Recently, our team attended SPC Impact in New Orleans. We wanted to share some highly impactful information we took away from this great event with you.

Sustainable packaging is quickly grabbing the attention of millions around the world. At Group O, we believe sustainable packaging can benefit not only the environment, but people’s lives and the future, for the better. 

The Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) is a membership-based collaborative that believes in the power of industry to make packaging more sustainable. In a 2024 report, the SPC focuses on the new path sustainable packaging is going down.

The report lists 5 key trends the SPC hopes “don’t stay trends for long,” but are quickly becoming mainstream.

5 Foreword Innovation Trends 

1.      The “Paperization” of Everything

a.      Formats that were once plastic-only, are now increasingly becoming available in 100% fiber-based alternatives demonstrating a significant step in reducing our reliance on plastic. 

2.      Ocean-Based Feedstocks Redefine Biobased Packaging

a.      Seaweed and other ocean-derived materials are naturally occurring, making them easily accessible without depletion. Ocean-based feedstocks offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics. 

3.      Machine Learning’s Mission: Getting Recyclable Materials to Their Next Home

a.      Machine learning combined with sortation robots are resulting in cleaner, higher-value recyclable materials, while also aiding in screening out non-recyclable materials. 

4.      Analog + Digital = The Best of Both Worlds for Recyclability Labeling

a.      Analog – on-pack recyclability labeling.

b.      Digital – QR codes offering recyclability instructions for their unique locations.

c.      For the best of both worlds, leveraging both on product packaging maximizes the effectiveness of recycling initiatives and encourages more sustainable behavior. 

5.      Pilots Are Out, A City-Scale Approach to Reuse Is In

a.      By prioritizing reuse, cities can reduce waste, conserve resources, and create more sustainable and resilient communities.

Sustainable Packaging at Group O

Group O is proud to provide packaging offerings that help our clients meet their sustainability goals. PCR materials are just one of those offerings. You can see Group O's PCR packaging product offerings to the right. What does PCR stand for and what does it mean? Let’s break it down. 

PCR, or Post Consumer Recycled Materials, refers to the process of collecting, sorting, and recycling materials that have already been used by consumers. Using PCR materials in manufacturing helps reduce the demand for new resources, conserves energy, and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. 

PIR, or Post Industrial Recycled Materials, is another commonly used term in the packaging industry. PIR refers to materials that are recycled before they reach consumers, like excess materials or defective products. Both PCR and PIR are measures used to sustain resources by improving material circularity and sustainability. 

At Group O, we are committed to helping businesses navigate the complex decision-making process to help meet your personal sustainability goals. 

Understanding the unique properties and characteristics of different recycled materials is key to making an informed decision and Group O’s dedicated team has your back! 

To review your packaging equipment and materials contact the Group O Packaging team at (866) 476-8761.

To learn more about SPC, Click Here!