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Cardboard packaging product for vegetables

Client : Cascades

In market : 2019

The objectives of the initiative

The idea to develop a cardboard packaging product for vegetables stems from a desire to maximize the packaging's end-of-life. When it comes to packaging, more and more consumers wonder about the items' life cycle and make choices that are aligned with their own values. With this in mind, Cascades has chosen to develop a product whose end-of-life will be optimized in order to meet the market's needs.

Challenges

For Cascades, this has been and remains a big challenge. In spite of their solid expertise in food packaging, developing a cardboard-based product for this market is not part of their offer.
First, they needed to find the right cardboard and thickness in order for the product to withstand humidity and not lose its strength when refrigerated. This last criterion, which seems simple, entailed several months of research.

Moreover, they needed to determine the correct coating from water-based processes. The new water-based functional barriers have been developed to replace plastic applications, which increase the complexity of recycling. They also offer a replacement solution for wax.

The performance of materials considered for the development of this product has been confirmed through detailed analysis carried out at Cascades' Research Centre.

Afterwards, as recyclability is a priority criterion for the project, the product went through a validation process by sorting centres in order to provide clients with verifiable results.

Finally, internal challenges remain. Costs related to the production of this new product are considerable, and operational optimization has not been achieved. However, as it remains convinced of the added value of this product, Cascades is determined to overcome these challenges and pursues its commitment to developing eco-friendly packaging.

Benefits

Today, we can say that this cardboard product has an exemplary end-of-life. The development of this product required cooperation between the various internal teams in order to leverage a considerable body of experience. This internal collaborative project, therefore, may be considered as an example of one of Cascades' core values: teamwork. Moreover, the production of this product has provided support for the activities of an underused plant. In closing, this product will enable Cascades to maintain its position as leader in eco-responsible food packaging.

Actions of Optimization performed

In order to reduce the environmental impact of our packaging, the cardboard we use is made of 100% FSC certified recyclable materials.

The packaging for this product is made entirely of recycled materials, offering a second life to fiber in the form of food packaging.

Its size is optimized to avoid excessive use of materials and protect the food product in order to respect its life span and reduce food waste.

Thanks to a sustainable development program, the energy that goes into the production of packaging is optimized. Moreover, much of the de-inking sludge is reused in agricultural fields.

This product addresses the preoccupations of many consumers with respect to the end-of-life of packaging.

  • Selecting recyclable materials
  • Adequately materials identify
  • Intranet
  • Internal newsletter
  • Employee meeting

Strategy developed at the internal level

Development was carried out in partnership with certain clients to validate the proposal's relevance.

  • Including the recycled content on the packaging (e.g. Plastic bag made from 30% postconsumer recycled material)
  • Including certifications or other environmental specifications (e.g. FSC mixed, PEFC, etc.)
  • Including end-of-life management options
  • Embossing on the package serves to inform consumers.
  • Communicating on the product (environmental certifications or statements)
  • Communicating on the corporate website
  • Via the visibility that contests provide

See also

Cases studies
Ecodesign: An accessible and necessary approach