Close the Loop for Sustainable Packaging

Can packaging make or break a product? It’s a resounding yes for today’s CPG industry. The urgent shift toward a circular economy means packaging increasingly needs to be created from sustainably sourced materials that can have a useful end of life.

This demand for sustainable packaging is no longer only coming from legislators and environmentalists, but from consumers as well. Eco-conscious consumers now dominate key CPG markets around the globe. Voting with their wallets, they show a clear preference for product packaging that can be reused, recycled or broken down efficiently.

Sustainability in today’s context goes beyond recyclable packaging. When thinking about sustainable packaging, manufacturers must fulfill the needs of today in a way that doesn’t risk forgoing the needs of tomorrow.

The impetus for manufacturers is clear. But where do they begin?

In this crowded CPG space, packaging manufacturers that understand and cater to sustainability-minded consumers have a clear competitive advantage. By introducing sustainable packaging, they reduce the product’s overall carbon footprint. In turn, consumers make the purchase as the packaging harmonizes with their lifestyle.

However, packaging workflows have not changed for a long time. Most manufacturers still struggle with siloed departments, costly processes and a heavy carbon footprint that makes their operations and, hence, products, unsustainable.

Adding to the challenge is the complex packaging ecosystem, which includes materials suppliers, converters, printers, co-packers and retailers. Efficient collaboration is tough and working with different stakeholders across different geographies often leads to numerous iteration loops. This further stretches the timeline of getting packaging designs to market.

For more sustainable operations that support a circular economy, manufacturers need to start by scrutinizing their current business model. To identify opportunities for efficiency gains, they must first identify gaps in their current workflow.

Instead of a linear process, manufacturers should rely on a flexible, data-driven approach in their packaging development and value network. This allows them to continuously improve how their packaging is designed, how the products are transported and what is possible for the post-consumption experience.

With the right approach, sustainable packaging doesn’t need to be a struggle for manufacturers. It’s possible for them to address efficiency gaps, maximize resource usage and connect all value contributors. All it takes to close the loop is an integrated digital platform designed for sustainability-focused manufacturers.

With the 3DEXPERIENCE® platform, manufacturers can better participate in and enable the circular economy. The platform represents a sustainable packaging solution with a host of virtual capabilities for end-to-end efficiency of their operations.

The platform supports sustainable packaging development, in which manufacturers can use 3D modeling and simulation to innovate swiftly. They are also able to lower their carbon footprint through optimized logistics routes and inventory management.

On the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it’s easier for manufacturers to align with their sustainability goals. They are able to respect the environment, deliver designs consumers will love, reduce timelines that waste valuable resources, and lower costs and materials significantly.