make the pouch so light that it tears or loses barrier performance. Test the thinnest workable film for your doypack, Flat Bottom or side gusset pouch.

How does recycling reduce the CO2 emissions of stand up pouches?

Good collection and high quality recycling reduce the demand for virgin raw materials and save energy in production, which lowers CO2 emissions. With clear sorting instructions and mono material pouches, you increase the chance of real reuse. Dispose of packaging empty, clean and dry for best results.

Which measures can I take right away?

Choose a smaller size and thinner film. Fill more compactly so there is less empty space. Where possible, use mono material such as PE or PP and avoid unnecessary coatings and metallic layers. Limit ink use, keep colours simple and add clear sorting instructions. Standardise components like zipper and valve within the same material family. Test the lowest workable film thickness for your doypack, flat bottom or side gusset bag, and request samples to check sealing and barrier performance.

Do stand up pouches reduce transport emissions, and how?

Yes. Stand up pouches are light and compact, so more fit per box and per pallet. You need fewer shipments, which reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions per delivery.

Want to know more or have questions? Contact us - we'll be glad to help!