Why does packaging also have to be ‘veg’ - a case study by Inna Bajka

Meat and dairy consumption, especially if these raw products come from industrial farming, causes great harm not only for the animals themselves (which suffer the most), but also for the environment and, as a consequence, for us, humans. The research results show that about 1/3 of the world's water consumption results from animal production¹. And yet the same amount of calories can be obtained from cereals, at almost 20 times lower consumption costs. It is estimated that around 4 billion people worldwide² suffer from deficiencies in the basic life-giving product, namely water.

When confronted with these data, the decision to become vegan or vegetarian does not seem like a craze or a fad, but it is rational and fully justified. Today, more and more is being said about the huge role consumers play in shaping the market and the production chain; and manufacturers are experiencing increasing pressure to provide more planet-friendly solutions.

This, in turn, affects not only the food industry, but also the packaging sector. Does it make sense at all that a product is free from ingredients of animal origin if its packaging will remain in the environment for hundreds of years?

Then the effect is only partial, and yet there’s more to being ‘veg’ than just appearances. It is a lifestyle that takes a holistic view of the environment and the processes influencing it.

That is why, in addition to choosing plant-based products, ‘green’ consumers are shaping a range of vegan products: from food to packaging, to cosmetics, to eco-friendly textiles. Key concepts? # Compostability, # closed circuit, #reduction of carbon footprint. So everything that fully corresponds to the idea behind SILBO.

Compostable packaging as an opportunity for the planet

It is worth remembering that ordinary plastic can decompose in the natural environment for up to 400 years. And yet, there is already an excess of it in forests and oceans. What's more, it is not only the material from which an ordinary disposable bottle is made that is harmful, but also all additives used in the production process. For instance, harmful chemicals in the form of glue and inks, which can penetrate into the soil.

Luckily, these days some brands are striving to reduce environmental damage. When it comes to the packaging industry, this is still not a popular approach, but undoubtedly, every initiative of this type contributes to something good.

In SILBO, we implement the assumptions of environmental concern, and our portfolio is dominated by biodegradable packaging, made of various types of natural and synthetic blends, in such variants of components as:

• PE film and mesh,
• PP film and mesh,
• paper and cellulose film.

Such packaging, unlike the packaging made from non-recyclable plastic, is subjected to decomposition. For this to occur, however, specific conditions are needed, including optimal oxygen content, temperature around 70 degrees Celsius and the contribution of soil microorganisms. Thus, such products have considerable potential, but also present a great challenge for entities dealing with material recovery.

SILBO packaging, aside from being biodegradable, is dyed using water-based inks, free from harmful chemical compounds. This is a huge step in considering ecological production methods.

Compostable packaging, which is marked with a characteristic green sign with the word ‘compostable’ on it, decomposes more easily than biodegradable packaging. It is created from natural raw materials, which are ‘returned’ to the soil and revert to their original form there without leaving any trace behind..

Importantly, this process does not require special parameters, because everything takes place in ordinary weather conditions. Thus, compostable packaging is the optimal solution for our planet. Unfortunately, their production depends on the technological and financial capabilities of a given enterprise.

A different consumer tale

Our collaboration with Inna Bajka (Different Tale/Story) is a perfect example of pro-ecological synergy. On the one hand, we have compostable packaging that does not harm the planet and fits into its natural rhythm, and on the other hand - a food product that does not contain animal-based ingredients and is a healthy, wholesome option for the enthusiasts of simple veg solutions.

The result of joint activities is a product called 'Torba borba', a bag made of bio paper, with an imprint made using environmentally friendly water-based paints. This product:

• is 100% compostable (it totally breaks down into fertiliser),
• can be thrown into a BIO waste bin (most often it is a brown bin),
• looks very neat and draws attention,
• is ideal for food packaging, including unprocessed and healthy food.

This sort of bag is comfortable to use, neat, and - most importantly - it decomposes in 90% in just six months. Its eco-friendly composition makes the packaging safe for the environment and thus contributes to the maintenance of a closed circuit.

The collaboration between SILBO and Inna Bajka is a perfect combination of an approach based on the idea of ​​circular and veg economy, which currently is the most hopeful and promising course of action.

¹ https://blog.viva.org.pl/2016/03/08/przemysl-miesny-zuzywa-13-zasobow-wody-pitnej-na-swiecie/

² http://www.takepart.com/article/2016/02/18/4-billion-people-face-water-scarcity/