A Sustainable Commitment

Dedicated to Printing a Greener Future

Baltic, CT

Watertown, CT

Helping You Keep Your Products and Our Earth Green

Responsible Production

Prioritizing suppliers with environmental guarantees to mitigate the use of untested raw materials, and employing Electron-Beam and Water-Based inks to help reduce ambient exposure to harmful VOCs within production facilities.

Recycling Support

Helping you reduce waste by offering packaging solutions compatible with curbside pickup and in-store drop-off programs, and providing materials made with post-consumer resins (PCRs) to enhance your recycling initiatives every step of the way.

Compostable Materials

Assisting you in reaching your composting objectives with packaging options made from materials suitable for both industrial and home composting, enabling you to minimize environmental impact through natural decomposition.

Energy Efficiency

Enhancing energy efficiency by utilizing Class 1 renewables, EnergyStar-rated motors and drives, and generating electricity at the headquarters with two PureCell® System Model 400 fuel cells.

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Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Rollstock, Tea-Tags and Stand-Up Pouches

We evaluate your specific requirements and help you choose the ideal packaging solution based on the following factors:

Budget Constraints
Performance and Quality Standards
Material Availability and Supply Chain Reliability
Compliance with Direct Food Contact Approvals
Integration with Existing Processing Equipment
Alignment with Major Retailers’ Goals and Requirements
Marketing Claims and Regulatory Adherence
Consumer Appeal, Branding Opportunities, and UPC Integration
Environmental Impact on Carbon Footprint and Fossil Fuel Usage
Incorporation of Post-Consumer Resins (PCRs) for Recycled Content

Frequently Asked Questions:

What sustainability claims are permissible on packaging?

Navigating sustainability claims on packaging is intricate due to diverse standards and regulations across countries, states, counties, and municipalities. Some claims demand validation through testing by third-party organizations before products can be launched commercially. Key certifying entities include:

Industrial Compostability: Certification by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).

Home Compostability: Adherence to international standards set by TÜV Austria.

Recyclability: Assessment by How2Recycle, which reviews final package specifications to confirm recyclability in most recycling facilities.

Do inks and design elements affect recyclability?

Absolutely. The type of inks used and the extent of ink coverage on packaging can significantly influence its recyclability. Generally, using less ink makes it easier to recycle the packaging material. Heavy ink coverage can complicate the recycling process by making it more challenging to separate the ink from the substrate, potentially reducing the quality and value of the recycled material. As recycling becomes more widespread, the amount and type of ink applied will play a larger role in determining both the recyclability and economic value of packaging materials.

Who are the certifying bodies, and what role do they play?

Certifying organizations like the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) are crucial in advancing the plastics recycling industry. APR publishes comprehensive design guidelines aimed at enhancing recyclability, which can be found on their website.

Is a compostable solution right for my package?

Compostable materials are indeed an option, but several factors need consideration. It’s essential to determine what claims can be made for a specific package, assess the supply chain availability of such materials, and evaluate whether industrial composting infrastructure exists in the target region. Without proper facilities, compostable packaging may not degrade as intended, so understanding regional capabilities is key.

What are post-consumer resins (PCRs), and how can they enhance my packaging sustainability?

Post-consumer resins (PCRs) are recycled plastic materials recovered from products that have completed their life cycle and would otherwise become waste. By incorporating PCRs into your packaging, you introduce recycled content, reducing the need for virgin plastics and supporting a circular economy. This not only lowers environmental impact but also aligns your brand with sustainable practices that resonate with eco-conscious consumers.

Can my flexible packaging be made more sustainably?

Yes. Flexible packaging can be made more sustainable by incorporating post-consumer resins (PCRs) into the materials. Using PCRs introduces recycled content into your packaging, reducing the demand for virgin plastics and supporting the recycling industry. Additionally, designing packaging that’s precisely sized and engineered with the optimal film thickness for its application can eliminate significant amounts of plastic, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits without compromising package integrity. These efforts highlight just a few steps that can be taken on the path toward more sustainable flexible packaging structures if recyclable or compostable structures do not appear to be the correct approach for your product or vision at this time.

What advancements are expected in sustainable packaging by 2030?

By 2030, the packaging landscape is expected to undergo significant transformation towards sustainability. There’s a clear trend of current rigid packaging shifting towards flexible packaging solutions. Flexible packaging uses less material and offers efficiencies in transportation and storage, reducing the overall environmental footprint.

Simultaneously, existing flexible packaging is evolving. The industry is moving away from complex, multi-material, non-sustainable structures that are difficult to recycle. Instead, there’s a strong push towards mono-material, recyclable structures. Using a single type of material simplifies the recycling process, making it easier to reclaim and repurpose packaging after use.

Additionally, there’s an increasing emphasis on the production of packaging from responsibly sourced paper. This not only supports sustainable forestry practices but also enhances recyclability on the paper side. Paper-based materials are widely accepted in recycling programs and can be recycled multiple times, further reducing environmental impact.

These shifts represent a concerted effort to reduce waste, improve recyclability, and promote the use of renewable resources. By embracing these changes, companies can contribute to a circular economy where materials are continuously reused, aligning with global sustainability goals and consumer expectations.

Still Have Questions?