Along the sustainability ladder: LDPE wins over Kraft
When choosing packaging materials for cold chain refrigerant, many customers face the challenge of combining sustainability and functionality. In this comparison, we focus on LDPE film and KRAFT film, examining the appearance of sustainability and placing the materials along the sustainability ladder.
LDPE is easily recyclable
LDPE is a widely used material in the packaging industry because of its flexibility, transparency and low cost. An important aspect of sustainability is the material’s recyclability. LDPE film is relatively easy to recycle through the usual plastic waste streams, making it seem like an environmentally friendly choice. Coolpacks Sales Lead Bart Kroes emphasizes that recycling LDPE film is more efficient than it seems based on the sustainable image of KRAFT film.
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In practice, it has been observed that the KRAFT gel pack often ends up in residual waste after use, which calls into question the sustainability of the material. Therefore, he recommends the use of LDPE film as a more practical and sustainable option.
KRAFT has the appearance of sustainability
KRAFT, with its natural and robust appearance, attracts many customers who strive for sustainable packaging. However, as Bart Kroes points out, appearances can be deceptive. The KRAFT gel pack, despite its eco-friendly appearance, turns out to be less sustainable in practice than it appears at first glance. One critical issue is the lack of efficient options for recycling KRAFT film.
Because the material consists of several layers, it cannot be easily disposed of after use. In the Netherlands, a conscious decision was made to dispose of paper and plastic in separate waste streams. The material’s multiple layers of paper and plastic must be separated to go along with the separate waste streams. As a result, the whole often ends up in the residual waste, which has a negative impact on the environment.
Along the sustainability ladder
When placing LDPE and KRAFT on the sustainability ladder, it becomes clear that the apparent sustainability of KRAFT is not always effective in practice. LDPE film, because of its easy recyclability, scores higher on the sustainability ladder. Avoiding waste and promoting recycling are essential aspects of a sustainable cold chain. In addition, the life cycle of the packaging plays a role. While LDPE film can be efficiently recycled and reused, KRAFT often lags behind in terms of
reusability and long-term sustainability. When pursuing sustainability in the cold chain, it is crucial to look beyond the superficial characteristics of materials and opt for options that actually contribute to a circular and environmentally friendly approach. LDPE film clearly comes out on top when both films are put along the sustainability ladder. “This is why, when asked for a sustainable solution, we always recommend LDPE film,” explains Bart Kroes. “For us, the importance of a greener future outweighs the appearance of sustainability.”
Sustainability Coolpack and CSR
At Coolpack, we are aware of our responsibility to contribute to society. Both in terms of sustainability and society as a social body.
We weigh the interests of the customer, the environment and society, as well as ourselves as an organization, in all business decisions. In this way, we achieve balanced business operations and together ensure an ever better world.
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