24/11/2025
Circular economy closes the loop between start and end of life, meaning that a product or material is derived from existing materials, and can be made into something else when its purpose has been served. The idea is that the end of life plan for the material has also been considered, planned, and is waste avoidant. While this idea may sound evangelical, it is a world we are all working towards and one that customers are also demanding.
The Guardian reported in 2019 that the UK generated almost 11 billion items of food packaging waste, from lunches on the go alone. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs shared that In 2023, approximately 2.3 million metric tons of packaging waste was thrown away, with just over half of it being recycled. But what is stopping consumers and businesses from recycling? Is it a lack of convenience, or is it a materials issue?
The food industry is shifting away from linear packaging models. Not only are they outdated and creating more waste than we can cope with, but there is a dawning and a realisation, too. With the race to Net Zero, emissions seemingly on the up, and bigger demands from the supply chain to do better, the industry has to change or be changed.
Let’s dive into the way we have done things and why we need that change.
Single-use packaging waste is one of the biggest issues facing the industry. Items wrapped in layers of plastic or protective wrapping that serves one purpose and one purpose only.
We want food and products to arrive in saleable condition, as they were intended, but historically that has come with a high bill in the form of waste and surplus materials. Another consideration in this is the rising costs of such materials and such protection, alongside the environmental impact and the climate guilt that runs alongside it.
Thankfully, there are other options emerging, such as utilising packaging rental and pooling solutions that make the packaging and protection of food goods a much more sustainable industry.
Another option is looking at models like Returnable Transit Packaging. This affords businesses and brands the luxury of protection and stability while in transit, but without the high levels of waste and single-use plastic. Solutions like food-grade plastic crates and collapsible pallet boxes from PPS are both great examples of how the industry can move to a more curricular and sustainable model. Some of the many benefits include reduced waste, lower costs, improved hygiene, and longevity in the packaging with repair services and pooling options, too.
Businesses that choose to adopt these models and practices will not only be ahead of the curve, but well-versed in these ways of working when the time comes for no alternative. We are already seeking these practices out, and it is only a matter of time before they become the norm and not the exception, by which time the businesses who chose to adopt early, will be scaling and growing with circular support.
If you would like to explore circular and sustainable packaging options then please get in touch with a member of the PPS team to see how we can help.
