Sustainable Packaging and Recycling: Reflecting on 2024 and looking ahead in 2025

2024 was a remarkable year for the global dialogue on sustainability. As the Videojet Sustainable Packaging Solutions Manager, I’ve been deeply immersed in researching and addressing the challenges our customers encounter while pursuing their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. My focus is on guiding them with the support of Videojet coding and marking solutions.

Throughout 2024, I had the pleasure of attending a number of packaging conferences, including the Packaging Recycling Summit in Anaheim, California. Sponsored by Packaging World and in its second year, this event stands out above the rest and is quickly becoming an essential stop in the packaging conference cycle.

During the three-day summit, leaders from influential companies, like Google, and waste management giants, like Rumpke, shared their strategies for improving the recyclability of packaging. We witnessed first-hand the impressive capabilities of Oscar Sort, an AI-powered recycling assistant. Oscar Sort helps educate the consumer on what pieces of packaging material should be put into which bin. It helps enhance recycling accuracy by 61%, according to the developer, Intuitive AI.

Key themes at the Packaging Recycling Summit:

1. Enhanced data management due to growing regulations
   The summit highlighted the growth of regulations, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws that have been passed in five U.S. states, with a dozen more states on a watch list for this year. These regulations demand a massive amount of data from the packaging value chain to ensure compliance. According to Matthew Wright, CEO of Specright, 80% of consumers are more likely to trust companies that back claims with publicly shared data. Wright also stated that investing in data management is the best way to ensure integrity and transparency of substantiated claims with consumers.
2. Innovation is crucial for success
   Innovation was the beacon of hope at the summit, with Colgate-Palmolive’s transition to an HDPE toothpaste tube with an ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) barrier meeting the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) certification for recyclability and setting a new standard for recyclability. By early 2024, 90% of U.S. toothpaste tubes were composed of recyclable HDPE, according to plastictuberecycling.org, Similarly, PAC Machinery’s initiative to “future proof” their products highlighted the pressing need for machinery that can adapt to more sustainable packaging materials.
3. Together is the only way forward
   The summit’s panel discussions reinforced the idea that collaboration is the bedrock of progress. Machinery companies and brands must work hand in hand to navigate the shift towards mono-materials designed to enhance recyclability, and other sustainable packaging solutions. The engagement with material recovery facilities (MRFs) is particularly crucial in ensuring that the end-of-life stage for packaging materials is as recyclable as possible, especially in the states with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation.

Reflecting on 2024, it was a year filled with invaluable learning experiences and significant progress in sustainable packaging and recycling. By engaging with customers and having insightful discussions with industry peers, I have gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our field. 

Charging ahead in 2025

Manufacturers who are looking for more ways to implement sustainable materials and processes will have an array of educational events to choose from in 2025. I am looking forward to attending another Packaging Recycling Summit and Sustainable Packaging Summit, as well as the Sustainable Packaging Coalition Impact and more.

For Videojet, I will be keeping an eye on:

1. Further adoption of EPR legislation, both state-side and abroad.
2. Scannable codes on product packaging to educate consumers about product recyclability and green claims.
3. Enhanced collaboration throughout the industry to create a more circular economy for packaging.

I am eager to apply new learnings and continue driving innovation and collaboration within the industry. Stay tuned for more insights and solutions moving us forward together!

Melissa Bosnyak is a leading advocate in the sustainable packaging community. In her role at Videojet, she oversees programs dedicated to providing Sustainable Packaging Solutions for the company’s customers. With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of sustainability and a commitment to innovation, Melissa works to help ensure that Videojet offerings not only support customers’ compliance with current regulations but are also paving the way for alignment with future standards. Her expertise and proactive approach help to empower Videojet customers to meet their environmental goals effectively.