Aha! SIMPLE FACTS Food must be packaged safely by law. But this still generates huge amounts of waste too often, even with recyclable packaging made from recycled raw materials such as cardboard, albeit less. Why this is the case and why our cardboard packaging is 100% recyclable thanks to Cradle to Cradle, with no waste at all.
Packaging is part of our everyday lives. Who hasn't experienced it? After buying a product, you're left with the annoying feeling that you've bought almost more packaging waste than the actual product. In no time, trash cans and recycling boxes fill up with plastic, metal, glass or cardboard.
Packaging and the waste that comes with it could often be avoided or at least reduced. Often, its main purpose is to provide a clear presentation that distinguishes the product from others and encourages you to buy it.
In the food industry, however, strict legal rules and regulations apply, and the focus is on safety - that of the food and therefore also that of your health. The packaging therefore primarily fulfils a protective and hygienic function. ( see box at the end of the article )
But - and we are very committed to this - the environment and nature must also be protected in the area of packaging. The materials used (in accordance with food law) are now increasingly recyclable or are made from recycled raw materials. What sounds good usually just means "less harmful to the environment". Even in the classic recycling process, waste and environmental pollution are still generated. Let's look at this using the example of cardboard packaging.
Classic recycling or "as little environmental damage as possible"
Paper and cardboard are made from the raw materials wood and cellulose respectively. Recycled waste paper and cardboard are becoming increasingly important in production. The problem is that the material to be recycled is printed or glued. And so up to 30% of the materials remain as non-recyclable slag - often toxic. This waste ends up in landfills or in incineration plants. Is recycling good? Yes. But is it good enough? Unfortunately not.
The example above is a good example of how sustainability has been defined so far: its goal can be roughly described as "having as little environmental impact as possible". That's not good enough for us, which is why we are focusing on a revolutionary, new and complete approach.
Ecology at 100%: From Origin to Origin
Our cardboard packaging is Cradle to Cradle® certified (C2C) and is an essential part of our Zero waste concept . C2C as a holistic approach - inspired by nature - can be described as the supreme discipline of ecological circular economy and means from cradle to cradle or, more appropriately, from origin to origin.
All production and recycling processes and all resources are chosen in such a way that no harmful waste or damage is created in the first place, but rather everything fits 100% into the biological (or technical) cycle. It is therefore not another attempt to produce in the least environmentally harmful way possible, but rather the goal is an endless cycle with no loss of value and thus a resource-saving, energy-neutral and even socially fair production. ( See also: One standard & five criteria of Cradle to Cradle )
Swiss pioneer from Emmental as partner
For our cardboard packaging, we have a Swiss pioneer for sustainability, Vögeli AG, as our partner. As the world's first printing company, the family business from Emmental has been producing with Cradle to Cradle Certified™ GOLD status and follows the five central criteria the seal of quality.
Food Packaging: Rules and Regulations
The Law specifies packaging and focuses on food safety. Foodstuffs must be protected from harmful environmental influences such as moisture, light or air in order to prevent the contents from changing, becoming dirty or even spoiling. Ultimately, the food should last as long as possible without any changes in flavor, loss of vitamins or contamination.
Furthermore, there is a legal obligation to label and provide information on food ( Food Act, LMG SR 817.0 ). Information such as origin, ingredients, shelf life and nutrients must be shared with consumers and therefore printed on the packaging, for example.
And the food packaging itself – which is classified as food contact materials in the law ( LGV SR 817.02 ) – must not release harmful substances into the contents and consequently into the human body. Which materials and objects may come into contact with food is also regulated and subject to strict requirements (see Consumer Goods Ordinance SR 817.023.21 ).