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Client : Metro

In market : 2020

Objectives of the initiative

Aligned with our Packaging and Printed Materials Management Policy, the goal of ecodesign initiative for our plastic container product line was to reduce the quantity and type of raw materials used. The previous packaging included a cardboard and a plastic film component. The initiative allowed us to eliminate one of the components that had no essential function, without compromising the integrity of the product.

Challenges

Removing the plastic film that maintained both the cardboard and containers in place meant that we had to rethink the design and the dieline of the cardboard so that it would combine all requirements.

In order to avoid an increase in the mass of the component, some sections of the cardboard were removed and redistributed to form a sleeve. Adjustments were also made on the printing machine for the new cardboard’s format.

The plastic film played an important part regarding product hygiene. Removing it meant that we had to add an indication on the sleeve (“Wash before using”) to compensate for the missing barrier.

Benefits

By completely eliminating a plastic component, impacts from its production and transportation are avoided, which reduces GHG emissions by approximately 4%. Additionally, as the packaging only has a single component, it is more likely to be recovered and recycled.

Optimization actions taken

Eliminating the plastic component reduces the product/packaging ratio by 4 to 7% for the various products in the container line.

Reduced number of components, facilitating recovery and recyclability

  • An “Optimized packaging” indication was added on the front of the cardboard sleeve.
  • Another indication, “Plastic wrapper has been removed” was added on the rear face.
  • A pictogram was added to indicate the proper sorting instructions, i.e. to place the cardboard sleeve in the recycling bin.

After optimization

3% Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

4% Reduction of the production/mass ratio

4% Reduction of the quantity of materials used