Sustainable Packaging Solutions for the Modern Business

C.L. Smith is committed to providing customers with sustainable packaging solutions to support businesses seeking greener operations using eco-friendly materials and recycling initiatives.

Sustainable Solutions for the Packing Lifecycle

There are a variety of ways that C.L. Smith provides sustainable packaging solutions throughout the packaging lifestyle and should be considered when evaluating which packaging is the best fit for a company.

Material reduction offers a more sustainable packaging solution.  Gram weight reduction in plastics, also known as lightweighting, involves designing packaging materials that are lighter in weight while maintaining the same level of strength and durability.  With corrugation, cartons can be reconfigured to a lighter board grade to achieve similar results.  The reduction of materials often provides cost savings in packaging as well as in shipping and handling costs. 

Returnable bulk packaging (pallets, racks, gaylord boxes) can support a closed loop system to move products from one location to another or between vendors where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.  Reshippers, packaging for your packaging, can be used and reused to transport and protect products moving from one location to another.

Using recyclable materials in packaging can increase brand awareness among customers as well as reduce the amount of waste in landfills and lower the energy used to produce new packaging products.

Post-Consumer Recycled Material is the reuse of certain types of plastic (PET, PP, and HDPE) in new packaging.  The plastic is broken down, melted, and reconstructed to a new resin material to be added to new packaging.

SKU reductions are another consideration to packaging sustainability.  Consolidation of packaging products to minimize inventory can also have an impact on sustainability by reducing the amount of packaging material used and needed on hand.  The packaging experts at C.L. Smith are available to provide their expertise in auditing existing packaging materials used by a company to identify areas of consolidation to reduce the packaging variants needed to contain and transport products.

 

Sustainable Packaging Products

In addition to evaluating the packaging lifecycle there are several sustainable packaging solutions available to reduce the carbon footprint of an organization, depending upon the product being contained.

Flexible packaging is any package or part of packaging whose shape can readily be changed when filled during use.  This style of packaging requires less energy to manufacture and transport with up to 99% reduction in packaging weight, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel usage. They are customizable to include handle applications, pour spouts, fitments and shapes.

Fiber bottles consist of an exterior molded fiber shell with an inner liner.  This solution uses up to 70% less plastic than plastic bottles, is fully recyclable and brings a stand out design to consumers.  The exterior fiber shells can be stacked when empty allowing for transportation savings and greenhouse gas reduction.

Hybrid paint cans are constructed of polypropylene bodies with metal rings and plugs.  The plastic bodies are resistant to rust and dents and are designed to be interchangeable with metal paint cans.  They are constructed from 90% post-industrial recycled resin and can have ears for bail handles with full lithography.  These are ideal for latex paints, colorants, and other water-based products.

Fully plastic paint cans are manufactured from a proprietary, mold-injected polymer resin.  With a triple lock seal, they snap on and off quickly for unlimited reseal ability.  They will not leak, rust or dent and feature a plastic handle that is strong and comfortable.  Made from 100% recycled polypropylene and are 100% recyclable.

Meta Pail & Flexipail produce 72% & 80% less waste respectively than rigid pails.  They require less storage and freight space than traditional plastic buckets.

PCR closures feature a blend of recycled resins in the production of tube, disk, snap tops and fingertip sprayers.  These cost-effective caps are great for the beauty and home care markets.

 

Reconditioning Services

Bulk packaging offers unique opportunities for reuse and reduces the amount of packaging that goes into landfills and promotes resource conservation by reusing existing materials rather than recycling them.  As a part of Novvia Group, C.L. Smith has the opportunity to work with their sister companies to extend this service to their customers.  Southern Container, a Novvia Group Company, is a full service reconditioner of IBC Totes.  Rahway Steel Drum, a Novvia Group Company, provides reconditioning and repair services specifically for steel drums.

 

Learn more about the process (reconditioning video)

Your Partner in Packaging

Your partner in packaging matters.  At C.L. Smith we are dedicated to ensuring that your packaging meets your sustainability goals.  With a myriad of manufacturing partners, we have access to the innovative and sustainable packaging that is right for your product.  Contact us today to learn more about the value we can bring to your business.