Welcome to our blog in which we dive into the world of eco-friendly pouches and explore the importance of sustainable packaging solutions. In today's fast-paced and environmentally conscious business climate, the demand for eco-friendly alternatives is on the rise. Consumers and businesses alike are looking for packaging options that minimise their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future. Join us as we uncover the benefits, challenges, and innovations surrounding eco-friendly pouches, and discover how they can make a positive impact on our planet.
Companies that claim their pouches are biodegradable are not being entirely honest. In many cases, these pouches contain additives that make plastic materials degrade quickly, known as oxo-degradable. However, the process of biodegrading plastics in this manner often poses a significant risk to the environment which is why they have been banned in many countries. For a product to be genuinely biodegradable, it should be able to break down naturally without causing harm to the surrounding ecosystem. At SPS Pouches, we prioritise environmental sustainability and transparency with our customers and we strongly advise them to be cautious when encountering claims of 'biodegradable pouches' unless there is sufficient and credible information supporting such claims. We believe that responsible eco packaging should adhere to good science to minimise its environmental impact and instead of relying on vague or misleading terms like "biodegradable", we at SPS Pouches provide our customers with up to date advice on sustainability so you can make the right decision for your brand. By choosing us as your supplier you can rest assured that our team strives to adopt the most sustainable practices available for your product and encourage our customers to join us in our mission to protect the planet. Together, we can make a difference by making informed choices and support the circular economy.
Many compostable pouches are made from a bioplastic known as PLA and we are also encountering claims of "plastic-free pouches", which despite sounding eco friendly, bioplastics are still actually plastic. Although we accept PLA has good uses and may be suitable for some products, it is known to have poor barrier qualities making it unsuitable for many applications. Additionally PLA cannot be easily recycled and requires specific conditions at an industrial facility to start composting, meaning it can't simply be thrown on your compost heap at home. In the UK, there is a lack of infrastructure for collecting compostable pouches, making it an impractical solution for many businesses and it's simply unrealistic for a pouch to degrade quickly at home while enduring the atmospheric conditions of diverse supply chains over extended periods (especially considering some products may sit on shelves for six months or longer). While it's important to be cautious, it doesn't mean there aren't valid applications for compostable packaging as we transition towards a circular economy. One notable example is in closed-loop environments like festivals or hospitality events, where compostable pouches could perform well amongst other compostable products. In these settings, all compostable pouches and products as well as food waste can be collected at the end of the event and sent to an industrial compost facility together. We strongly advise our customers to consider that the primary purpose of packaging is to protect your products, therefore selecting packaging with reliable barrier properties and longevity is crucial. For a more in depth discussion around compostable packaging in general, check out this blog post from our Sustainability Lead.
We offer free expert advice and support for anyone who needs product packaging, and we’d love to hear about your project and help find the right pouch for you.
When businesses claim to offer eco-friendly stand up pouches, it's important to scrutinise the materials used. While paper packaging may initially appear sustainable, the truth is that many of these pouches still contain a layer of plastic film to ensure product protection and they are not 'plastic-free' as some companies are claiming. The combination of paper and plastic presents a challenge for recyclers as paper and plastic materials have different recycling processes. When they are mixed, it becomes considerably more difficult to separate and recycle them effectively - making recycling easier actually adds value to recyclers which means packaging is more likely to be recycled. When it comes to Kraft pouches, although these pouches are inherently more sustainable than many other forms of packaging, they may give off the impression of being a more environmentally friendly choice that perhaps they should due to their natural look and feel. Numerous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies have revealed surprising findings, contrary to popular belief, consistently demonstrating that plastics, even when not recycled, often have a lower carbon footprint and are more environmentally friendly than paper. LCA studies consider the entire life cycle of a product, including its production, transportation, usage, and end of life. When evaluating the environmental impact of packaging materials, factors such as energy consumption, water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste generation are also considered and although plastics are widely criticised for their use of fossil fuels, their light-weight feature actually leads to a net negative fossil fuel impact. While it's also true that the improper disposal of plastic can be harmful to the environment, it's equally important to consider the bigger picture that plastics often offer superior protection for products, leading to reduced food waste and energy consumption throughout the supply chain. Additionally, advancements in recycling technologies and the increased availability of recycling facilities and kerbside collections further enhance the sustainability of stand up pouches and we are slowly moving our customers away from Kraft pouches and towards mono-material pouches as material technology improves. By understanding the complexities surrounding the various sustainable packaging options, you can make informed decisions and contribute to a more sustainable future.
At SPS Pouches, our commitment to environmental sustainability is unwavering and we have set a clear goal to ensure that all our pouches are either recyclable or reusable by 2025. We want to encourage the proper disposal and recycling of our pouches, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. As things currently stand, our stand up pouches, spout pouches and other eco friendly pouches can be taken to large supermarkets for recycling and we are actively involved in pushing for more kerbside recycling in the UK, whilst fully supporting the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) measures to fund this infrastructure growth. EPR is a policy approach that shifts the responsibility for funding new recycling infrastructure from consumers to producers and bespoke pouch suppliers like us. By aligning ourselves with EPR, we contribute to the development of an infrastructure that will enable the convenient and widespread collection of flexible packaging, helping to increase recycling rates and reduce the environmental impact of our pouch packaging. As we look to the future, we are continuously exploring innovative packaging solutions that prioritise recyclability and reusability for your products. Through research and development, we aim to stay at the forefront of sustainable packaging trends and technologies, ensuring that our pouches not only meet but exceed environmental standards. At SPS Pouches, our commitment to a greener future goes beyond words. We are taking tangible steps to make a positive impact on the environment, and we invite our customers to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a more sustainable and responsible packaging ecosystem for generations to come.
We prioritise environmental sustainability and are dedicated to minimising our carbon footprint. All of our pouches will be to be either recyclable or reusable by 2025 and we fully support the circular economy approach to sustainability. Pouches are inherently resource efficient and lightweight, making them the ideal alternative to boxes, tin cans and glass jars.
We use high-grade plastic materials in the manufacturing of our pouches, ensuring durability, strength, and product protection. Our pouches are designed to withstand various supply chain conditions to protect of your products from spoilage.
SPS Pouches offers a wide range of customisations to keep your brand unique. You can alter the dimensions, thickness, materials, shape, feature positioning and even the printing method. We work closely with our clients to create pouches that align with their branding and product specifications.
With years of experience in the packaging industry, we have gained comprehensive knowledge and expertise to ensure that we supply you with highest quality pouches in the market. Our sustainable packaging specialists understand the needs of different sectors and can provide tailored solutions to meet specific requirements whether you are sports nutrition brand or pet food brand.
We leverage cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to ensure precision, efficiency, and consistency in our pouch production. Our facilities and processes enable us to deliver high quality pouches at scale and we constantly look for innovations in plastic materials so your brand can stay up to date with the most eco-friendly packaging solutions.
We believe in building strong relationships with our clients and treat your packaging as if it is our own. From the initial consultation to post-purchase support, our dedicated sustainable packaging specialists are committed to providing exceptional customer service and we will always give an honest opinion of what is possible. We collaborate closely with our clients to understand their needs and deliver solutions that exceed their expectations time and time again.
We adhere to stringent quality standards and industry regulations. Our pouches meet all necessary food compliance requirements and are manufactured in BRC accredited facilities to give you peace of mind when it comes to product integrity and consumer safety.
While we prioritise quality, service and sustainability, we also endeavour to offer competitive pricing. We understand the importance of cost-efficiency in today's market and work diligently to provide value for our customers. Our aim is to build long term business partnerships with our customers so we will support you wherever possible, and we are always happy to have an open conversation.
SPS Pouches are constantly exploring new materials, technologies, and design trends to stay at the forefront of packaging innovation. By embracing the latest advancements in recyclability we can offer our clients the most up to date and forward thinking solutions such as our new high barrier mono-material pouches.
SPS Pouches has earned a strong reputation in the industry for our integrity, reliability, and commitment to customer satisfaction. We have built partnerships with businesses across various sectors, establishing ourselves as a trusted, knowledgable and preferred pouch supplier in a wide range of industries.
When you choose SPS Pouches, you can expect sustainable packaging solutions, exceptional quality, endless customisation options, industry expertise, reliable support, and competitive pricing. We are dedicated to helping you achieve your packaging goals while reducing your environmental impact. Partner with us to unlock the full potential of your products through our reliable and innovative pouches. Check out our sustainability pledge, get in touch and join us on our sustainability journey...
If you have any enquiries concerning our pouch packaging, or would simply like to get in touch with our team, you can use the contact form or details below.
